Several of the entries in the 12 week challenge contest talk about how difficult it is to "make the transition" from online acquaintance to business client or associate.
Before we can make that transition, however we have to establish the relationship.
That's the "sermon" for today's post.
The "KLT Factor" - know, like, and trust - are always a hot topic in the business world. People have to know you, like you, and trust you, at least to SOME degree to be wililng to do business with you.
For example, you may not know a thing about that pimply faced, rookie salesman trying to sell you a dryer, but because they work for a well-respected mega store in your community, you trust that they won't steer you wrong - or if they do, you'll be able to sue the pants off the mega store.
Some level of KLT has been established.
If you have NO desire to work with the consultant down the street because she bad-mouthed a competitor during a presentation, her KLT factor with you is pretty low - even if she's your sister.
To be blunt, telling everyone how grat your product is, or how wonderful your company is, or that you just won an all-expense paid trip to the Bahamas is NOT building your KLT factor in the eyes of your customers. IF they already know you, or like you, they may be happy for you, but they don't care about your good fortune anymore thant they care about themselves.
It's always about them.
Period.
If I closed the post there, it should suffice for those serious about building a servant-minded enterprise. Disney built an empire around the concept of caring for the customer - and they have the overpriced burgers to prove that what they do works.
The companies that have stuck around for centuries or more are those that put the right thing in front of the ROI. They care more about their customers than themselves.
But many of us are too concerned with ourselves to have that kind of concern for our customers.
And the words "get what you want by helping other people get what they want" become only so many nice words.
You've heard me talk before about providing value. Mike Dandridge, in his book "The One-Year Business Turnaround" says that Value is in the eye of the customer. You can give them a 10% off coupon, free shipping, and tickets to "Riverdance", but if your customers find no value in that, those aren't valuable additions to the product.
And fast turnaround, or "excellent customer service" are supposed to be standard. Again, not value added benefits for a customer.
Sometimes, doing something of value means making a sacrifice. Sometimes a BIG sacrifice. Not always, but sometimes.
Why did thousands of people sign up for my Direct Sales Super Summit in March? There are dozens of free training calls all over the place. There are many speakers that talk on similar topics for a fee.
The reason people signed up is because they saw the VALUE in what I was providing: quality information they could use to impact their lives, their businesses right NOW at a reasonable investment.
That's value.
And when my customers email me they say things like "do you remember last month when I placed that order?"
Of COURSE I remember. You're my customer. You put food on my table and clothes on my kid's back. You are my livlihood, my bread and butter, keeping the wolves from the door! I try to touch every single transaction at least once to remind myself to be grateful for everyone that comes through "the doors" of my business.
That's value to some of my customers. They want to know that someone - a REAL human being - is behind all the blog posts, emails, newsletters, etc.
To others on my list, it's no big deal, they rarely communicate with me, and they like it that way. And that's okay with me, too.
The point is to meet people where they are, provide what THEY believe is valuable. THAT'S when you build a real relationship. Help people. Maybe they could care less about your biz opp today, but need their flat tire fixed.
Taking the time to help with their flat could be the thing that they remember 6 months from now when they stumble on your card after having lost their job. You thought you'd never hear from them again, and what a waste of a perfectly good afternoon, and oh my, your hands were so dirty. But they remembered that when they needed help (something of the UTMOST value), YOU were there. And now they need "help" again. So they call you.
It happens more times than I care to count. Building trust isn't a dog and pony show. you don't do it just when it's convenient. You do it because it's part of who you are, part of what you stand for. When you establish trust, people begin to like you and then they want to get to know more about who you are and what you have to offer.
It's about integrity. It's about helping first, and selling later. Or maybe not selling at all. you never know who's watching you perform the random acts of kindness that make us better people.
But if you invest yourself in your business this way, you can't help but win. It's how the Carnegies and Motts and Rockefellers of the world managed to KEEP the wealth they worked so hard to earn.
During the horrible market crach in the 20's a 3+million dollar embezzlement scheme was found out in one of the biggest banks in my community. The former president of the bank, having virtually no liability for the debacle, could have easily washed his hands of everything, leaving all the depositors to fend for themselves, most likely ending up with nothing.
