I received some marketing material from A. G. Edwards today. It said:
“Plan For Your Taxes Year ‘Round”
And then reminded me not to ever let tax season escape my mind.
I would love to meet their marketing consultant, and ask them what in the hell they are thinking. Services are more useful when I feel they delegate and lighten my obligations.
I am all about customer service. It is not in my job description necessarily, but I take it upon myself to make sure that people are happy. The other day I had a phone call from a very upset individual who immediately chewed me out for his feelings of having been cheated. I was initially taken back, but I offered him my ear, time, and empathy.By the end of our phone conversation he seemed very happy, and pleased to have reached a human. In this particular company I see this attitude from the top down. It makes people happy, it boosts your reputation. That disgruntled customer has my cell phone number now.
Even before I came here I knew that a Senior Vice President would return your phone call, even if they had no idea who you were.
How much of the cost of a computer is the software? Why do we need to pay for all that software we don’t need? There are always attempts to create and equalize markets with the concept of ultra cheap machines. You can always create a la carte computers to order, but why not make them virtual machines.
A simple operating system will do. Couple that with open source programs that are entirely web based and served and you have really got something. Anything you need to do on your computer can be accomplished in a web browser.
So give me a power button, a browser, and a connection. I don’t want your software.
Seth Godin posted on a great new site.
Check it out: Addictomatic.
It’s like Dogpile, but better…. I am pumped.
Neal Stewart has a neat post about getting an entry level marketing job.
Blog he says. Blogging is like lifting weights. It is an exercise that sharpens the mind. You may also find that it’s a great way to keep a record of your thoughts and progress over time. Who knows, you just might strike up an audience.
Specialize he says. Find something about which you have passion, and stay in it. If you are not passionate about it from the start then you will never succeed. There is value created in finding your niche. Blogging about that niche is not only a great way of broadcasting your expertise, but also a way to remain focused on learning more.
Strike out on your own. It’s a great idea; just make sure that your business model is unique.