As in everything, communication can be the key or the sledgehammer in an office move. You might say, “Duh, where’d you park your squad car, Dick Tracy?!” I think we all know that to have a smooth commercial move, the client and the vendor need to be communicating with each other so that everyone is aware of what is expected. But, even more importantly, there needs to be this same high level of communication within the client and within the office mover. Many office moving projects have been doomed from the very beginning because the person within the client who is juggling the quote process has not been fully informed by the person pulling the purse strings of what they expect.
Case in point, I went on a needs analysis and site survey for a commercial project moving a short distance. I met with a young lady to discuss the things she wanted us to do and formulate a price and a plan. We walked the entire facility and began to formulate a process that would work for her. She had thought everything out and was very clear on what the staff was going to do(which was quite a bit) and what she wanted us to do(which was also quite a bit). As we approached the two areas that belonged to the gentleman in charge of finances, she said, “You will have to talk to him about these two rooms.” As she said this, she was dialing his cell and handed me the phone. He and I discussed the same things as I discussed with her. The only difference being he wanted to do absolutely nothing and be packed and moved “without lifting a finger.” PERFECT! However, he was also planning on his staff doing absolutely nothing! So as I am discussing with him what he wants my mind is racing trying to figure out how to tell them they need to communicate with each other without alienating myself as a viable office mover and service provider. As he and I hung up, I arrived at crunch time. I had to effectively communicate to her that they needed to have a conversation before I could provide an accurate pricing solution. In my best Frazier Crane demeanor we discussed our conversation and the conversation I had with Daddy Warbucks. It was very uncomfortable getting started, but I knew this conversation was crucial and needed to happen now or the move was going to be a disaster. She was frustrated, but appreciated my honesty. We decided a menu type proposal was best and he could decide which way to go. If she was able to do the things she wanted to do, they would realize a nice savings. If not, there would be no surprises during or after the move when the bill comes in.
In the end, we went in expecting to fully pack and move the entire office. Of course, she accomplished quite a bit on her own ahead of time. We were still properly staffed, without being overstaffed, and able to complete the move on time and under budget. This would not have been possible without a friendly nudge toward critical communication. Most importantly, the client received a smooth painless office move and walked away happy and impressed with All American Relocation, Inc.
The Commercial Relocation Network (CRN) is a premier group of office movers from around the country that work together to service our clients. As a member of the CRN, stories and experiences like this are what we share with each other as well as best practices. This enables us to help each other provide top quality office moving for our clients and us e the knowledge of others to get office moves done more efficiently and for a better value. Look for a member of CRN near you for next office move!
David Rushing
Division Vice President
All American Relocation, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
Member of the Commercial Relocation Network