"Hi there, my name is Potential Client. We met at your trick on December 5th, remember?"

"I do, yes. How are you?"

"I am fine thank you."

"How can I help you?"

"Well, I am wondering what I have to do to get you go block a date for me even though I am not ready to comit to it, yet."

"Well, what month are you talking about?"

"Well not until July."

"What day in July? Are you talking weekend or week day?"

"The 9th - a Saturday. Is that a problem?"

"July is popular this year. All of my other weekends are booked and more calls are coming in. But I can hold the day until we sit down and talk. I assume you want to do that, right?"

"Well, I will know more after the weekend."

"Well, if we could pick a time now to sit down, I could pencil the date."

"Well, see, the thing is, My Daughter's friend is having a reception this weekend and using the new XYZ Catering Company. Have you heard of them?"

"I have heard tidbits about them, yes."

"Well, gosh this is akward. My Daughter knows you are fabulous - everyone raved about the Trick on December 5th. But she would like to see how good XYZ is and if they are good she might want to use them."

"Ok so just so I am clear, you want me to hold a date until you check out the competition to see if you like them better? And if you don't, then you will use me as your Plan B, kind of like if you can't get a date to the prom - you call your best friend to be your Fallback date?"

"Well, I mean, don't take it personal. I should have never told you, I guess. But My Daughter just wants to see how they are and then..."

"Oh that's totally fine. I encourage you to check out other options. I have always encouraged people to see what is out there. But I can't hold the date based on you not knowing who you will like better."

"You can't?"

*sligh chuckle* "No. I can't turn down a Client who wants to use me based on your indecision. It's nothing personal, business is business."

"Well what if we don't like XYZ and we really want to use you?"

"Well call me on Monday and if the July date is still open by the time we sit down, I am sure we will be able to work something out."

"And what if you get a call between now and then wanting that date?"

"Then I will book that date."

"Well then I guess that's how it is, then."

"Don't worry. I am sure it will all work out fine - I hear XYZ does a great job."