But he chose to front his own money - and approach lenders in the bigger markets to help cover the debt so that the honest, hard working people in my community wouldn't lose everything. He didn't have to do it. He CHOSE to do it. Not to save face, but to helpa community of which he'd grown very fond. Not only did he save the financial lives of so many people, he got all his money back and then some - and lived out his days as one of the wealthiest members of our community.
He was a man of intergity, ingenuity, trust, respect and strong moral character. He gave and gave of himself, his finances and more. And in return, grew a powerful company, built a foundation for the less fortunate, and left an amazing legacy that fuels this community to this day.
I never met the man - he died before I was born. But his life is an integral component to what makes my community what it is today.
That's the kind of value we need to be providing to each one of our customers. If we don't enjoy what we're doing, or who we're working with enough to be willing to make sacrifices to help them, why are we doing it in the first place?
Direct Sales isn't for everyone. Being a business owner or an entrepreneur isn't for everyone. It requires great sacrifice - of ourselves, our time, energy, money - sometimes our families, our finances, our homes.
What are you doing to provide REAL value to the people in your business? Are your business contacts like family to you?
I remember a class I took once when I was in real estate. the instructor said as an agent, we had to treat all our buyers like they were our grandmother and all our sellers as if they were our little sister. The idea is that you'd want to get them the very best possible deal, so that everyone wins, and no one feals cheated. that doesn't mean doing "just enough" but giving out UTMOST.
And frankly, so many of us just don't do that. We've learned how to get by. We look for the "magic pill" and we want everything to come easy.
To quote The Princess Bride "Whoever said life is fair?" Where is that written? Life isn't always fair."
But if we give our utmost, the hard work is rewarded in more ways than we can ever imagine. That's when real trust is built, lives are changed and business is done.
In business, there are many ways to build relationships, and the beauty of online marketing is that you can move through this process at a more predictable pace by using tools and strategies designed to decrease the germination period. The sooner you can establish trust, build rapport and create likability, the sooner business can be done.
In the 12-Week Challenge, we'll take a look at several tools you can use to not only build rapport, but automate some elements of the relationship building process, so that you can run a more efficient business that focuses on serving your perfect fit customers. There's still time to enter the contest before next week. Winners will be announced on October 20.
Showing posts with label City of Flint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Flint. Show all posts
4 Simple Strategies Saved My Life
The last 6 months have been a time of tremendous change in my life. Heck, this whole year has been a roller coaster, but especially the last half of 2008.
Things have been so crazy, and stressful, and frantic, and exciting, that my doctor told me I needed to lighten my stress load before I became another family statistic.
So I got cast in a musical, created a new direct sales training course with my good friend Ruth Fuersten, and agreed to help a friend create a website for a local comic and entertainment publication that's being born in my home town.
And I didn't break a sweat. Well, okay, I sweat a lot during the musical, but that was because it was hot on the stage under all those lights.
I've lost 15 pounds (and counting). I feel less stressed most days (remember, I've got 2 kids!). And I have never felt better about my business and financial future.
Why? I'm building better customers. My businesses now revolve around me, instead of revolving my businesses around my frustomers - those frustrating customers that seemed to exist oly to make my life more difficult.
So I finally said "ta ta" in 4 simple steps.
Wanna know the steps?
I'm sharing them FREE of charge on a call this Monday night. I'm not holding anything back, either. You'll not only hear from me, but two of my "guinea pigs" that I've already shared this process with. They'll be telling you how it's helped them. And if it will help us, I know can help you, too.
Clear away the "frustomers" in your life. It could save your life, too!
Things have been so crazy, and stressful, and frantic, and exciting, that my doctor told me I needed to lighten my stress load before I became another family statistic.
So I got cast in a musical, created a new direct sales training course with my good friend Ruth Fuersten, and agreed to help a friend create a website for a local comic and entertainment publication that's being born in my home town.
And I didn't break a sweat. Well, okay, I sweat a lot during the musical, but that was because it was hot on the stage under all those lights.
I've lost 15 pounds (and counting). I feel less stressed most days (remember, I've got 2 kids!). And I have never felt better about my business and financial future.
Why? I'm building better customers. My businesses now revolve around me, instead of revolving my businesses around my frustomers - those frustrating customers that seemed to exist oly to make my life more difficult.
So I finally said "ta ta" in 4 simple steps.
