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People Should Know These Things!

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

People Should Know These ThingsWhen you have fully adopted a marketer’s mindset, things look different to you everywhere you go.  A person with a marketer’s mindset sees a world where everything is marketable.  Now, by no means do I have the answers to everything, but it is simple logic once you have this mindset instilled in you.

A marketer walks into a department store, goes to the clothing department and knows that everything that is full price will be reduced to successively lower price points every two weeks!  If it doesn’t feel, it eventually gets put on the 85% off rack.   That’s the way it goes for my department store resale products, with the exception of perfume and cosmetics…they only have “specials” that come with gifts. So, it just depends on what category of items you’re looking to score deals on.

A marketer might be involved in care-taking for a loved one.  He or she goes on the internet to find special needs products.  While I was caring for my father-in-law in my home with hospice, the hospice folks could not believe the things I found.  Simple things like a urinal that doesn’t spill.  A walker that has a full enclosure (like a door) so a person cannot fall when they are walking.  The hospice worker is in the business…they should know these things!

A marketer wants to sell her home.  She talks to several realtors to get a good estimate for her property.  Now, how would you go about selling it? 

Well to me, giving someone 7% of my sale for just listing it as a broker didn’t make any sense to me.  The marketer in me came out like a lion.  I searched the web and found that there is such a thing as a “flat rate broker.”   This means that for 400 bucks your home can get on the MLS and many other places.  I only had to do the showings.  My home is now under contract after 10 days and I only have to pay 3% to the selling agent instead of the 7% several listing agents had quoted me.  Yes I’m bragging lol….

Now, when I talked to my real estate attorney, she had never heard of it.    She was amazed, even though she is a real estate attorney.  She asked me how to go about using a flat rate broker.  I explained the process to her, no problem, but then I thought… she’s a real estate attorney.  She should know these things.

Another example is a doctors office.  I had an experience recently where my doctor kept me waiting in the main waiting room for one half hour. 

My time is worth something, I thought. 

I tried to have patience but ran out of it and told the receptionist that I was leaving.  “Wait Wait…the doctor hasn’t seen you…where do you think you are going?”   I told her that I don’t do business this way.  The entire staff had wide eyes and dropped jaws. 

After all, a doctor’s office is just a place of business!  I’ve been in situations like this and the receptionist would tell me that there is a delay.  OK, fine.  But I refuse to do business with a staff of “professionals” that expect me to wait like a dog on a leash!  

Later, they called to see if I was OK.  Sure…I’m fine, but I don’t run my business like that, so I’ll have to choose someone else.   I am a patient…but also a customer.  Would you treat a customer like that?  I sure wouldn’t.  Now, this is a doctor.  But even a doctor should know these things.

 

Marketer Mindset

 

A marketer always has her eye on the end game. 

We do need a blog for social proof.

We do need to be on Social Media at short intervals and keep it social!

Yes, these are important, but what is more important is your end game.  You need to have a marketer’s mindset.  So what the heck am I getting at?

Read all you can about marketing trends.  Attend workshops and seminars, paid or free, it doesn’t matter.  You need to put all your energy on the end game which is the conversion of readers, visitors and subscribers into clients and buyers of your services and products.

You need to put 80 percent of all your energy into marketing.  Before you know it, you will see the world with different eyes. 

Most of all, you need to treat your customers or clients with respect and care.  This means, knowing the latest trends, tips, information, strategies and techniques in your field!  Study regularly, converse with your peers, attend professional events, keep abreast of what’s going on.  Then, share this information with your clients and customers who have come to trust you. 

It just amazes me that professionals in practically any field you can think of, simply don’t take the time or make the effort to at least Google something to further their knowledge of their business.  In any field you can think of, changes are occurring constantly.  New information and better methods are always becoming available.  The people who are trusted authorities and experts in their fields… They should know these things!

Am I being to hard on folks?  Are my expectations of people a little too high?  What do you think? 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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52 Responses to People Should Know These Things!

