It is not as important to them as it is to you
One of my first initiatives since I stopped working, was to make an appointment with the chairperson of the local chamber of business.
One of the avenues I consider is to buy a small business. I gained valuable experience in managing different races, sexes and religions in the editorial team at my previous job and I think I can repeat those successes in another business. I was also quite successful in streamlining the production process and in the five years that I was the editor, we never once missed a deadline due to our inability to produce on time. I also had some success in motivating and empowering people as you can see here.
It can have some benefit if one speak to the people who have their ears to the ground and who can advise you on what is going on, on the local business scene.
I was at the chairperson’s office twenty minutes earlier than the agreed time. I am usually early. I was told that he was delayed in another town but that the new manager of the chamber of business would meet with me.
We had a nice talk although she could not give me much information due to her only taking over the job recently. I explained to her that I was prepared to put up a certain amount as leverage finance to buy a business. I am not convinced that she knew what I was talking about as she kept on using the amount I quoted as a possible purchase price. (To me, leverage finance means an amount that one put up to be able to generate further finance, a deposit, if you like).
She undertook to enquire with the chamber’s members as to the availability of a business and as she did not yet have business cards, she took my email address and promised to send me her information.
It is now a week to the day and I am still waiting for her information.
Also had an appointment with an old colleague (who is not at the company anymore) at her request and was at the agreed venue 15 minutes early. Seven minutes before we were scheduled to meet, I received an sms to say she would be there in 30 minutes. I could not sit and wait another 30 minutes and suggested that she let me know when she would be available.
It appears that people think because you are out of a job, your time is of no value. Better get used to that!