My credit card company somehow got my mom’s phone number and keeps calling my mom. When the representative called again to speak with me, I took the phone call. I knew they were calling to sell me something because I pay my statement on time. I told her that she was calling my mom’s phone number and not mind. She apologized and gave me a 1-888 number to call. I called and had my mom’s phone number put on the Do Not Call list. Hopefully, this clears up the phone number snafu.

If you have credit card debt it could be an advantage. When financial representatives call you they’re calling to sell you something like identity protection or some other product. All you have to do is tell them that you have $5,000 or more in credit card debt and you’re not interested. They may try to press you but all you have to do is reiterate that you owe your credit card company money and you don’t think it’s a good idea to take on more credit card debt. Tell them your main priority is paying off your debt as soon as possible and signing up for a product that costs $30 or more per month is not feasible at this moment.

The next time a representative calls you, nip it in the bud! Tell them you can’t sign up for products right now but to contact you in a year or two. If you’re temporarily living with your parents and credit card companies call their phone number, make sure you call to have their phone number removed. There’s no reason for credit card companies to contact your parents, unless, of course, they co-signed a loan for you!

Rebecca

I attended a webinar for Bob Proctor’s Life Consultant program. I think Bob puts his money where his mouth is and I’m considering his program. Bob made an interesting point about life coaches — he said they’re baby sitters. I was taken aback by his comment but in a way, he could be right. He said the life coaches have conversations with their clients either face-to-face or over the phone. He went onto to explain the process which is the coach meets with client, they discuss what the client can do to move his/her life forward, the coach assigns “homework” to the client, and they agree to meet again where the coach will find out if the client did the homework assignment. Bob said this isn’t coaching it is babysitting!

Is life coaching like babysitting? What do you think? Share your thoughts.

Rebecca

I expect the best that’s just how it is. I won’t apologize for expecting the best customer service, the best companies and people to work with, or the best places to live. I know who I am which probably scares most people because they don’t know who they are.

Recently, I had an interview and it was a disaster. It was snowing, and I was stuck on the highway. I’m still amazed that Ohioans “freak out” even though most of them have lived in Ohio all of their lives. Snow happens in Ohio — get over it. I had a “gut feeling” that this opportunity wasn’t right for me, and I was right.

Since I was crawling on the highway, I did the right thing and called the person who was supposed to be interviewing me and left a message. Traffic started moving for whatever reason (there wasn’t an accident), and I continued on my way into Downtown Cleveland. My phone rang, and I thought it was the person who was supposed to interview me. Wrong! It was the receptionist (not very personable or upbeat) telling me the person I was meeting was out on medical leave. What? Then the receptionist proceeded to tell me I’d be interviewing with two other people. What? I didn’t know I was interviewing with two other people. You’d think the person interviewing me would have had the courtesy to email or leave me a voice message telling me she wouldn’t there. You’d think I would have been informed that I would be interviewing with a total of three people. To me, this is sloppy business and communication. No matter what you circumstance is you hand the ball over to someone else so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

Employers expect “the best of the best” to work for them but they may want to reevaluate their current staff because they may not be the best. When you interview people, make sure you’ll be there for the interview. If not, send a quick email or phone call and explain that someone else is conducting the interview. This way the candidate won’t be surprised when they arrive at your office.

Sloppy communications is one of my pet peeves but that’s just me. Even if I was in the hospital or half way around the world, I would make sure that systems were in place to handle business. My employees would be the best of the best and they’d make sure day-to-day operations ran like clockwork — this includes a simple task such as interviewing. There are no excuses for sloppy interviews. Get your act together or the person you’re supposed to interview could become your competition and “lure” your clients away from you. I bet you didn’t think about that!

Rebecca

P.S.

People have lost their jobs and are looking for employment. You may need to earn a living but please don’t be desperate and take the first offer that comes along. Chances are you’re probably smarter than the people who are interviewing you. You may consider opening your own business before working for someone else again.

Have you ever experienced a sloppy interview? Share.

Once upon a time, when you called a company a real person answered the phone. If you had a complaint, your call was forwarded to a customer service representative. Ah, the good ol’ days. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back to the time when “customer service” existed? A woman can dream can’t she!

Companies used automated phone systems because they cut costs and save time. Do they really save time and for whom? What about saving the company money? If you lose customers because they’re tired of your automated phone system, how is that saving your company money?

I’m tired of pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. This is America, we speak English. Before you know it, you’ll be asked to press 3 for Mandarin Chinese, 4 for Japanese, 5 for French, 6 for Portuguese, 7 for Swahili, 8 for Latin, and 9 for Hungarian! Once you select your language, you’ll be asked to press 1 for this department, press 2 for that department, or press 3 for another department. You could travel to China faster than you can reach a customer service representative.

