“Quick Question”

May 27, 2015

This is a first – An email arrives with the subject “quick question”:

Hi,

Why do you only provide your services to attorneys?

Best,

James

‘Quick question’? Really? 

There is no such thing as a ‘quick question’. It’s a question – plain and simple. The answer could be short; the response, quick. The question, not so much. Sure, it only took a moment to write out the question. Maybe that was the quick part. 

My gut instinct is to engage the individual.

Who are you and why do you ask?

Hmm, maybe not the best response.

So I Google the email address. Maybe he’s a paralegal looking to work virtually; or someone who wants to know more about becoming a paralegal; or, he’s a plant for the bar association …

Seriously though, would it kill people to set up a simple signature block?? <It’s not that hard folks!>

I find him on LinkedIn. We’re not connected, but he’s connected to several people I trust and respect (and a couple I’m not so sure about). Nothing is his profile explains why he would be connected to so many legal industry people. Really, there is no common denominator.

<le sigh>

So, how should I respond?

  1. Because!
  2. That’s the way I choose to do business.
  3. I prefer the company of lawyers.
  4. State law prohibits me from providing paralegal services to the public.
  5. You couldn’t afford me.

Can you tell that my snark is in overdrive?

I’m pondering my options . . .

2 Responses to ““Quick Question””

  1. Pamela the Paralegal
    May 28th, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    […] I posted about a ‘quick question’ email I’d received. Several folks suggested responses, others just shook their heads […]

  2. Kat Mountjoy
    May 30th, 2015 at 12:18 am

    I would say “Why do you ask?”