I was interviewing a prospective client to determine if I we could work together. Before I could ask my first question . . . 

“Your training fees are quite exorbitant,” she blurted out. 

“You don’t have to pay them.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Let me ask you a question. How much would you pay to workout with me?” 

“Excuse me,” she asked, with a puzzle expression. 

“You heard me right. It’s rather a simple question.” 

“Why should I have to pay to workout with you?” 

“Then you would agree my question is as inane as you asking why my fees are exorbitant?” 

I was not trying to come off belligerent towards her. She had intimidated that I was not the only trainer, she visited. Why then did I have the displeasure of her company? I soon found out that for one reason or another, although she was evasive, she did not take to the other trainers. 

My question was very simple, and phrased in such a particle way, to determine if I had a time waster seated before me. I needed to extrapolate more information, and so I queried again. 

“How much are you willing to pay to workout with me?” 

“But I don’t want to work out with you!” 

“Then why are you here?” 

“I’m looking for someone to train me.” 

“I will not be able to help you for the two are the same.” 

“Are you trying to make a fool of me?” 

“I assure you that is not my intention. You seem quite capable of doing that on your own.” 

“Uh?” 

I rose from my seat to conclude the interview.  

“Why, why, won’t you help me?” 

“You visited other trainers, did you not?” 

“Yes, I did.” 

“You chose none of them?” 

“No, I didn’t.” 

“Then, what makes me different? Why are you so sure I can help you.” 

“For starters, you are not eager to have me as client. The others wanted me to commit and sign a three-month contract.” 

“Anything else?” 

“Yes, I’m confused. Why would I have to pay to workout with you?” 

“Simply, because your bill is past due!”

B.M.Booth