  1. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    August 11, 2013 at 9:08 am #

    Oh I hear you on this one! You’ve got to keep up with information!
    Much love to you…
    Lesly Federici recently posted..It’s HereMy Profile

  2. Sarah Arrow
    Twitter:
    June 23, 2013 at 3:05 pm #

    A bit of research and tenacity and you’ve saved yourself 4%, that’s a great saving and an inspiration to people with marketing skills to look into the flat rate scheme you mention 🙂
    Sarah Arrow recently posted..Purpose: build a business you love #KindleMy Profile

  3. Nate Leung
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2013 at 6:05 pm #

    I agree with you about the doctor’s comment. A doctor is a professional so are his staff. I know many doctors are notorious for making their patients wait and I struggle with the idea of having to have people wait. It’s very frustrating. A friend of mines the other day told me he wanted 2 hours to get a follow up check up and he saw the doctor playing on the internet and the receptionist was telling my friend that he was with a patient. Lol.

    Professionals no matter what profession, if they schedule a time for you to be there at an extract time, if you show up at the time, they need to hold up their end of the bargain.

    In the end, common sense isn’t really that common. Thanks Donna!
    Nate Leung recently posted..What Should You Do When Your MLM Upline Quits?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 11, 2013 at 2:44 pm #

      I goofed!

      I didn’t see your reply Nate, sorry for being tardy.

      Yes, I too favor that doctor’s comment! We expect to be treated in a way that is professional. When that does not happen, oh boy…we take our business elsewhere.

      This is why we must be mindful of how we conduct our own business.

      Well, for me responding late is so not a good thing…sorry.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Making Your Business BloomMy Profile

  4. Glenn Shepherd
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2013 at 8:11 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I absolutely agree! I get so frustrated at the way I see some businesses run, one of these days I swear I’m going to march into one of the head offices and say, “Look, THIS is how you ought to be doing it!”

    I think there are a few reasons why people who should “know these things” don’t or why they appear to not:

    1) They don’t care. They feel that because they’re a ‘big’ company with a well-known brand then they can rely on that and it doesn’t matter if they lose a few customers along the way by being sloppy. The way I see some things being done, this has to be the reason. Either that or they’re just idiots.

    2) They’re victims of the ‘life on rails’ mentality, as I like to call it. What I mean by this is that we live in a society that’s influenced so much by the media, public opinion, bureaucracy, red-tape, policies, procedures, etc that people can’t/don’t think for themselves and use a little thing called common sense. So the knock-on effect is that the customer is on the losing end – but that’s okay, so long as their procedures are followed….

    3) Some people are just dweebs.

    I have come to the conclusion that these three reasons are the main ones. I can’t come up with any other satisfactory explanation for the rampant incompetence that’s so evident these days.

    I have a very strict set of business ideals and ethics and I really don’t accept that there’s any valid excuse for treating your customers/potential customers badly.

    I believe that:
    – You should never do anything to alienate or unnecessarily annoy a potential customer.
    – You should always treat people with care and respect, never treating them as idiots.
    – You should always deliver good value in a way that’s courteous, reliable and honest.
    – You should never try to pull the wool over your customers’ eyes. That’s a surefire way to lose their trust and respect.

    It’s alarming just how many businesses fail in all of the above.

    Okay, enough ranting! In short, no, you’re not being too hard, Donna. Your expectations are more than reasonable. Mistakes happen, of course. And not everyone can know everything. But when it’s clear that no attempt is being made to improve in these areas, then something is seriously wrong.

    Kind regards,
    Glenn 🙂
    Glenn Shepherd recently posted..Your Business Needs YOU!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm #

      Hi Glen!

      Thanks for this awesome comment! I’m on the same page as you. I’ve run my own businesses for years and treat my customers/clients with respect and dignity. Even if I get pushed to the edge sometimes with their antics, I can see through that and handle myself in an appropriate way.

