When working on a project, asking for help, shopping, utilizing a global vendor, or just waiting to update your rental car reservation, I like to get a “local” awareness on my problem.  The person on the other end may be across the walk, in the other building, a local city, another country, or even a different planet.  But, when we are connected, wouldn't be nice for that person to put your problem in your context? 

My story, I call to tell the rental car agency that I need to pick up the car 2hrs early.  I hear a click…. then a voice ...definitly not US.  No biggie, I need to pick up my car 2 hrs early, at 10am.  I hear a ahhh 10am?  Yes, you have my reservation number; do you know where I’m picking up from?  Do you know my current time zone?  The rep tells me to hold and I will be transferred…. This time a rep, someone close by, same ordeal ... what time is it at your location, I’m asked?  Could you have confirmed: Sir, we show that your current time is… and you would like to pick the car up x hours before the estimated arrival.  Is this correct?  Nope, the rep states please hold and I will transfer you to the local office, I think they should be open????  Nope… back to another place...definitly not US.  I stop the cycle.

If you are working with someone, how can you provide a "local" context?

Thank you for listening.