Real Customers Matter ... in Customer Service

Recently, I've had some differing experiences in the way of customer service.

Oh, when I say customer service that is not to necessarily strongly apply the old saying, "The customer is always right." Because, quite honestly, that is not always true -- taken literally. What that saying really means is that it is better to keep the customer happy even if the customer might be clueless, rude, etc.

Now, a happy customer can often be a returning customer. I thought of this the other day when I visited a fast food restaurant. Full disclosure: I've made a concerted effort to avoid fast food (for financial and health reasons). On this night, however, I had neither the desire nor the energy to come home to make food.

The cashier who took my order could not have messed it up worse if it had been his goal in life. He was somewhat aloof. The person who brought my order saw the confusion on my face when she told me what was in the bag. I ordered four items and the cashier got one right. That won't even get you in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a hitter (although, I suppose it could make you a lot of money).

Anyway, the lady who brought the food offered to fix it, but I was in a hurry and said I would take it, and not to worry about it. So, while the guy got the order wrong, her willingness to fix it, had that been my desire, made the experience a bit less unpleasant.

So, in customer service, here are some things to consider.

• Be clear up front with a customer. If you get it right in the beginning then you don't have to worry about a complaint in the end.
• An angry customer might not express his/her frustration to your face, but might instead use a more powerful tool: social media. Don't let it get there, if at all possible.
• Be nice.
• Make better than the minimum effort.
• Work hard.
• Be professional.
• Always treat people at least a little better than they treat you.

Good customers are returning customers. While the customer may not always be right, it's oftentimes better to do what is reasonable to keep a customer happy and returning. Granted, some customers are jerks and this is not always possible. So, pick your battles. It's possible you may not want a jerk-of-a-customer back.

These days, in customer service, you never know when someone is recording you on a smart phone. You don't want to be on the ugly end of one of those videos viewed tens or hundreds of thousands of times.

I'll Let This One Speak For Itself

This is from one of my conservative Facebook friends.

Oh, to read some of the comments attached to the original post. We do not live in the same world with some of these people.

Needless to say, the evidence was pretty flimsy.

Online Dating Scams ... Use Common Sense

Online dating is how a lot of dating is done now and, almost undoubtedly, how dating will be done in the future.

Sure, people are busy. Some people are even busier than others. Even some people who participate in online dating are too busy for the new-wave,cyber dating process.

But, do not let your desire for meeting your match rush you into one of these online dating con jobs that looks too good to be true. Because, in all honesty, if it looks too good to be true ... it probably is too good to be true.

Newbies can easily be suckered. Here's one that I remember: A beautiful woman from Russia, her English is a little broken, she becomes quickly enamored, and she soon wants to progress things to off the dating website. It's not long before she is trying to shake you down for some money so that you all can meet and your mutual dreams of a perfect relationship can turn into reality.

Here's another one. You hear from this woman who has one spectacular photo. In the back of your mind you're thinking, "Damn." She lets you know that if you provide her your email address and/or phone number then she can share a few more photos with you. You get offline and then she tells you that you can see her on her pay website (yes, one of those websites). All you need to do is have a credit card and you can talk to her all you want.

Come on,now. You have to approach online dating like a boxer: Keep your guard up and protect yourself at all times. Let your guard down and they'll drop you like a bad habit.

I did an online search of people scammed as a result of online dating. It is chilling. tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been lost by people.

So, what can you do?

Here are a few tips:

If it looks too good to be true ... it probably is too good to be true.

• If they quickly try to take you off the website (trying to get your personal email address or phone number), it's probably a scam.
• They drop on you that they're actually from a foreign country. I've seen Russia, the Philippines and Nigeria.
• If you're over 50 and a hot girl in her 20s seems strangely interested, don't fall for it, bruh.
• They cater to your ego (they skim your profile and try to hit on things they think that you want to hear, and do it a little too well).
• The conversation is superficial and they make excuses about meeting in person.
• Or, they want to meet too soon and it feels unnaturally rushed.

Play it smart and play it safe. Take your time to be sure you've discovered your true match.

Use the Term 'Coon' To Attack People

I've noticed a growing trend among people in the so-called black community to attack a certain type of person with which they have disagreement.

What I've noticed is an increase in the use of the slur "coon" to attack black people who hold a certain type of view on particular political and social issues.

So, I see "coon" used in a couple of different ways. But, before we get to that, let me start with the word's definition. It's a derogatory term (obviously) used to attack black people who are perceived to be against the interests of the majority of black people. It is sometimes, for example, used to attack black conservatives. More recently, it has been used to attack black people who do not do everything humanly possibly to serve the interests of black people as perceived by the "conscious" and "scholarly" black community leaders.