Wanna know the steps?
I'm sharing them FREE of charge on a call this Monday night. I'm not holding anything back, either. You'll not only hear from me, but two of my "guinea pigs" that I've already shared this process with. They'll be telling you how it's helped them. And if it will help us, I know can help you, too.
Clear away the "frustomers" in your life. It could save your life, too!
Real Life Strikes Again: How NOT To Brand Yourself
My oldest is a handful.
That's being polite.
He's struggled with ADHD and behavioral issues since he was small. Until last year, his issues were somewhat controlled with medication, although I never felt convinced that his Psych was really conerned about his well being, and more concerned with the drug mill he was pushing people through.
I think my suspicions were confirmed today.
I'll skip the intervening time and many personal details, but since my Mother's death in March, my son has not been the usual cantankerous kid we've grown to love. He's been more voilent, reclusive, explosive and difficult to manage. Add to that a request to return to regular school (I homeschooled last year), and it's been a combustible year, to say the least.
A school incident got us involved with our local Community Mental Health department in an effort to get him expedted service and treatment for what is looking more and mor like it might be high functional autism or a form of Asperger's, due to some new symptoms now presenting. So an appointment was made for a "full psych eval" to be held today.
Here's where I scratch my head in disbelief. the exact same psychiatrist that had been seeing him once a month for 3 years walked out, called him by the wrong name (again), and ushered us into an office.
Once in the office, my oldest said "Hey, I Know you!" and the Doctor put his oot in it royally.
"No, I don't think we've ever met before."
"Oh yes, you have!" I corrected him. "You were his psych for 3 years at a different facility!"
"Oh. Well, what brings you in today?"
Other than that inane question, he listened to my tale of increasing violence and disturbing symptoms, copied down a few notes, then asked me the following EVEN MORE STUPID question
"If we could give a magic pill, what would you want it to do?"
Are you kidding me? You saw this kid for 3 years and have no recollection of him, and you want me to diagnose him?
I said, "frankly, I see medication as a last resort, and would like to find out what the underlying issues are before we stuff drugs down his throat. I mean, if he needs drugs, fine, but if the drugs end up masking what the real issue is, then that's not fine."
He asked my son 4 questions, handed me 2 scrips and recommended I schedule an appointment with the child psychiatrist at his next available opening.
"He has more symptoms than I feel comfortable with. I'm calling in the specialist."
My question is, why wasn't I seeing the child psych in the first place?
At that moment, his NP came around the corner, and my son said "Hey! I know you too!"
The NP said "No, I don't think you do."
"UGH! Yes you do! You work with that Doctor and he was my kid's doc for 3 frickin' years!"
Can you tell I wasn't too happy?
Let us break this down so that you NEVER EVER have this happen in your business.
1. Know your client's name. Maybe he read it wrong, but once I corrected him, the doctor STILL called my child by his last name, instead of his first name. Come on! This is common courtesy, folks.
2. Make eye contact. This sounds like a no brainer, but for the entire time we were in the office, I counted a whopping 1:22 of total eye contact, give ot take a few seconds. If he had an intensive questionnaire or computer form he needed to complete, I would have been a touch more understanding. I've had more compassionate, friendly service at WalMart's self-service lane!
3. Spend time understanding your customer. You don't diagnose in 15 minutes, when one of the 4 questions you ask is botu a magic pill! That shows you're not trying to understand anything - you want them to do the work for you. In business, you need to make connections with your customers. In this country, medicine is very obviously a business. this guy didn't even try to make a connection with either of us.
4. Solve the client's problem - or get out of the way so someone else can. He knew immediately that my son didn't belong under his care - yet instead of taking charge to ge me set up right away with the proper doctor, he pushed us out the door to seek help from the receptionist - who was conveniently not at her desk for 10 minutes. I stood in the hallway waiting patiently and silently for someone to return until that NP rounded the corner. Even HE didn't get me any help.
Perhaps I'm just a grumbling bumbling mom. But I was sore when I realized the very doctor I took issue with for 3 years was back as co-pilot of my child's psychiatric care.
You can bet my son's case manager will be hearing from me.
The real life marketing lesson? Take the time to care. Even within that small 15 minute window, there were plenty of opportunitied for that Doctor - or anyone in that office - to turn that situation around. And yet, NO ONE took the time to care. Don't let that be you. One good thing could have made this a POSTIVITE memorable experience.
