He Said, She Said!

Joan’s Task as Woman-speak vs. Handyman-speak Interpreter

One of the many “hats” that I wear as part owner of The Fix-it Professionals is that of translator. Being both an educated and “bona fide” woman, I both understand and speak fluent woman (or women) speak.  Women speak a different language than men. It sounds simple but that is one of the major differences between the sexes. Since the primary client base we have is busy, professional, working women and active seniors, John and I agree that it is one of the most important aspects of our partnership that I am able to interpret for him what the job entails, what steps will be taken, and in turn decipher what the clients expectations are. By doing this, “Team Fix-It” is insuring that the client gets the job done the way they want, and deserve, and John can do the job at hand in the most efficient way possible. A win-win for everyone involved.

What are some of the ways that “womanspeak” manifests itself? Often, women speak to projects, repairs, tools, etc. in a different way than men, especially men in the trades. Often they speak over women’s heads, using terms that make no sense to most women. That is not to say that they speak “down” to us, but rather that they use terminology that might not be within our realms of experience. Every field has a language of its own. In addition, since language overlaps, what a client might call a wrench may not be the wrench the repair-person means! So often, a “painting job” may seem very straightforward to BOTH the painter and the client, and yet their concepts of what that “painting job” entails may be miles apart in reality!

You may be asking, if I’m hiring someone to paint a room for me, why would I need to know, what type of paint or surface is being painted over (oil or water based for instance)? Or that there may be a need for cutting in, which requires things to be hand-trimmed? Or even that some forms of wall or paint damage will require either a primer or base coat or maybe patching before painting is done?

The answer is that knowledge is power, and helps you make an informed decision. The extent of the work involved is critical to the output of cash you may have to make. Wouldn’t you like to know if you are asking for something that is higher in cost than you have cash flow to cover! With clarity, and interpretation, John and his team can know the tasks ahead, the amount of time and materials needed, and can give an accurate pricing to the client.

Consequently, one of my tasks is to be sure that the client’s needs are understood, and addressed directly, specifically. It may seem slow or overly detailed, but communication is the key to getting what you want when you hire us for repair and fix-it tasks around your home or office. Often our job is to not only repair, remodel, re-purpose or redefine your living spaces, but to help you articulate what it is you want, and what end result you are hoping for. That is why we encourage you to be actively involved in analyzing and understanding the spaces you want to change. Lists are a great way to make that happen, as we discussed in last week’s newsletter. So are quick photographs, and family meetings.

Another way to insure that your fix-its are completed satisfactorily, whether they are do-it-yourself or handyman repairs, is to take the time to communicate fully your needs and wishes. When you call for assistance, be sure you have time to talk, to explain and to delineate your desired tasks and results. Our combined skills and talents are there for you to use; and whether you are a woman who wants her “womanspeak” to be understood, or a man who wants to be sure he is getting what he needs in repairs, we want to bring your dreams to fruition!