"Coon" is a dangerous and ugly term. What I find particularly ironic is that most of the people who use it are the same ones who call for black unity. Is this to say that we can only be united if we agree on 100 percent of the issues? If so, this seems like a nonstarter to true collaboration.

People have to be able to come together to solve issues. However, it seems counter intuitive to the true spirit of collaboration when some are deemed "coons" basically because they do not agree on every single issue.

Next time you see someone call another person a "coon" you should ask a few questions:

• What do they really mean?
• Is the slur based on a true large body of evidence, one incident, a few incidents?
• Is it used to create dialogue, to call attention to something significant, or is it a petty and one-dimensional ad hominem attack designed to hurt?
• Does the person attacked have a reasonable position?
• Is it done because the person using the slur lacks the ability to articulate a coherent and reasonable counterpoint?

I believe "coon" is an ugly slur that needs to largely be put to bed.

Think before you slur.

Black Friday Brawl for it All

For the life of me, I will never understand the thrill of Black Friday shopping. Maybe I should research the genesis of Black Friday madness. Whoever came up with this concept should be both saluted for brilliance and cursed for the madness created as a result of this shopping holiday.

I thought of this as a New York Daily News article popped up in front of me on a social media channel. The article details fighting, wrestling and other foolishness as fools be fools. Whether it's toys, clothes, Air Jordans, video games, or whatever -- fools spending money they likely don't really have is epidemic.

My first memory of shopping foolishness was way back in the mid-1980s when people were losing their minds over purchasing Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.

Yeah, interesting memories. It probably doesn't feel quite as good to look at it 30 years later.

Skip Black Friday. Shop with sense and avoid fighting over toys and other items. It's really not that important, folks.

Hey, Kool-Aid. ... But, Seriously, Why Go There?

This a video that I found to be quite interesting. This is one of those classic segments on a news program where someone comes out to cook and demonstrate a recipe. These segments pop up this time of the year during Thanksgiving and perhaps Christmas.

The recipe, in this case, is for peach cobbler (one of your blogger's favorites). During the course of the segment, with a black cook and a biracial child, host Brian Kilmeade inexplicably asks the woman about making Kool-Aid. For those of you wondering why this is significant: Kool-Aid is a drink stereotypical, in the eyes of some people, for black people. I'm pretty sure people of other races and ethnicities drink it, too, but that's not the main point.

It was quite the "What were you thinking?" awkward moment, to say the least.

The question is: Was it asked on purpose, with malice, or was it asked based on sheer ignorance?

You Won't Have Obama to Blame for Racial Sins

President Barack Obama

I doubt that anyone, even the most loyal fans of President Obama, will tell you that he has been what you would consider a perfect president. Of course, have we ever had a perfect president in the history of our union? Think about that and let me know, seriously.

I started to think about that as I read a CNN analysis piece that focused on race relations worsening during the Obama presidency. This headline, of course, popped up in my Facebook news feed (along with probably items from the hundreds of pages I have come to "like" during my time with a profile on the social media giant.

I digress.

Have race relations worsened under Barack Obama's presidency? A majority of those surveyed (CNN and Kaiser Family Foundation polling) said, "yes" -- rather emphatically so.

I get why some would feel this way. So, the poll suggested that "racial strife" is getting worse. Poll results further indicated that tensions among Americans of different ethnic/racial groups has increased. About 64 percent of Americans believe this to be true, including 67 percent of whites, 65 percent of blacks and 55 percent of Latinos.

Is it worse? I can appreciate how some people would see it that way. The real question is: Why is it worse (if that is what you believe)?

I do not believe it is worse. I believe that it is simply been brought from the closet to the front porch. Regardless of how you feel, the sentiments of the Tea Party and Black Lives Matter (not necessarily to equate the two, but to make a bigger point) were always there. Certain incidents, however, opened the door for individuals affiliated with these two movements to become more activist and vocal. For the Tea Party, you could argue it was the election of Barack Obama, the first black president. For Black Lives Matter, it appears to be incidents involving black people and the police.

The growing power of social media and video have given certain movements more power than they could have had in even the 1980s.

But, none of this is about Barack Obama. Feel free to try and ultimately fail to link it to the Obama presidency.

The headline of the article I linked, above, asks an important question about who will be blamed for race relations in the post-Obama era. It's a good question, indeed. Because, if you're foolish enough to believe racial issues will vanish once Obama leaves the presidency, then you were probably foolish enough to believe it started the day he became a viable presidential candidate and after he took office.

