Lessons From My Father

When I was in what we then referred to as Jr. High, my parents had a party on the eve of a presidential election. It’s one of the few parties I remember that they had at a venue outside of our house. We as children were not invited.

Herbie didn’t drink alcohol very often. Legend has it that he “felt no pain" that night. That legend followed him through decades of his life and even through the decades since his death.

Supposedly he kept looking for “hangers." At the end of the night he kept returning to a closet to look for these “missing hangers." It seems as though for all guests watching the election results was all in good humor.

I can only wonder if it is even possible to have an election eve party in this climate.

ASK LESLIE

Stay on Your Cutting Edge

I created a PowerPoint for a client presentation. Writers of the Declaration of Independence spent less time than I spent on this presentation. Due to some tech problems, the presentation in its entirety was not used. How could your team benefit from a great presentation using the world-wide blockbuster SUITS to make points that are valid in any profession? 

Customer Service? Disservice? Delight?

1.  The Dreaded New Phone Process

Finally I knew the time had come for a new phone. I thought the salesman was patient with me and helpful. Maybe he would go on my customer delight Wall of Fame. Maybe I would write about him in an upcoming newsletter. The day of my phone purchase was followed by consecutive day visits to Verizon.

Lesson Learned: The salesman who had helped me for at least an hour and half apparently didn’t recognize me at all on any of my follow up visits. Not a nod, not a hello, nothing. Selling is a circular process, it almost has no beginning and no end. A client is always a prospect, or someone else’s prospect. Do you see selling as a one and done?

2. The Forgotten Car

When my car was ready for service first I gave my list of car “problems” over the phone. That list disappeared. Then I wrote a list that went with my car on its trip to the service department. They forgot to pick it up so service was delayed a week. My car didn’t come back the first day nor did I hear anything. Eventually my car came back late the second day.

Lesson Learned:  No one called and updated me about my “list.” I have no idea what problems were solved or not solved. In a brief exchange with the delivery person I was told to talk to my “salesperson” of 8 months ago. But isn’t service supposed to provide service? Do you provide customer service or customer delight?

3. The Tale of Two Stores

Morning coffee has not been the same since Circle K stopped their monthly “sip & save." I persevere with my rarely clean refill cup. Two Circle K locations have the nicest managers and cashiers. The other, not so nice. I choose to drive a little further for nice.

Lesson Learned: Culture always comes from the top. Always. Even in a “gas station." The manager of the “nice” store said she couldn’t imagine getting complaints about her people. Manager at “not nice” store doesn’t seem to care. Do you think nice still matters?

This is Tevi’s turn to go to class. We are now in novice obedience. Which means we graduated from beginner status. One might be hard pressed to see that when attending our class.

My goal is to NOT be the worst pair in the class. Some of the dogs and their owners are competing in like real competition. That is not my plan. I continue to want a dog that will listen to me. Primarily because it could save his life. When he gets loose, which happens occasionally, that he would COME when called could save his life.

A few weeks ago we were doing the STAY exercise. You leave your dog and go across the room. Your dog is to STAY until you return. Tevi decided to visit the other dogs in class during his STAY. Besides being incorrect behavior, the Shar Pei or the Malinois might not appreciate the visit.

This week he STAYED in place through-out the whole exercise. Although I held my breath, which I shouldn’t have, I did tear up in pride!

We keep at it day after day. Like running through molasses in a marathon.

Video and Vino Final Event of the Year

December 11, 5pm - 7pm

We would be excited to have you join us at this unique session. Each participant will be taped, we will play it back, make suggestions, and tape you again. You will see immediate improvement!

You learn by doing and by observing others. Guess what? You have fun throughout the process!

• This session will prepare you to be ready for your time in the spotlight whether it is in person, on TV, a podcast, Tik-Tok, YouTube or Zoom.
• Leave with VINO and a gift bag!

Ask me about my 10 in 10!