Coaching Information

Becoming An Empowered Consumer


How many times have you said to yourself?"I just wish that company would treat me like they appreciated my business!"?

For many years I trained Customer Service Reps at a large corporation. There is no doubt that it was during those years I personally became a consumer with rather high standards and expectations. It was also during that time that I realized my only point of power (as a consumer) was to take my business elsewhere if I didn't get the treatment I deserved. While it may not sound like much, take a minute and add it up!

How much do you spend at your grocery store in a year?

How much do you spend at your local gas station in a year?

How much do you spend at your Dr.'s office in a year (make sure to include what your insurance pays)?

Are you surprised?

Whether we consciously think about it or not, we are all consumers of companies and businesses who profit because we choose to do business with them. The key word here is "choose", and we'll talk about that later.

Some of the smallest businesses do a fabulous job teaching their employees how to treat their customers. Maybe it's the place you stop for coffee on the way to work in the morning. You go in, the coffee is hot and fresh, it's neat and tidy, the cashier has a big smile (even if it's really busy), and they even take the time to thank you for your business.

Then there are some of the larger companies (not all). They have mission, vision and values statements on the walls. In the employee lounge area there are posters that say something about their commitment to quality and service. Yet, when you reach the customer service or check out person, they appear lifeless?no enthusiasm, no eye contact, and virtually no acknowledgement?and god help you if you inconvenience them by asking for an explanation or a price check.

Decide right now to become an empowered consumer and give your business to those who treat you like they appreciate your business. Here's a strategy to get you there:

  • Create a list of all the places you do business. Don't forget to include subscriptions, financial institutions, and even your handyman.

  • Next, rate your satisfaction with each business on your list (5= Very Satisfied - 1= Not Satisfied).

  • Review your ratings.

  • If there are ratings of 1 or 2, take your business elsewhere?immediately.

  • Businesses you rated 3 should be considered in the danger zone. If you choose to stay with them, at least give them some feedback on what they can do to improve. Review them again in 6 months.

  • Repeat the process annually.

    My point?you deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation, and you have a CHOICE! If you exercise that choice, you serve us all as consumers. Don't settle for less!

    About The Author

    Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com; Coach@connectionscoach.com


    MORE RESOURCES:

    USA TODAY

    Sabres coach Ruff day to day after breaking 3 ribs
    Wall Street Journal
    AP BUFFALO, NY — Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff is still in severe pain, and it's unclear when he'll be able to resume coaching a day after breaking three ribs during an on-ice collision with defenseman Jordan Leopold. General manager Darcy Regier on ...
    Injured Sabres, Oilers coaches day-to-dayUSA TODAY
    Sabres assistant Patrick to coach if broken ribs sideline RuffTonawanda News
    Sabres coach Lindy Ruff listed day to day after breaking 3 ribs in on-ice ...570 News

    all 254 news articles »


    ESPN

    Jim Calhoun vows return to coaching
    ESPN
    By Andy Katz Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun plans on getting through the latest health crisis with his back and returning to coaching when he is physically able. The Hall of Fame coach was diagnosed with spinal stenosis last week and took a medical ...
    Calhoun not retiring, seeks care for back issuesUSA TODAY (blog)

    all 205 news articles »


    CBSSports.com (blog)

    USC WR coach Gilmore headed to Oakland
    CBSSports.com (blog)
    Just a few days after losing linebackers coach Joe Barry to the NFL, USC is down another staff member after wide receiver Ted Gilmore accepted the same position with the Oakland Raiders, a source told CBSSports.com. Gilmore, 44, came to USC just a year ...
    USC loses another football assistant, receivers coach Ted GilmoreLos Angeles Times
    Source: Ted Gilmore leaves USCESPN

    all 19 news articles »