As Billy Joel once famously sang, "We didn't start the fire. It was always burning since the world's been turning ... No, we didn't light it though we tried to fight it."

Video Blogging has Taken Off

Once, blogging was all about what you may be reading right here. You go to a free blog site and you start to type away to express your opinions.

Well, that was what I did years ago. While, I would imagine the blogging world has no shortage of men and women who still express their views, this way, I do also enjoy the video bloggers. Actually, I don't always agree with everyone I watch (or read). In fact, I often read/watch people I do not agree with to better understand the other side of the argument.

I do wonder about the value of the video blog, as I look toward the future. On the other hand, to me, there's nothing like sitting here and writing my blog in what I guess you might begin to call the old-school way.

Old-school as it may be, it's still comfortable for me. I'll blog on, here.

One day, however, I might take on that video blogger deal (some of them call themselves "YouTubers")... one day.

Patriots vs. Thugs

What must be going through the mind of that celebrated "patriot" Cliven Bundy?

Bundy, and the "outside agitators" or "out-of-town" people who supported him were celebrated as patriots standing up for rights against an oppressive government.

Now, fast forward to the current situation in Ferguson, Mo. These individuals, for some reason, are not be hailed as patriots for their protests in the wake of the shooting of Michael Brown.

They're being called thugs, out-of-town agitators, race hustlers, race baiters, hooligans, criminals, outside agitators and ... well ... you get the picture.

Interesting how are perspective changes as we look through the prism of our biases.

Check out Salon.com for a perspective.

Take a look at the photo and think of the response in Ferguson when police heard that some people might be armed among protesters.

#Ferguson

#HandsUpDontShoot

We all need to think of where we're headed as a nation.

#Ferguson Matters

I, for one, applaud the protesters in Ferguson, Mo. I hope that continues nonviolent protesting will help generate a positive change in communities across this country in the wake of the killing of Mike Brown.

Change can't happen if the silent majority are outshouted by the vocal minority.

#HandsUpDontShoot
#Ferguson

O'Reilly, Criticism, Blacks

I found this quite interesting. Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly had interesting comments related to what has been happening in Ferguson, Mo.

This is how he was quoted by Media Matters:

O'REILLY: Do we as a society -- what do we do? Do we weigh in as the boy's father -- and if it were my son, I probably would have said same thing, but he's obviously talking through an emotional prism. His son is dead. He believes, probably -- I know he believes -- that it was an injustice, that it was done for nothing, it was a murder. And many, many African Americans believe that without knowing the facts. Do we criticize them, or do we remain silent?

O'Reilly has never really been shy about criticizing black folks. So, it's hard to understand where he's coming from with this one.

Handed Over On A Silver Platter

President Obama is not and should not be above criticism. Reasonable (well-reasoned criticism) is not only OK, but should be encouraged.

What's sad, however, is to see black folks who call for black unity, but criticize Barack Obama for not handing them everything they've ever wanted on a silver platter ... because he's a black president. I thought of this as I watched a video from a cat who sparked a lot of people commenting and whining about Barack Obama not giving them everything they've ever wanted.

No president will give you everything you want. If that is your expectation, disappointment will always be within walking distance.

No one, regardless of race, should be sitting around relaxed because we have a president of their color and think that he will cure all of our ills like .

Do for yourself, first, before you even think of looking for help from someone else. And, don't think because someone who has your skin tone is in power that you've made it to the top of the world. If that is your mentality, you're probably closer to the bottom than you'll ever be to the top.

Mitt Romney Vs. Zartan

Mitt Romney seemed to change colors during this interview:

This got me thinking about the old G.I. Joe action figure, Zartan, and a commercial from the mid-1980s.

RUN DNC ... This Hit Me After President Clinton's Speech At The Convention

This caught my attention today while I was on Facebook.

Disgusting Comments By People On CNN Website Regarding Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

It never ceases to amaze me the vile and nasty things that people anonymously say about others when no one can see them.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is undergoing some physical and emotional challenges. However, that is not enough to prevent people from taking cheap shots at him under the cloak of anonymity. Of course, these types of attacks are nothing new in this day of the Internet and the freedoms that come with it. The price for freedom is that it opens forums for people to attack others, anonymously, and otherwise. Some people enjoy being able to cheap shot while not signing their name or reputation to their attacks. The Internet is also a have for idiots like the guy below who absurdly calls the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. the "biggest racist in the nation." It makes you wonder how harshly these extremists would attack Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. if he was alive today.

