I was working on securing a contract with a new company that had expressed interest in my services. After some back-and-forth communication, they abruptly stopped responding.
A few weeks later, their secretary texted me, and we scheduled a meeting at a local TGI Fridays near the company office.
We met, ordered drinks, and she mentioned that she could be influential in getting my contract approved, but she wanted a monetary incentive. I agreed. She then asked if she could order an inexpensive appetizer, to which I also agreed. When the appetizer arrived, she remarked how easy she was to please, calling the dish a true delight.
I paid the bill, and she assured me she would contact me soon.
A week later, she sent me a link to a restaurant’s website. The venue was on a sprawling estate and featured horse-drawn carriages, a marble staircase leading to the dining area, a grand piano, wandering violinists, and an extravagant five-course menu with an extensive selection of very expensive wines.
After reviewing the link, I asked her why she had sent it to me. She responded by saying it was her favorite restaurant.
I commented, “You must go there often to like it so much.”
She replied, “You’re not catching my hint. Do I need to spell it out for you? I want you to take me here if you want my boss to accept your bid. You need to make me like you for this to happen.”
At that point, I realized she had no real influence—she just wanted someone to spend loads of money on her. I texted her back, “I don’t know how to make anyone like me. If I could, I’d make a hot model like me, not someone like you.”
I’m not sure why she never contacted me again.