Automated phone systems never give you the option to press 0 for the operator. You can try to press 0 and hope to be transferred to customer service or redial and try again. How does this save the customer time? If an operator would be pickup straightaway, you could be connected to the right department in no time.

In my opinion, automated phone systems are the most irritating invention. I’d prefer to hire someone to answer phone calls from customers and have them directed to the correct people. Some may argue this cannot be done because we are global society. Others will argue that scaling back on automated phone systems will hurt corporations. Sigh…

All I want is to speak to a human being and not waste time pressing buttons on a phone. If I want to waste time pressing buttons, I’ll play a video game! It would be more fun than pressing buttons trying to reach the right department and person who can help me!

Rebecca

What bugs you the most about automated phone systems?

My thoughts on the Millionaire Mind Intensive…

The weekend of December 4 – December 6, 2009, I attended T. Harv Eker’s Millionaire Mind Intensive. Harv is the author of the #1 Best Selling book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. His company is Peak Potentials “one of the fastest growing business and personal success training companies in North America.”

I was invited to the event by the organizer of my Master Mind group. I was very skeptical because I’ve been invited to these types of events before and have been disappointed. Most events are nothing but “glorified” sales and marketing pitches. The Millionaire Mind Intensive was different. I was blown away by the event and it was FREE to attend if you were invited by someone. The event is usually priced at $1,295.

The Millionaire Mind Intensive is for those who are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” You’re tired of having financial setbacks, living in mediocrity, and not knowing why you haven’t been successful in life. You will receive the answers to your questions.

Attending a Millionaire Mind Intensive requires an open mind. There was a lot of “hi-fiving,” clapping, and dancing — mostly by people who went up on the stage. It may seem a little hokey (I thought this), but keep an open mind and you’ll have a good time.

For those who are familiar with Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Master Key System, and the Science of Getting Rich will enjoy the Millionaire Mind Intensive. People at the MMI event are familiar with these books and other self-help books. They constantly work on changing their mindset around money and attend the Millionaire Mind Intensive as a stepping stone to the other courses offered by Peak Potentials.

All of us promised that what happened at the Millionaire Mind Intensive would stay at the Millionaire Mind Intensive, kind of like “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Again, I was very skeptical going into the seminar, but my mind was changed by Sunday night. I highly recommend you attend a Millionaire Mind Intensive if you’re fortunate enough to receive a FREE certificate. Not only will you learn the secrets of the rich, you will learn what is holding you back in life and business!

Rebecca

What’s stopping your from having a Millionaire Mind?

America needs a reality check. If you own a small business, you don’t exist without customers. That’s business in its simplest terms. The formula goes something like this: small business – customers = out of business. It’s pretty simple; you don’t have to be Plato or Socrates to understand the formula.

Unfortunately, employees of small businesses don’t understand the formula. Without customers the business will fold which means employees are out of jobs. Again, it’s a pretty simple concept to understand. So, why don’t small business owners and employees get it?

Providing horrible customer service is a guarantee way to send business to your competitors. People will not stand for rude or poor customer service. They’ll just drive a few miles to your competition and spend money for goods and services.

Perhaps customer service has taken a nose dive because of the economy, Americans values, or employees being fed up with working hard and long hours and not receiving the pay or recognition they deserve. If small business owners don’t appreciate their employees, why would employees appreciate customers?

Customer service can make or break your business. Word-of-mouth travels fast and is still a viable means of advertising. Don’t treat your customers right will result in the phone not ringing and your website sitting idle in cyberspace!

Without customers you business will shrivel up and disappear. If employees are disgruntled find out why. Your receptionist (if you have one) is the first point of contact with customers. She sets the tone for your small business. If your receptionist answers the phone with a “frosty” tone, you’ll hear about it from customers. Take the time to find out why your receptionist is not friendly. Perhaps she’s going through a rough time at home or found at that a loved one is sick. This is not an excuse, but it will give you insight and you’ll be able to address the situation in a professional manner.

Many people will pay for customer service. For example, a woman working at a local McDonald’s provided excellent customer service that it landed her on the 5 o’clock news. People were driving miles to this particular McDonald’s because of the customer service. These people had a McDonald’s around the corner from them but they chose to drive a few miles just to be greeted by this particular employee. That’s the power of exceptional customer service.

If your small business isn’t flourishing as you’d like it to, you may want to look at your employees and assess their customer service skills. You may want to send them to seminars and conferences on customer service. The sooner you “nip this is in the bud” the better for you, your business, and customers.