Here are a few of the vile statements on CNN:

Roger BirdCollapse

Perhaps Jackson is depressed about being corrupt.  A bad conscience can cause a lot of grief.

winemaster2Collapse

Like father like son, both corrupt to the hilt, living high on the hog and as usual pretending to be do gooders with Chicago style rotten greed creed politics of self interests and self righteousness.. Now it is gastrointestinal and depression song and dance

SmackbackCollapse

crooked like his old man - what a p.o.s.

Here is a comment that reflects ignorance and callousness regarding people suffering from depression. It's sad that people think depression is no big deal. Is it a commentary on our society?

JalenTighCollapse

I would be depressed too if I were under investigation for corruption.... but this is just ridiculous. Take some happy pills and get back to work like the rest of us have to you lazy bum.

Here is one of the most ignorant statements (and there were many to chose from) out of the comments section:

dale gribble, i kill bugs, roaches, and antsCollapse

id be depressed too if my dad were the biggest racist in the nation

This person is an idiot. That is disgusting. But, it's part of the price we pay for freedom.

Read more here:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/04/politics/jackson-congress-depression/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Pretend Patriots Are Hypocrites

Gabby Douglas

I've enjoyed watching the Olympics this summer. I've always enjoyed them. I've enjoyed them since the first time I remember seeing the Olympics -- the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.

One of the interesting topics that fires up from time to time during the Olympics is the issue of patriotism. Many of us are patriots even though we may all have different opinions about what it truly means to display patriotism during the Olympics.

This all brings me to a post I read on News Hounds discussing the issue of patriotism and the people at Fox News.

Here is what News Hounds posted about the America Live program:

Guest host Alisyn Camerota said:

There was a proud moment at the Olympics yesterday when 16-year old Gabby Douglas won a gold medal in gymnastics. The crowd went wild with cheers – though we’re not hearing the chants of ‘USA, USA’ that we’ve heard in some Olympics gone by. And some folks have noticed that American athletes’ uniforms don’t carry the Stars and Stripes look as much as they had in past years. The famous flag-style outfits worn in years past replaced with yellow shirts, gray tracksuits, pink leotards. So how do we show our patriotism at the games?

So, what is patriotism? Is the effort they put in throughout their lives to represent their country in the Olympics? Is it the thrill that these athletes have as they give everything they have in goodwill competition as representatives of their country? Is it our athletes cheering each other on to victory? Is it the genuine emotion running through their body as they hear their national anthem played? OR, is it the outfits they wear? Cheering is not enough, with at least one Fox News host. You must cheer a certain way to truly be a patriot.

Read the post to get the full story on a manufactured Fox News issue.

These people who think of thems

Romney Booed By NAACP ... And Probably Loved The Successful Strategy

Mitt Romney

I suspect that presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was secretly loving the boos that he got from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. I get the feeling he expected ... and maybe wanted ... the boos from the civil rights organization.

From a division standpoint, it probably galvanizes some support for his candidacy in a national that is still somewhat divided along racial lines. Racial flamethrower Rush Limbaugh was all over it when he made the absurd suggestion that Romney was booed because he is white and insultingly implied that Romney's words were over the heads of the audience members. Limbaugh who has made a career and millions of dollars by through racially divisive (some would argue racist) words on his radio show.

With allies like Limbaugh, it would seem Romney needs no enemies.

The racial divide is widening, and men like Rush Limbaugh are celebrating that division.

ABC News:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/mitt-romney-booed-at-naacp-event-16754214

This Gives New Meaning to Everybody Hates Chris

Chris Rock

Comedian Chris Rock sure did stir up some controversy as he once again proved the power of the social media platform Twitter.

Rock wrote: "Happy white peoples independence day the slaves weren't free but I'm sure they enjoyed the fireworks."

Well, that definitely left a mark on society. Of course, Chris Rock has never really been one to shy away from comments that nudge (if not push) people out of their comfort zone. He is not bothered by a little controversy, and, a little controversy often proves good for some celebrities.

People are up in arms. I can recall reading some comments where one person asked how black people would like it living in present-day Africa vs. living in the present-day United States of America. That was one of the mild comments I read in the wake of Rock's Tweet.

I think people should keep one small thing in mind: CHRIS ROCK IS A COMEDIAN. His job is to joke and to push people out of their comfort zones. That is not to say that a comedian can't take it too far, but people should recognize that he is a comedian and then take the comment for what it's worth.

Non-Specifics Ain't Gonna Get It

This is a very rare time that I am going to agree with conservative Fox News (I know that is redundant to some people) commentator Bill O'Reilly. But, Republicans can't sit around and whine about so-called "Obamacare" and then sound like Scooby Doo when they talk about what they will replace it with if they gain power.