Saturday, December 6, 2008

Amazon and Crutchfield

I really like buying from both these sources. Sure, I could go to ebay or other sources and save a $1 or so. However the customer service (Story: Purchased some electronics some time ago fromCrutchfield and 2 of the units worked, one was defective. I called, they next dayed the replacement, I put the defective unit in the box. No hassle, no extra questions, just service that worked. Try that with ebay)

Then Amazon, they suggest books that I would like, If I had looked at a product it notifies me if it is on sale, suggests other products and accessories. Easy to purchase and great delivery.

Crutchfield takes it even further. If you buy a car radio, they throw in the installation kit, manual specific to your car and all required parts. Taking it even further they provide LIFETIME support on the products you purchase there! No not lifetime warranty, support. Just proves, you provide GREAT customer service, people are willing to pay a bit more for hassle free, top notch service with a smile!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Joddey said somthing profound

And I had to repeat

" I was reading Thomas Freidman's book "The World is Flat". At one point he states that you can tell a health of a company or country by how much they discuss dreams versus memories. The more memories the more they are looking at the past and dying, the more dreams the more they are looking to the future. What are you looking at for yourself, your family and your company. It speaks volumes of what is going really on. "

OK Joddey was just the one repeating something profound, I still liked it!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Another bad experience?

Went to IHOP yesterday for lunch. (Was really craving Chicken Fried Steak and eggs). Anyway it should have been my first my first clue that something was wrong when at 12:30 there were only 5 tables filled (Including mine). So it took 5 minutes to take our drink order. Realize that there were 3 employees working there for every table.

To be honest the food was good. I probably even ate too much.

However drinks went empty, then 15 min after finishing eating we finally got up and forced someone to get a ticket.

So a couple of my problems
1. Always refill drinks. Don't ask. It is why you tip.
2. Bring the check in a timely manor.
3. Suggest the specials and what is good.
4. Smile, be friendly.
5. Earn a tip, don't expect it.

Really it is all sales.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I heard a phrase today that drives me crazy.

"We just don't have the time to...."

Well I will be honest, then it must not be important enough, have enough value or is painful enough to make it to the top of the list.

I truly believe that most people can accomplish twice what they get done in a day. It is all about controlling their personal bandwidth. Making the social calls shorter, focusing, prioritizing and driving results.

The next time you do not have enough time, ask yourself.
1. Was it important?
2. Can I find more time in the day
3. Am I focused on the result?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Opportunity Knocking?

You never know when opportunity may knock. A job offer (No, I am not saying anything), sales opportunity or simply a good sale (Jenifer is always looking for this type of opportunity). I think one of the ways I have been good at sales is looking for opportunities and acting on them. Not taking lots of time to ponder, wondering if I have the right solution. I am prepared for all types of opportunities (learning new ones every day)

Recently I saw where we had an opportunity to sell a new solution. We had been evaluating it for some time. Our documentation was done, we understood the value and ready with pricing. However it was a new managed service with a process of implementation that was new and this scared some people. However if you don't sell a solution because every aspect was not covered (Granted you have to make sure technically it is ready) then we would probably never sell anything.

Do your best to prepare, do due diligence and wait, no make opportunity knock.

Monday, December 1, 2008

WHATS UP WITH MIKE FAFINSKI?

Last blog post on November 11th? He must be busy dancing...

My before Christmas Story

Twas the night before last when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even Molly dog in our house. When I heard a small peep and I set up from a deep sleep. When to my surprise I heard that small peep that made me weep.

What was it this time a cell phone, UPS or just the cordless phone. For last week it was the smoke detector this week I was just starting to dest or? Was it something important like the kids toys needing more tend.

I am tired of playing the find the beep in my sleep. Listening to every smoke detector in the night till I find the one that was right. Then stumbling through the dark to find the battery to silence the lark! Why Mr Grinch to you try my patience so many times? Cant the batteries last through out time?

Back to the story at hand, the beep that was waking me from sleepy land. Like I said it wasn't the smoke detector, the kids toys or even the cordless phone. It was Steph our neighbor texting Jenifer's Cellphone. It was almost midnight and she thought it important to let us know that our pretty lights, at least half were dark as night. To be honest it was planned, short one timer I am. Press read then clear I feel a deep sleep coming near.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A simple first for me!

The Christmas lights went up right the first time. Only a few broken bulbs. Ahh the small joys in life!

A sales thought. You could charge what ever you wanted for the parts and pieces required for putting up Christmas lights. I know in the past I would go to the nearest (Least busy) hardware store to buy the extension cords, splitters, bulbs and such. It almost didn't matter what the cost, I KNEW I was not going to Walmart or even close to the mall the weekend after Thanksgiving.

It is similar, make it easy to buy from you and sure, price can be a factor, however if you are easy, trustworthy and consistent customer will keep coming back.