[Phone rings]
Ann: “Cutting Edge, this is Ann.”
Customer: “I have this real high-end project, and I’m gonna pick up some contractors for this deal.”
Ann (wonders if Phillip Marlow got his start this way): “Wow. Sounds fancy!”
Customer: “Darn tootin’! And if this job works out for this customer, I expect there will be many more.”
Ann (browses for trench coat on the internet): “So you really don’t want anything to mess this up for you.”
Customer: “See, these contractors came highly recommended.”
Ann (decides on the beige trenchcoat): “If you cut corners, you will go in circles.’”
Customer: “What?!?.”
Ann: “Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel.’”
Customer (mutters): “Oh boy. She’s wound up.”
As you may know, I’m a fan of few things better than a good recommendation. I encourage my clients to get and contact (or have us contact) those references.
Do I ever suggest you hire an employee or engage a contractor based solely on a reference?
Never. It’s a piece of the picture, a tool, if you will.
Criminal checks are base. If you are hiring, as this client is, for a “high-end” project, you need to go further—whether it be with employees or contractors.
Independently verify those contractors’ degrees and licenses – don’t risk hiring someone for a CPA or nursing position because their reference knows they do that work. “You cut corners, you go in circles.” Or worse.
If it is important to the project that the contractor is highly skilled (we all know bright, college-educated folks that need experience), call more references, previous employers. Verify that they have ten years in the field and have worked on 200 similar projects. Or ten. Whatever is meaningful to you. “Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel.”
If you need more information on how to engage the best contractors and hire the best employees, contact us – 714-587-9166.