Rebecca

Employers can set employees up for failure or success. Choosing to do the latter will motivate employees to do their best and go above and beyond the call of duty. When you don’t set employees up for success, you hurt the bottom line. The company’s profitability could plummet because employees will not be motivated to make sales calls or contribute to the company.

Setting employees up for success can help your company improve the bottom line. Happy employees add positive energy to the office. They’ll make extra sales calls, take on extra work, and have a positive attitude which can spread throughout the office. Successful employees will add value to your business in more way than you can imagine.

Employees like to hear, “…thank you” now and again. They also enjoy receiving pay increases and bonuses. However, it’s been proven that employees put a higher value on being appreciated. On a scale of 1 to 10, money came in at number 9 while being valued and appreciated ranked higher. Employees like to express their ideas in an open and safe environment and see their ideas implemented.

How can employers create successful employees

Employers can create successful employees by allowing them to take on challenging work. Give them a chance to resolve a problem within the department. You may be surprised to find out that your employees could have been saving you money. This is what happens when you don’t trust that your employees can handle the job.

Don’t micromanage employees because it doesn’t work. The majority of employees do not require “hand holding” on the job. You hired these people to do a job, why would you want to stand over their shoulders? Give employees room to breathe and grow. They may not do the job how you would, but it doesn’t matter if they complete the work in a timely and efficient manner.

How employees can be successful at work

Perform your job well and don’t worry about jealous co-workers. Voice your ideas when asked or suggest them at the monthly meeting. Don’t get caught up in office politics or gossip. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don’t get involved in your co-workers antics. Most of them are probably miserable in their lives and flock to those who are the same as them. Take the high road and wait for an official announcement from the company. This way you won’t be stressed out at work worrying that the company’s being sold. It’s not worth it.

Before you arrive at work intend to have a great, productive day. Give thanks that you have a job because many people lost theirs and they’re not coming back. Intend to do the best you can and do it. When you’re ready to move on from your current employer, the energy you put into your current job will be clean and energized so your next position will be better than the last

Employees can be successful at work with the help of employers. Show your appreciation by saying “great job, thank you, and we couldn’t have done it without you.” Employees can and will add to the value of a company if you let them. When you set up employees for success, the bottom line will increase year after year and so will your employees morale!

Rebecca

Let’s face it, women are not going to give up their beauty and skin care products. Even though retail sales are down right now, internet sales are through the roof! Why? The internet is fast and convenient. With the click of a button you can place your Arbonne order and have it delivered to your home. It’s that easy and simple. Internet shopping is safe for the environment. There’s no need to get into the car and drive to the mall (unless you want to do so) or have someone come to your house. If the amount of emissions released into the air can be reduced that’s a benefit for everyone on the planet!

Beauty and skin care products are marketable products because women use them daily. Arbonne products are top of the line. Not only do you receive a quality product, but you have an opportunity to join and grow a small business.

There’s nothing like having your own business. You’re the boss and you call the shots. You set your hours that work for you so you can spend time with family and friends. You won’t miss special moments like school plays, birthdays, teacher conferences, and other important dates.

Arbonne business

If you’re interested in earning passive income with Arbonne, sign up at IAmANatural.MyArbonne.com. Beauty and skin care products will not wane. Men and women enjoy looking and feeling their best. They’re not going to give up their skin care products.

Arbonne beauty and skin care products will help you thrive in any economy. You won’t be worried about paying the bills because you’ll be earning passive income. The bonus is that you’ll look good doing it!

The main point about joining Arbonne International is the fact that you earn passive income. We’ve all heard the “stay-at-home” mom stories a dozen or more times. Yes, when you’re a mom you have a couple of choices 1) quit your job, 2) call your mother who may live 2,000 miles away and tell her that she’s moving in with you, 3) hire a nanny or baby sitter, or 4) put your child in daycare. There’s nothing new here. If you don’t want to put your child in daycare or have your mom move in with you, start an Arbonne business. Not only do you receive great benefits such as an awesome discount, you get to start your own business. This means you can stay-at-home with your child and earn a great income at the same time. It’s a win-win situation!