    Chicago Tribune

    New Bears QB coach has ties to Cutler
    Chicago Tribune
    Jay Cutler has had a strained relationship with offensive coaches for the Chicago Bears, but Tuesday's hiring of Jeremy Bates as the team's quarterbacks coach gives him someone he's worked closely with in the past. Bates worked with Cutler in Denver ...
    Bears hire Bates as new QB coachChicago Bear Report (subscription)

    all 180 news articles »


    NBCSports.com

    Iowa promotes Parker to DC in staff shuffle
    ESPN (blog)
    After spending the past 24 seasons coaching defensive backs, the past 13 at Iowa, Parker now will lead the Hawkeyes' defense. He replaces Norm Parker, who announced his retirement in December. Although Phil Parker, who isn't related to Norm, ...
    Could the Patriots lose tight ends coach Brian Ferentz to Iowa?WEEI.com
    Ferentz staying in family with coaching hiresHuskerExtra.com
    Iowa promotes Parker to defensive coordinatorSioux City Journal
    The Gazette: Eastern Iowa Breaking News and Headlines -Bleacher Report -Big Ten Network
    all 47 news articles »


    Christian Science Monitor

    Is New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin a Hall of Famer?
    Los Angeles Times
    Writers from around the Tribune Co. discuss the Hall of Fame credentials for New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin, who just won his second Super Bowl with the New York team. Check back throughout the day for more responses and join the discussion by ...
    Patriots players, coach, fans ask 'what if?'Worcester Telegram
    New England Patriots' coach and owner still proud of their team – NFL news Updatebettor.com (blog)
    Coaching contrasts of Super Bowl 2012: the 'hoodie' vs. the 'colonel'Christian Science Monitor
    SB Nation -USA TODAY (blog) -Bleacher Report
    all 22,395 news articles »


    Las Vegas Sun

    UNLV football shuffles coaching deck
    Las Vegas Review-Journal
    By Mark Anderson UNLV football coach Bobby Hauck said it was time to "freshen up our approach a little bit," so he changed both coordinators Tuesday but kept his staff intact. He promoted tight ends coach Brent Myers to offensive coordinator and ...
    Coach shuffling for UNLV staff results in new offensive, defensive coordinatorsLas Vegas Sun
    UNLV shuffles coaching staff following dismal seasonCBSSports.com
    FOX5 Vegas - KVVUUNLV football shuffles staff, names new coordinatorsKVVU Las Vegas

    all 41 news articles »


    Silver and Black report

    Loss of Tarver tough, but not devastating
    ESPN (blog)
    You get good, and then the getting gets good for other teams to come in and start picking off assistant coaches. Stanford is no exception. It happened last year with the head coach. And another successful season means another round of the coaching ...
    Jason Tarver could bring a new defensive schemeSilver and Black report
    Oakland Raiders Take Another Coaching Risk In Hiring Jason Tarver To ...SB Nation
    Football: Co-coordinator Tarver leaving to run Raiders' defenseThe Stanford Daily
    Thoughts from the Dark Side -Bleacher Report
    all 200 news articles »


    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

    Rodgers likes idea of QB coach with playing experience
    Green Bay Press Gazette
    Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he hasn't been told who will replace Tom Clements as the team's quarterbacks coach but hinted Tuesday he would prefer someone with playing experience. Tight ends coach Ben McAdoo has been considered a ...
    On the Packers' highly regarded assistantsESPN (blog)

    all 32 news articles »


    USA TODAY

    Report: Todd Haley to join Steelers coaching staff
    WEEI.com
    By Arielle Aronson Former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley may have found a new home. According to Mark Carman of 610 AM in Kansas City, Haley will join the Steelers coaching staff as the new offensive coordinator. The move has yet to be announced by ...
    Todd Haley resurfaces in PittsburghESPN (blog)
    Roundup: Haley reportedly a Steeler; coordinators get jobsUSA TODAY
    Todd Haley Hired As Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Cardinals' List Cut Down ...Revenge of the Birds
    Bolts from the Blue -Bleacher Report
    all 417 news articles »

    Google News

  • home | site map
    © 2007