Arrogance is like ice cream because it comes in at least 31 flavors and can get really really messy if you aren't careful.
Here's an example which, unfortunately, has its roots in truth as I type this entry.
Let's say you have two phones, one in your office and your mobile. And let's further say that you'd like to only have one voice mail system to have to deal with.
There are, of course, a zillion ways to deal with this. You can get fancy with a universal follow-me number that the calling public knows or you can go simple. Your cell phone, when the call is unanswered, goes to your office system. So, lots of solutions to help, right? Right.
Well, here's one solution that if you have or were thinking about doing, you might want to think again.
A CEO just finished me this story. He is raising capital and a certain VC says, yeah sure, give me a call and we'll set up a meeting. The CEO is then zipping down the highway later in the day. He places a call to the VC's cell phone. It rings 3 times and then a voice message pops up:
"This is Joe Blowski. I don't accept messages here. Call my office at 555-1212 if you really think you have to leave a message." <click>
The CEO then goes into a rant about driving, not having a way to capture the number, and on and on. The smug attitude on the call, what a guy, and on and on. The CEO was so mad, he wanted to call the cell on the spot, in my conference room, so I could hear just what a tube steak this person really is.
This voice mail message and process did strike me as a bit odd. I can't think of many businesses where you wouldn't want to give your customer a way to talk with you or, at a minimum, have an easy way for you to leave a message.
Keep in mind I don't know the VC in question and didn't actually hear the message (I declined) so I can only report the outcome not the intent.
I'll have rocky road, double scoop.