Instead of a horrifyingly negative one.
That's being polite.
He's struggled with ADHD and behavioral issues since he was small. Until last year, his issues were somewhat controlled with medication, although I never felt convinced that his Psych was really conerned about his well being, and more concerned with the drug mill he was pushing people through.
I think my suspicions were confirmed today.
I'll skip the intervening time and many personal details, but since my Mother's death in March, my son has not been the usual cantankerous kid we've grown to love. He's been more voilent, reclusive, explosive and difficult to manage. Add to that a request to return to regular school (I homeschooled last year), and it's been a combustible year, to say the least.
A school incident got us involved with our local Community Mental Health department in an effort to get him expedted service and treatment for what is looking more and mor like it might be high functional autism or a form of Asperger's, due to some new symptoms now presenting. So an appointment was made for a "full psych eval" to be held today.
Here's where I scratch my head in disbelief. the exact same psychiatrist that had been seeing him once a month for 3 years walked out, called him by the wrong name (again), and ushered us into an office.
Once in the office, my oldest said "Hey, I Know you!" and the Doctor put his oot in it royally.
"No, I don't think we've ever met before."
"Oh yes, you have!" I corrected him. "You were his psych for 3 years at a different facility!"
"Oh. Well, what brings you in today?"
Other than that inane question, he listened to my tale of increasing violence and disturbing symptoms, copied down a few notes, then asked me the following EVEN MORE STUPID question
"If we could give a magic pill, what would you want it to do?"
Are you kidding me? You saw this kid for 3 years and have no recollection of him, and you want me to diagnose him?
I said, "frankly, I see medication as a last resort, and would like to find out what the underlying issues are before we stuff drugs down his throat. I mean, if he needs drugs, fine, but if the drugs end up masking what the real issue is, then that's not fine."
He asked my son 4 questions, handed me 2 scrips and recommended I schedule an appointment with the child psychiatrist at his next available opening.
"He has more symptoms than I feel comfortable with. I'm calling in the specialist."
My question is, why wasn't I seeing the child psych in the first place?
At that moment, his NP came around the corner, and my son said "Hey! I know you too!"
The NP said "No, I don't think you do."
"UGH! Yes you do! You work with that Doctor and he was my kid's doc for 3 frickin' years!"
Can you tell I wasn't too happy?
Let us break this down so that you NEVER EVER have this happen in your business.
1. Know your client's name. Maybe he read it wrong, but once I corrected him, the doctor STILL called my child by his last name, instead of his first name. Come on! This is common courtesy, folks.
2. Make eye contact. This sounds like a no brainer, but for the entire time we were in the office, I counted a whopping 1:22 of total eye contact, give ot take a few seconds. If he had an intensive questionnaire or computer form he needed to complete, I would have been a touch more understanding. I've had more compassionate, friendly service at WalMart's self-service lane!
3. Spend time understanding your customer. You don't diagnose in 15 minutes, when one of the 4 questions you ask is botu a magic pill! That shows you're not trying to understand anything - you want them to do the work for you. In business, you need to make connections with your customers. In this country, medicine is very obviously a business. this guy didn't even try to make a connection with either of us.
4. Solve the client's problem - or get out of the way so someone else can. He knew immediately that my son didn't belong under his care - yet instead of taking charge to ge me set up right away with the proper doctor, he pushed us out the door to seek help from the receptionist - who was conveniently not at her desk for 10 minutes. I stood in the hallway waiting patiently and silently for someone to return until that NP rounded the corner. Even HE didn't get me any help.
Perhaps I'm just a grumbling bumbling mom. But I was sore when I realized the very doctor I took issue with for 3 years was back as co-pilot of my child's psychiatric care.
You can bet my son's case manager will be hearing from me.
The real life marketing lesson? Take the time to care. Even within that small 15 minute window, there were plenty of opportunitied for that Doctor - or anyone in that office - to turn that situation around. And yet, NO ONE took the time to care. Don't let that be you. One good thing could have made this a POSTIVITE memorable experience.
Instead of a horrifyingly negative one.