Rebecca

I’d like to share my story about my credit card company. I’m with Bank of America and they sent me a notice on October 27, 2009 that my credit card limits were reduced. Receiving this notification was like receiving a sucker punch to the gut. Never in my life did I ever dream that I would be in this situation. How the hell did I create this for my life? Mark my words…this is my first and will be my only time to deal with this situation. Here’s my story…

I always enjoyed a very high credit limit and was able to pay my bills with ease when I worked as a Property Analyst for a real estate and development company in Cleveland, OH. Accounting wasn’t my passion, but I made a great living. When my father died, I decided to pursue my love of art and went back to school for a graphic design certification. I quit my accounting job, sold my townhouse, moved in with my mom, and landed a job as a graphic designer. I still was miserable. I managed to create the same situations in my life just with different people. Something had to change because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I graduated in May 2007 with a Master of Science, Management degree. I researched some states and decided I would move to Arizona. I sent out resume after resume without receiving any responses. I went to the UK in August 2007 and when I got back, I finally spoke with someone about moving to Arizona. I was told that Arizona employers like to see Arizona residency BEFORE they will hire a person. So…In September 2007, I drove from Ohio to Arizona. It was my first “real” road trip and first time I drove cross country — no one was with me. When I arrived in Arizona, I decided to move there. I found an apartment, parked my car in the garage, flew back home, packed up, and flew back out. I was confident that I would find full-time or part-time employment utilizing my accounting degrees along with my Master of Science, Management degree. I was wrong!

Steps I took to finding employment

• Sent out a ton of resumes before and after my move to Arizona in September 2007.
• Started networking to make connections — hoping to gain referrals.
• Contacted and met with several different representatives from employment agencies none of which helped me find employment.
• Put ads on Craigslist.
• Put resumes on Craigslist.
• Put resumes on Jobing.com and CareerBuilder.
• Informed people that I was a writer looking for work, but would be interested in accounting work as well.
• Signed up with Guru.com and bid on jobs.
• Tried my hand at Google AdSense and spent more than I earned.
• Obtained not 1, not 2, but 3 degrees, including a Master of Science.
• Received a graphic design certification.
• Started reading books like Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Science of Getting Rich, Quantum Success, and other books to change my thoughts around abundance, money, and wealth.

Fast forward to October 28, 2009, and I am living, correction, surviving in Arizona by the skin of my teeth! According to all of the “spiritual gurus” out there, you can do what you love (writing for me) and make money from it. I’m grateful for my writing job and the writing jobs I had, but it’s not enough to live on. Let’s face it, we need and use money, that’s how it is. Anyone that says they don’t like money is lying!

I hope all of the CEOs of the credit card companies can sleep at night. I’m glad as an American taxpayer that I was able to help bail out the banks and credit card companies when they needed it. I sleep better at night knowing that employees and CEOs receive their BIG bonuses on time and enjoy spa days. I couldn’t live with myself if they missed a bonus check!

BONUS

CLICK HERE to read the letter I sent to Bank of America.

Rebecca

How have you been screwed over by a credit card company?

I was contemplating moving from Chandler, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ so I was apartment hunting. Ugh! I’m not sure what Arizona real estate developers were thinking back in the 1980s and early 1990s. I must say that the Mark Taylor apartment complex on Rural Road (Ray and Rural Road) was one of the best. It felt more like a condo which reminded me that I wanted to rent a condo or town home. I began my search for renting a condo or town home.

Wow! I thought real estate agents would know that you must “stage” a property before you show it. Even though I was only thinking about renting a condo or town home, I could have been open to purchasing one. As my law professor would say, “…too bad, so sad.”

If you’ve been paying attention to the news then you know Arizona is a state that has been hit hard by the real estate debacle. Why wouldn’t you make sure a property is “clean” before you show it? I met this one agent from a supposedly “classy” agency (think Biltmore) and the property was filthy! I was looking to rent it, but as I said I would have considered purchasing. The agent was not personable and the property was very dirty. The wallpaper looked like it was from the 1970s. Plus, the electricity was turned off! The agent used the light from his cell phone to show me the bathrooms and bedrooms. I stood there and thought, “…you can’t be serious.” Needless to say I did not rent that property and was not interested in any other ones he wanted to show me. This was a real estate turn-off!

When you show a property, make sure it’s clean and the lights are on so people can see what the bathroom and bedrooms look like. If you’ve been in real estate for a long time you should already know this. It’s like real estate 101.

I learned a lot from traveling around Arizona. First, I can be a real estate agent. I’m personable, and I have common sense not to show a dirty property. Second, I’m not into high-pressure sales tactics. This is a fast way to lose a potential client. Finally, I’d make sure the electricity worked and the property was clean. I would not show a dirty property!

If you’re a real estate agent and are not making the sales ask yourself “why?” What’s the condition of the properties you show? How personable are you? What’s your energy like? Upbeat? Desperate? Take a good look at yourself and answer the question, “…how did I lose a real estate client in less than one minute?”

Rebecca

How clean were the properties that you visited? How friendly was the real estate person? Share your experience.