Robotic Sales Tactics … Wrrrr… eep-eep, beep-boop … Zzzzzz

Decades ago I worked as a trainer in an outbound call center (read telemarketing shop). I’d climbed the ranks quickly from modest dinnertime annoyance to being in the position to train and shape common sense in others. It was an interesting period. We handled fundraising I later considered dubious, sold pay-per-view boxing, offered free trials … Continue reading Robotic Sales Tactics … Wrrrr… eep-eep, beep-boop … Zzzzzz

Bait and Switch

I recently consulted with a job-seeker somewhere in-between a career change and a life change. Her former career having been less than kind, resulted in a bit of time off while she cleared her head. Fast-forward three years and she was ready to return to the field for which she was well trained, qualified and … Continue reading Bait and Switch

First Impressions: No Substitutions

There’s an old saying – at least I hope it’s still a saying, ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression.’ It’s the premise, albeit somewhat misguided perhaps, behind the retail greeter. “Welcome to Wally-World, thank you for coming.” It’s also behind the root principal of consistency in service and hospitality. If a … Continue reading First Impressions: No Substitutions

Time Capsule. Automotive Mayhem, 16 years later.

In the summer of 2001, I hit a deer en route home from from a newspaper job - and shared this essay online via my own website.  Soon thereafter, protests at a local FORD dealership prompted my editor to send me over. In the interest of full disclosure, I send him a link to this … Continue reading Time Capsule. Automotive Mayhem, 16 years later.

A Teaching Moment … Lost

A part of me is teacher – more by nature than by nurture. I understand basic educational theory, have been trained a bit and have had many opportunities to instruct others. I’ve taught audio and video production to undergraduates, an introduction to the six-string guitar at community college, a range of traditional academic subjects during … Continue reading A Teaching Moment … Lost