I don't make this stuff up, folks: Chicago, the Musical
The show's over, and we've got a get-together tonight as one of our castmembers moves across the state for a new job. But a few people asked, so here's a link to the
review for Chicago, the Musical.
review for Chicago, the Musical.
Overture... Curtain lights... Chicago!
So in my mad ramblings, I don't talk too much about my personal life. I figure there's more important stuff going on in the world besides me.But today, I'm sharing pictures from a recent birthday party.
What makes this party so unique is that the attendees were, for the most part, cast member from a local production of the musical, Chicago.
One cast member, Aaron, celebrated his 20th birthday and invited all of us cast folk to join in the soiree. He's the Blonde in that first picture, standing next to Anthony.
It was such a blast to see the cast reunite for something like this. We spent a few months together working our BUTTS off for this production. Choreography was tough - at least for locals that haven't had a dance class in eons. Music was challenging, but we were blessed with some very talented cast members that could out-sing some of the greats on the karaoke stage - and some of us really tried, believe me. So we ate, drank and had pickles - it's a tradition, the pickles. You'll have to ask me about it sometime.
But why is this in a Marketing Blog, you ask? Well, a couple of reasons. This blog also doubles as an occasionally personal blog (deal with it), and because it emphasizes what a good story (Chicago), a loyal customer base (the cast and crew), and a powerful product (Vertigo Theatrics) can bring about.
Ted, the guy that runs the show over there, is really a humble giant of a guy. In our many conversations, one of the things that he's touched on is the fear that he's not making a difference in the lives of people in our area. Now I've worked with Ted on several other productions where the cast and crew become close in an almost magical way, but he always wrote it off as a fluke. Well, I think the third time's not a coincidence: it's what makes a good theater company GREAT:
Jen and Steve, to my knowledge, have never done a show together before. This show stretched Steve in a leading role. Jen had to dig deep for some amazing choreography. This show really brought them together and gave them a new "thing to do" as husband and wife.
New friendships were forged - some of which transformed lives. People came to this show with broken pieces, and somehow, through the power of theater, shared trials and a good belly laugh, they found themselves on the mend.
Super HEROES came to the rescue. Anthony's folks gave us an amazing set, and raised the bar for all of Ted's future productions. And don't get me started on the amazing job Barb did on the costumes. Selfless giving. Yeah, they'll say it was because they wanted Anthony's first production to be spectacular, but few people give of themselves that way for total strangers - even if their kid is involved. And the tireless day-in, day-out work of Ted's "better half", Jacque is a testament to the passion they both have for this community.
And me? I just took it all in. Making notes so that Ted couldn't backpedal on this one. There was so much joy in a room that never would have been there if it weren't for companies like this, productions like this, and people like Ted and Jacque who found a passion and nurtured it with "Class".There were others in this cast of characters that didn't hang around long enough to pose, and others still that couldn't make it to this seemingly simple birthday party.
But this was a party unlike most. This was a cast of strangers that became friends for a time, who reunited for one of their own to celebrate, remember, and be grateful. These people have their own paths in life and will take new directions now that the show is over.
But I think it's safe to say we were ALL transformed by what a little passion can do.
THANKS, TED! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!
No I didn't fall in a hole...
I've been absolutely swamped with a plethora of new activities to keep me occupied. My eldest is back in school - and already on his first suspension today. Oy.
We just finished Chicago, the musical to RAVE reviews and a sold out house. I ended up doing TRIPLE duty on this show. I had originally signed on to play the role of Matron Momma Morton (yes, the Queen Latifah role, but please do not compare!) and help out as vocal coach for the show. About a week before opening, I was also asked to take over as BAND DIRECTOR.
Talk about a humbling experience. I haven't directed an instrumental ensemble since my college days. For those of you that think you just wave your arms and music comes out, well, you're partly right.
I was put in front of some of the best musicians our town has to offer - and to direct Kander and Ebb is no small feat - but with a 5 piece ensemble - and at least ONE of them is a band director himself in real life - and did I mention they were all guys?
Yeah, I felt a wee bit intimidated. I mean, the drummer has played with some of the biggest names in modern rock and roll history. The sax player has more years experience than I have been living on this little rock. And did I mention the trumpeter is classically trained and is the high school band director in a Flint Suburb?
My palms weren't just sweaty because it was hot on that stage.
