Customers Always Come First!

While not a very high powered shopper during the traditional gift purchasing season, there are those occasions where I do wander out. In the past 2 days, I had opportunity to visit 2 well known electronics chains, one each in Bridgewater and Hillsborough NJ. While I think it is not proper to name them, I will tell you one salesperson did all he good to give me excellent customer service along with the best buy possible while the other shouted across the store as if he was trapped in a shack listening to a radio.

The positive experience came when I asked questions about a low priced electronic component that certainly would not result in a huge commission. Not only did he answer everything I asked very professionally, this individual found a cart for me to use to carry the item out of the store and explained their extended service contract in such a way that I signed up and will definitely patronize them again.

In contrast, the second person listened to the first 3 or 4 words of my question before cutting me off and saying I was at the wrong type of store. Undaunted (and determined to make him do his job!), I continues with my question. he actually realized they might carry what I needed, craned his neck around the side of the counter without using any other parts of his body, and decided they discontinued the item without checking on the computer.

Whether you sell retail goods, medical devices, insurance, automobiles, or anything else at all, customers have a ton of choices at hand and will go to the places who treat them right. I will not be stunned when sales figures come in after the end of 2011 and certain companies trounce the results of others. If you are a sales professional of any sort looking to success, make sure you remember the oldest rule in the business, the customer ALWAYS comes first!

ETC.

• Job openings are starting to pop up here and there but companies still seem fixated on candidates with 2 to 4 years experience but want these folks to be experts in everything. The mind set of a lot of more seasoned candidates has helped bring this on so YOU need to demonstrate willingness and flexibility when job hunting!
• Resumes appear to be getting sloppier and less accurate. With time on your hands, no excuses will be accepted for this lack of attention to a very important detail.
• Pay rates are not rebounding as quick as job opportunities are at this point. be patient with employers. I do believe that if you take a job, you will eventually be rewarded. If not, as things loosen up in the next year or two, other employers will offer you the money you deserve.
• Help wanted signs are visible in many retail establishments. If your chosen field is still plodding along, consider taking a seasonal job to get the blood circulating.

ETC.

• The Medical Device industry seems to be ready for some growth once again which could be a very positive sign.
• Equipment manufacturers appear to have not retained the momentum they experience near the end of 2009, definitely not a positive sign.
• Retailers have some Help Wanted signs in their windows which could mean future growth is expected.
• It looks like the market for Medical Assistants has remained low in part because too many trade schools have taught the same curriculum.