Everyone has a pet peeve, that something someone does that drives you insane.  Of course, everyone’s pet peeve is different. What bothers one person might not even register in the grand scheme of things to someone else.

I’ve made it a habit to ask prospects and VAs what their biggest pet peeve is and thought it would be fun to share a few of those here.  Also included are a few contributions from MetroNorth Chamber members and Dot sisters.

  • Being interrupted while in the middle of something.
  • Gum snappers and chewing noises.
  • Incompetence.
  • Inflated sense of self.  Egos that take up an entire room.
  • People who don’t respond to emails or texts in a timely manner.  You may be missing out on potential income.
  • People who do blog posts on pet peeves. Whoops.
  • Being added to an e-mail list without your permission. (Heard this one often. People really loathe this.)
  • Those who hit “reply all” to emails when it’s unnecessary.
  • People who air their personal relationship problems on Facebook.
  • Unproductive meetings. Don’t meet just to meet. Make sure meetings have a purpose and an agenda to stay on topic.
  • Using words incorrectly – your/you’re and their/there/they’re.
  • “My husband,” replied one prospect without pausing to think.
  • “My sister,” was another instant reply from a prospect.  The joys of family!
  • Servers who drop off the check before the end of the meal and don’t ask if we’d like dessert.  We’re extremely serious about desserts.
  • Web developers who put everything in their own name, like hosting, domain registration, etc., which means the client may not have full access to their website and in some cases, even own their site.  If the relationship with their web developer sours, the client is out of luck. (There’s more, but you get the gist.)
  • Drivers who don’t use their turn signals or drivers who pass on the shoulder.  (Submitted by an insurance agent.)
  • The word “functionality.”
  • Coworkers who discuss their salaries with other coworkers
  • Mispronounce oriented, “or-ren-tate-ed.”  It’s “or-ee-ent-ed” people.

Some pet peeves are simply a matter of not taking social queues. For example, unaware people who block a store entrance to check their cell phone.  Or someone who talks about themselves ad nauseam at a networking event and shows zero interest in the other person.  People who aren’t present and interested in what the other person has to say.

The “bait and switch” was another common pet peeve. We’ve all been there before.  You think you’re having a one-to-one, but instead they pressure you to buy their product or service.  Uh, hello, did I express an interest or did you presume I’m a buyer before learning my needs? 

Inquiring minds here at AngCo want to know, what is your biggest pet peeve?

Yours in the adventure,

Angie &  Team AngCo