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Customer Service Goes Beyond the Consumer

Cliff — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:52:45 +0000

It is an interesting fact that when consumers are asked how important they feel quality customer service is to their purchasing experience they rate it extremely high, while many service providers will put it further down the list of importance. This is extremely interesting when considering that everyone is at sometime the customer and at another the service provider. Steve Barbarich is fully aware of both sides of this issue and his previous experience with poor, little and even no customer service has enforced his own belief that it is central to his business.

Providing excellent customer service may seem like an obvious aspect of any business, though training and follow up seminars is often necessary to keep this a major focus of staff members. It is also interesting that many people are surprised to learn that positive costumer service extends into work relationships and that applying various techniques to behaviors and attitudes with co-workers actually makes for a much more positive and productive work environment. This is effective on the linear perspective of peer work relationships as well as from a subordinate to a supervisor and also vice versa.

It may seem obvious that part of a staff person’s job requirement is applying a customer service perspective to their supervisor or superior, it is not as obvious that a superior does well to extend the same respect and perspective to their staff. One of the immediate things this helps to ensure for the work environment is a lack of power struggle or power manipulation of superior staff members. It is a more positive work atmosphere when a supervisor realizes that they are there to ensure the smoothness of the workplace and guide staff in appropriate directions when necessary, and do not engage in power status struggles. Remembering to treat co-workers with the same respect we treat clients can be the key to a happy and successful workplace.

Customer Service Goes Beyond the Consumer is a post from: Business Today

Dealing with a negative co-worker

Musicians and drug abuse

Cliff — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:02:49 +0000

Musicians and drug use seem to be linked throughout history. There is no shortage of famous musicians lives ended prematurely due to drug overdoses. Some musicians have gone so far as to attribute elements of their success to drug use. Tracks and entire albums have been created under the influence of drugs, and probably many more than bands/musicians have admitted to publicly. The touring lifestyle many artists live likely contributes greatly to the abuse of drugs and alcohol as there are likely endless amounts of both. It isn’t until much later when they consider entering a drug and alcohol treatment center.
When a musician enters drug rehab, it seems those that are older are more likely to stay sober. Younger musicians still feel they have an aura of invincibility whereas older individuals have experienced many more of the highs and lows and their own mortality is much more real. Amy Winehouse is a good example of a musician who regardless of what her friends, family, and fans say still does not understand how her continued use of drugs and alcohol will kill her. It would be very sad to lose another extremely talented musician to drug and alcohol abuse.

Musicians and drug abuse is a post from: Business Today

Maps Help You Get Around Route 66

Cliff — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:49:19 +0000

This summer my brother plans to backpack around the United States. I didn’t want him to get lost so I got him a US printable map. I also got him several maps of Texas and a couple of maps of California. He told me that he plans on spending several weeks in Austin and a few weeks in San Francisco.

I told him that he should drive around the US and follow route 66. That way he would not have to hitch-hike and he could see more of the country. It’s a historic route that starts in Chicago and end in California.

There are classic grills and a lot of specialty shops that cater to the route 66 crowd. I told him that not only would he get to see a ton of the country, it’s historical too. He told me that he would consider it if he could stop in Austin.

Maps Help You Get Around Route 66 is a post from: Business Today

Updating Skills: One Way to Recession-Proof Job

Cliff — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:42:01 +0000

I needed a corporate team building program to help keep my employees on the right track. This recession has them scared and frankly, I don’t blame them. One way to ensure that you keep your job during times like this is by updating your training. I enrolled all of my people in organizational development programs and leadership training.

It was hard to have a third of the office out at a time but we managed. I told of them to display their new skills without being obnoxious. I knew this would be difficult for a few of them but I wanted them to know that I and my colleagues would be watching them.

This training turned out to be great. I really saw my employees’ skills on display and it showed through to everything. Our customers loved it and sales increased. I think I’ll continue to have training for my team even when the market is good.

Updating Skills: One Way to Recession-Proof Job is a post from: Business Today

Long Term Drug Rehab Program is Best Solution for OTC Drug Abusers

Cliff — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:37:18 +0000

A study came out recently that said more than 3 million people under the age of 25 have used over-the-counter cold and cough medicine to get high. The study went on to say that the chemical in over 140 medicines that are being abused in called Dextromethorphan, or DXM. But the study did not provide any recommendations for parents of these young people that have become addicted.

After a bit of research, it was clear that chemical dependency treatment is needed for these misguided youths. There is more than one type of drug abuse rehabilitation center. A long term drug rehab program has the highest success rate for clients maintaining sobriety once out of treatment.

This is something parents need to be aware of since OTC drug abuse is on the rise.

Long Term Drug Rehab Program is Best Solution for OTC Drug Abusers is a post from: Business Today

Food equipment firm Enodis shrugs off slowdown fears

Cliff — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:51:09 +0000

Enodis , which makes fryers for McDonald’s and Burger King, shrugged off fears of a slowing U.S economy, saying changes in eating habits and investment by restaurant groups would underpin demand for food equipment.

Food equipment firm Enodis shrugs off slowdown fears is a post from: Business Today

Diageo signs three-year Zacapa rum deal

Cliff — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:46:03 +0000

Premium drinks group Diageo has been granted a three year distribution and joint marketing agreement for the Zacapa rum brand by Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala group of companies.

Diageo signs three-year Zacapa rum deal is a post from: Business Today

Smith acts on under-age drinking

Cliff — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:22:58 +0000

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has signalled tougher powers for police to confiscate alcohol from under-18s as part of measures to tackle street drinking.

Smith acts on under-age drinking is a post from: Business Today

Sector movers: “Chocs away!” for Cadbury

Cliff — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:15:40 +0000

Food producers are on the menu for investors this morning, with Cadbury Schweppes leading the way.

Sector movers: “Chocs away!” for Cadbury is a post from: Business Today

Diageo out of Absolut auction after Ketel One buy

Cliff — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:09:17 +0000

Diageo, the world’s biggest alcoholic drinks group, has pulled out of the $6 billion-plus (3 billion pound-plus) auction for Swedish vodka Absolut after buying a half stake in fast-growing Dutch rival Ketel One.

Diageo out of Absolut auction after Ketel One buy is a post from: Business Today