Opening night was more of a trial by fire for me than anything else I've experienced in my life. In my two (Count 'em TWO) conducting classes I had at college - only ONE was for instrumental music - I was taught the very rudimentary basics of conducting:
1. Mark the score for changes in tempo, key, mood, etc.
2. Analyze the music to know what's going on where (see #1 if you're unclear)
3. Note any cues
4. Practice conducting the music BEFORE your do it in front of your ensemble.
Well, I could pretty much scrap #4 because I had to jump right in on a dress rehearsal. Being part of the musical already was helpful because I already knew some of the music, but the incidental, between scene music (walk-offs, etc) I had never heard before, and well, let's just say I'm not the world's greatest sight-reader.
So I over counted, gave too many prep beats, and tried to be OVER helpful with my band. Some of the guys didn't mind, but I could tell there was a bit of derision in the ranks.
The whole show was cues - and with actors sometimes coming in on time and sometimes not, it was a new arrangement every night.
And we pulled it off to thunderous applause every single night.
But the guys who deserve the applause sat behind that bandstand. I waved my arms, and THEY made me look good.
And now that it's over, I'm glad - and I'm gonna miss 'em.
Tom, Frank (and Glenn for one night only), Larry, Gary and Chris: Y'all rock. Thanks for helpin' a girl overcome herself.
But next time, I want more notice.
We just finished Chicago, the musical to RAVE reviews and a sold out house. I ended up doing TRIPLE duty on this show. I had originally signed on to play the role of Matron Momma Morton (yes, the Queen Latifah role, but please do not compare!) and help out as vocal coach for the show. About a week before opening, I was also asked to take over as BAND DIRECTOR.
Talk about a humbling experience. I haven't directed an instrumental ensemble since my college days. For those of you that think you just wave your arms and music comes out, well, you're partly right.
I was put in front of some of the best musicians our town has to offer - and to direct Kander and Ebb is no small feat - but with a 5 piece ensemble - and at least ONE of them is a band director himself in real life - and did I mention they were all guys?
Yeah, I felt a wee bit intimidated. I mean, the drummer has played with some of the biggest names in modern rock and roll history. The sax player has more years experience than I have been living on this little rock. And did I mention the trumpeter is classically trained and is the high school band director in a Flint Suburb?
My palms weren't just sweaty because it was hot on that stage.
Opening night was more of a trial by fire for me than anything else I've experienced in my life. In my two (Count 'em TWO) conducting classes I had at college - only ONE was for instrumental music - I was taught the very rudimentary basics of conducting:
1. Mark the score for changes in tempo, key, mood, etc.
2. Analyze the music to know what's going on where (see #1 if you're unclear)
3. Note any cues
4. Practice conducting the music BEFORE your do it in front of your ensemble.
Well, I could pretty much scrap #4 because I had to jump right in on a dress rehearsal. Being part of the musical already was helpful because I already knew some of the music, but the incidental, between scene music (walk-offs, etc) I had never heard before, and well, let's just say I'm not the world's greatest sight-reader.
So I over counted, gave too many prep beats, and tried to be OVER helpful with my band. Some of the guys didn't mind, but I could tell there was a bit of derision in the ranks.
The whole show was cues - and with actors sometimes coming in on time and sometimes not, it was a new arrangement every night.
And we pulled it off to thunderous applause every single night.
But the guys who deserve the applause sat behind that bandstand. I waved my arms, and THEY made me look good.
And now that it's over, I'm glad - and I'm gonna miss 'em.
Tom, Frank (and Glenn for one night only), Larry, Gary and Chris: Y'all rock. Thanks for helpin' a girl overcome herself.
But next time, I want more notice.
The Trash Man Cometh
I'm a weird bird, I'll admit it.
If I'm home when my mail carrier arrives, I'll meet him at the door and tell him thank you. I figure they don't see a lot of people on their day route, and I should be grateful to them for saving me time by delivering my mail every day (and picking up all the packages I send out on a daily basis).
Also, My aunt (who's retiring soon) works as a supervisor in his office, so every now and again I get "Stories" from him. Fun stuff.
But I also say thanks to my sanitation engineers.
Most of the time, I just shout out a "THANK YOU!" as they're scooping up the bins and driving away.
But not today.
