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Becoming An Empowered Consumer
How many times have you said to yourself?"I just wish that company would treat me like they appreciated my business!"? For many years I trained Customer Service Reps at a large corporation. There is no doubt that it was during those years I personally became a consumer with rather high standards and expectations. It was also during that time that I realized my only point of power (as a consumer) was to take my business elsewhere if I didn't get the treatment I deserved. While it may not sound like much, take a minute and add it up! How much do you spend at your grocery store in a year? How much do you spend at your local gas station in a year? How much do you spend at your Dr.'s office in a year (make sure to include what your insurance pays)? Are you surprised? Whether we consciously think about it or not, we are all consumers of companies and businesses who profit because we choose to do business with them. The key word here is "choose", and we'll talk about that later. Some of the smallest businesses do a fabulous job teaching their employees how to treat their customers. Maybe it's the place you stop for coffee on the way to work in the morning. You go in, the coffee is hot and fresh, it's neat and tidy, the cashier has a big smile (even if it's really busy), and they even take the time to thank you for your business. Then there are some of the larger companies (not all). They have mission, vision and values statements on the walls. In the employee lounge area there are posters that say something about their commitment to quality and service. Yet, when you reach the customer service or check out person, they appear lifeless?no enthusiasm, no eye contact, and virtually no acknowledgement?and god help you if you inconvenience them by asking for an explanation or a price check. Decide right now to become an empowered consumer and give your business to those who treat you like they appreciate your business. Here's a strategy to get you there: Create a list of all the places you do business. Don't forget to include subscriptions, financial institutions, and even your handyman.Next, rate your satisfaction with each business on your list (5= Very Satisfied - 1= Not Satisfied).Review your ratings.If there are ratings of 1 or 2, take your business elsewhere?immediately.Businesses you rated 3 should be considered in the danger zone. If you choose to stay with them, at least give them some feedback on what they can do to improve. Review them again in 6 months.Repeat the process annually.My point?you deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation, and you have a CHOICE! If you exercise that choice, you serve us all as consumers. Don't settle for less! About The Author Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com; Coach@connectionscoach.com
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Bill Belichick highest-paid coach -- againESPN (blog)By Kristi Dosh | ESPN.com Professional football is the most lucrative coaching field, according to Forbes, which has released its top 10 list of highest-paid coaches in sports. Bill Belichick tops the list for the second year in a row following the ...and more » |
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New BC High coach Gaff: 'I am just humbled'ESPN (blog)By Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com We caught up tonight with new BC High head football coach Joe Gaff, who was officially elevated from Defensive Coordinator and named successor to Jon Bartlett this afternoon. Over our half-hour conversation, ...and more » |
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BC High names Gaff coachBoston.comBC High named defensive coordinator Joe Gaff its football coach to succeed Jon Bartlett. “I'm extremely humbled and very excited to be taking on this position,'' Gaff said in a release. “BC High is a warm and welcoming community that has provided me ... |
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Offseason coaching changesBoston Herald (blog)Bridgewater-Raynham coach Mark Jones confirmed to the Herald that he is stepping down after 17 seasons with the Trojans. Jones compiled a record of 148-158-43 at BR, including a 7-10-3 mark in 2011-12 in which the Trojans missed the postseason for just ...and more » |
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Notes from the Coaches Caravan Stop in ClevelandBlack Shoe Diariesby Jared Slanina on May 17, 2012 6:00 AM EDT in Football I was fortunate enough to attend the penultimate day of the Coaches Caravan in Cleveland on Tuesday night. Since there wasn't much interest from the Northeast Ohio media, the press conference ...and more » |
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Washington Capitals jump back on the coaching carouselWashington Post (blog)They were the preseason favorites to win the Stanley Cup and played the role early on, starting the season 7-0 before miscues and underwhelming goaltending factored into the dismissal of Coach Bruce Boudreau. Enter Dale Hunter, whose leadership and ...and more » |
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