When people stop to talk to you while surveying ...

Psuedo

Could I have a few dozen of your business cards?

> "Do you have a business card"

The simplest solution I've found is not to give out business cards to anyone who asks for one. You just check your wallet or wherever you carry them and say, "Oh, darn, it looks like I'm out at the moment. Say, I'm in the phone book though. The name is Ranger, Pseudo Ranger."

Much like Kent, but I would warn you, my best client to this date was driving a mini-van that was all beat up and loaded with tools and trash, when he asked me for a card.
Come to find out he has nearly 1000 acres of land in five states and has been very good to me.

> Come to find out he has nearly 1000 acres of land in five states and has been very good to me.

So, he owns 990 acres in Texas and 20 half-acre mobile home lots in LA, AR, OK, and MI?

nah, more like 200-300 each in LA, OK, MO & KS, but his trailer park is in Austin, TX.

> nah, more like 200-300 each in LA, OK, MO & KS

Sounds as if he has maybe one lot somewhere in Texas, then, just to brag about owning land here. I mean, anyone can own land in LA and those other places. Hell, I'll bet that these days they're just giving a good bit of that stuff away to anyone who promises to occasionally pay taxes on it, right?

You'd probably be surprised at the number of people that prefer green grass lawns and abundant trees over "rock garden" lawns, dust and tumbleweeds.

On the other hand, I get calls from generous people offering to let my students survey their property for free so that they could get some "real-world experience." After I inform them that such is against the law and "Would they like the name of a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor in your area?" Interest seems to diminish.

I have gotten a grand total of one client from someone stopping to ask for my business card.

I haven't given out a huge number of cards but most of the time I never hear from them again. Most people seem to think a Survey should be less than a visit by the washing machine repairman.

> You'd probably be surprised at the number of people that prefer green grass lawns and abundant trees

Not to mention the kudzu, eh? Once it gets established on the dead cars, I'll bet they look like topiary features. :>

Took one of these types all over a job one day. He was trespassing I suppose as I was working in the middle of my clients property. I listened to what he had to say, told him I was busy and I had to get going. He wouldn't quit following me! It was kinda like when a dog befriends you for a day, except I like the company of a good dog.

He was wearing shorts and I thought he would quit his pursuit after we hit the waist high grass. NOPE. Kept coming and still gabbing. I then took him down through the woods and back up into the field again. Then I turned around and headed right back down into the woods.

Finally lost him.

I'm working for my client, and people think they can come and talk to me as they wish at their convience and waste my day and my clients money. I'm an approachable fellow, but at some point you have to do what you have to do.

I should have sent him a bill, I know plenty attorneys that would. 😉

My last job. I mean very last job.

It was about two hours away. Set it up the night before. Meet at noon at property. Clients last words, "Look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

Terrible description but client knows location of some of the stone corners called for.

No way I was going to find them on my own, no distances, no terrain features called out. Well I might have given enough time, can't sell myself short. I am a pretty good surveyor. 😉

Get there, he and his son live on the property. Nobody home at either residence. I go find a few corners that did have calls to them from adjoiner descriptions while I wait on them. Get back to the truck and sit. An hour later, he still isn't home. I left.

I got this job on reputation alone. I told him I don't usually go that far and especially that county. I gave him an outrageous price and he said he wanted me to do it anyway. Then he doesn't show up.

It's over two hours just to the courthouse. One entire day shot there. Then another 5.5 hours shot because he didn't show up. Plus all the office hours drawing up the deeds and tracing it back to land grants. Thanks to Library of Virginia they are online.

If I did that to a client I would be fired.

I'm done surveying.

I've always handed out cards and so have my employees. Quite a few good jobs over the years.

And I always give 2 cards telling them to keep one and give one to a friend.

Cards are the least expensive advertising you can do!

I hand out cards too.

I probably should have gone with something more simple like white on black lettering.

However, I can't seem to do that.

I have a picturesque full color landscape on the front and one on the back.

And I crammed as much wording as possible on it.

I also have business card magnets. I go through quite a few magnets. People like them. I'll drop one in with the paperwork too.

Rick

Katrina washed away all the dead cars.

On about 75% of the jobs I have done in rural areas it seems that one of the people watching us survey claims to have worked surveying in the past.

Also, I get nervous when surveying on the highway rights of way when people stop their vehicles and want to talk. I have come to the conclusion that is very dangerous.

I hand out cards all the time; I leave them in door jambs of neighbors and the clients house if no one is home. I don't know how many have produced projects but I know that at least they know one surveyors name if it ever comes up!

Tell em, you frum ta gubment