On our sanitation trucks (and I think this is common in most areas, but just for clarity) there is a driver and a rig man. He's the guy that rides on the back end of the truck to grab the bins and dump them into the back end.
Seems pretty dangerous and labor intensive to me. Which is one of the reasons I make sure to say thanks.
But today's rig man was a jerk.
So he got no thanks of any kind.
In retrospect, he may have been having a bad day, and I think that's true in any business. We have days that aren't so great. We shove and slam and bang things out of frustration, thinking that taking it out on the inanimate object will make us feel better.
But he cracked the wheel on my trash can when he hucked it half way across the road.
Needless to say, I felt a little disgruntled and saying "thank you" would probably have sounded a bit sarcastic.
So I just sighed as he drove away, collected my impaired trash bin, and hobbled it up to the garage for next week's adventure.
And I started thinking about all the times I've been the trash man to others.
When I yelled at my kids when they didn't deserve it.
When I ignored a request from a friend because I didn't feel like it.
When I had a bad day and didn't give 100% to my customers.
When I (God Forgive me!) lied to my boss about being sick, so I didn't have to work on an important project that bored me to tears.
When I get frustrated with myself and start calling ME names.
I could go on for hours with this list - as I'm sure you could, too.
The point is, we can either accept these "character flaws" as a part of who we are, or we can strive to improve with each passing moment. We can make a point of doing the work it takes to do the right thing, or we can keep hucking the neighbor's trash cans across the street, breaking the wheel, and along with it their trust and our credibility.
So I'm sorry for being a jerk. To You. To My Kids, family, friends and former bosses.
I'm also sorry for being a jerk to myself. Getting frustrated when I truly had no control over a situation, knocking myself around when I didn't deserve it.
And I'm sorry I couldn't tell today's trash man what I always want to say.
"THANK YOU!"
If I'm home when my mail carrier arrives, I'll meet him at the door and tell him thank you. I figure they don't see a lot of people on their day route, and I should be grateful to them for saving me time by delivering my mail every day (and picking up all the packages I send out on a daily basis).
Also, My aunt (who's retiring soon) works as a supervisor in his office, so every now and again I get "Stories" from him. Fun stuff.
But I also say thanks to my sanitation engineers.
Most of the time, I just shout out a "THANK YOU!" as they're scooping up the bins and driving away.
But not today.
On our sanitation trucks (and I think this is common in most areas, but just for clarity) there is a driver and a rig man. He's the guy that rides on the back end of the truck to grab the bins and dump them into the back end.
Seems pretty dangerous and labor intensive to me. Which is one of the reasons I make sure to say thanks.
But today's rig man was a jerk.
So he got no thanks of any kind.
In retrospect, he may have been having a bad day, and I think that's true in any business. We have days that aren't so great. We shove and slam and bang things out of frustration, thinking that taking it out on the inanimate object will make us feel better.
But he cracked the wheel on my trash can when he hucked it half way across the road.
Needless to say, I felt a little disgruntled and saying "thank you" would probably have sounded a bit sarcastic.
So I just sighed as he drove away, collected my impaired trash bin, and hobbled it up to the garage for next week's adventure.
And I started thinking about all the times I've been the trash man to others.
When I yelled at my kids when they didn't deserve it.
When I ignored a request from a friend because I didn't feel like it.
When I had a bad day and didn't give 100% to my customers.
When I (God Forgive me!) lied to my boss about being sick, so I didn't have to work on an important project that bored me to tears.
When I get frustrated with myself and start calling ME names.
I could go on for hours with this list - as I'm sure you could, too.
The point is, we can either accept these "character flaws" as a part of who we are, or we can strive to improve with each passing moment. We can make a point of doing the work it takes to do the right thing, or we can keep hucking the neighbor's trash cans across the street, breaking the wheel, and along with it their trust and our credibility.
So I'm sorry for being a jerk. To You. To My Kids, family, friends and former bosses.
I'm also sorry for being a jerk to myself. Getting frustrated when I truly had no control over a situation, knocking myself around when I didn't deserve it.
And I'm sorry I couldn't tell today's trash man what I always want to say.
"THANK YOU!"
About This Bugsy Guy...
So I blogged previously about Don Williamson and his "pal" Bugsy, and the strange irony of that relationship.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Ask to Speak with Bugsy
This just blows my mind.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
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