Customer DisserviceWritten by Bob Osgoodby
I recently had a problem, and called my ISP (who shall remain unnamed) for help. I could not dialup to ISP and get connected. I let this ride for a day, in event they were having a problem, but next day when I still couldn't get connected, I gave them a call.After listening to their computerized message, which told me everything except how to brush my teeth, I finally selected appropriate option. I was given approximate hold time, (which I appreciated) put them on speaker phone and went about other things I was doing. After 5 minutes or so, I was connected to a customer service rep, explained problem and was put through a series of things to try, which I did. None of them worked. I was told software had become corrupted, and I would have to reinstall software from my Windows CD. I explained that I could dialup to other services and problem was only with their service. No matter I was told, I would have to reinstall software. I couldn't immediately put my hands on Windows 98 installation CD, so he told me to call back when I did. Unable to find it, I called my daughter and she had a copy. I picked it up next day and called back. I asked for customer service rep I had talked to, and was told he wasn't in office I was connected to. Seems he was housed in Tennessee and now I was talking with someone in California. I told this rep I was instructed to call back for instructions on how to reinstall software. This one told me to turn off my computer and then restart it. When it still didn't work, he told me he couldn't do anything. Now this guy barely spoke English. Not satisfied with his answer, I asked to speak to a supervisor who told me problem would be referred to their research department and someone would call me back within 48 hours.
| | The Seven Sisters of SuccessWritten by Philip E. Humbert
I recently had a chance to interview several groups of extremely successful people. A handful are famous athletes, several are nationally known artists, writers or politicians, and all are multi-millionaires. I asked them for keys, or essential factors that allowed them to accomplish so much more than rest of us.Their answers included a wide variety of specifics, but to an astonishing degree, 7 items came up in every discussion. I've called them "Seven Sisters of Success", and want to share them with you. 1. Self-awareness. The first thing that struck me about these men and women was degree to which they understood themselves. They know their values and goals, and are comfortable with choices they have made in life. They admitted some regrets and mistakes, but they have made peace with past and are eager, confident and optimistic about future. 2. Specific Goals. Every single one of these 26 people have written goals, ranging from 30-day projects to 10 year programs. I was impressed that their goals are IN WRITING. Athletes had performance targets, and business leaders had sales goals. They all had family or personal goals that were just as detailed as their professional objectives. The advice we have all heard about writing down your goals really works! 3. Powerful Networks. They all acknowledged their network of friends and colleagues. Each one gave credit to a mentor or friend who taught them ropes, opened doors, or gave them a chance when they needed it. They were profoundly grateful and appreciated that success is result of partnering with many people over many years. 4. Surprising Idealism. I was surprised at degree to which these seasoned, mature individuals openly discussed their ideals. Some talked about religious beliefs, others framed it in political or psychological terms, but they all want to make a difference, fulfill a life-purpose, or pursue a dream. They are motivated by a desire to create a better world, to contribute, and to help others.
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