      Oh and never ever pull the wool over someone’s eyes.

      To me having a good business is one that will be lasting. It is not a shot in the dark. Giving more than what is expected always brings a great return.

      I can tell you this, one of my businesses has been running for 30 years and I never advertised. It is all word of mouth with a good reputation. Now that is because I’ll give extra all the time.

      When you can reach a point like that in business, it just runs by itself.

      As for the “biggies” well, they have to run the same way to get the same results. People are not stupid. If they are coming from a place of greed or any other negative space, it comes back to them.

      Again, I appreciate your well thought out comment that adds so much value to this post.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet CreationMy Profile

  5. Holly
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2013 at 4:07 pm #

    I don’t think you are being too hard on folks at all!! I certainly agree with you when it comes to waiting for a Dr. appt…. or any appt for that matter!! My time is valuable too!!! Why should I have to wait and wait and wait!??

    I take my vehicle to get serviced and i book an appt, but when I get there I find out that I have to wait til all the other cars that went in that morning are ahead of me!! Why do I bother to book an appt?? I don’t have a lifestyle where I can drop off my car first thing in the morning and have them “transport’ to my venues of work all day!! Maybe I should ask them!! LOL Customer service, if I book a 11:30 am appt, should I really have to wait 3 hours for an oil change.. ( my other dealership didn’t have that problem!!)

    As you say changes are occurring all the time,, People in their industry should be on top of it! They should know about many of the latest and greatest things to use.. However some do avoid the internet so they can make the ‘personal contact’. Depending on their clients, will definitely make the difference of what they should know!
    Holly recently posted..You Can Lengthen Your Health Span Part 8My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 9, 2013 at 6:41 pm #

      Thanks Holly for your great comment.

      It all comes down to customer service! Wow…I wouldn’t go back to that place EVER! I don’t know what people are thinking having others wait.

      It is so simple to communicate if you are backed up for some reason. It is always understandable…just explain the situation.

      And yes, changes occur all the time no matter what business we are in. We need to stay on top of things!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  6. Julieanne van Zyl June 8, 2013 at 2:26 am #

    Hi Donna, I love your “take” on things people should know, and how easy it is for a savvy person to find these things, even easier nowadays with the internet.

    Your story about the doctor’s office is good, I did the same thing with a chiropractor, the receptionist used to mess everyone about, by letting those who arrived first, in first, instead of going on the time of their appointment. I didn’t put up with that!
    Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..YouTube Pay Per Click Training WebinarMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2013 at 3:21 pm #

      Hi Julienne,

      Looks like my Doctor’s office visit made a big hit here lol. We as marketers need to have super awareness of our customer service. We need to keep up on everything in our niche.

      And…treat people like gold!

      Good for you at the chiropractor’s office!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  7. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    June 7, 2013 at 3:48 pm #

    Inspirational as always Donna. Had to laugh about you walking out of the doctors office because it reminded me of a similar incident. I’d gone to the same hair stylist for years and we’d become friends. The problem was that over time he began using that friendship to slack off on service. One morning I showed up for my appointment on time – he showed up 15 min late – with wet hair – and he proceeded to dry his hair and stand around joking with everyone while I sat waiting and boiling inside. I will admit I did not walk out at that point – hey, you can not imagine how hard it is to find a decent stylist on a 500 sq mile island that’s 3/4 dormant volcano and ranch lands! But I did say goodbye to him when I paid my bill – and much like your receptionist he stood there with his mouth open. Never saw him again.
    marquita herald recently posted..Books Can Change Your LifeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm #

      Thanks for sharing your story Marty!

      It all comes down to service. With anything we do, we must provide service to our customers/clients, and if we cannot do our best we are in the wrong pace.

      Because I counsel tons of people, if I am having a bad day or am sick, I do have to cancel my appointment. Most understand because I explain to them, that if I cannot give 100%, then they will not receive the best of my services.

      Once or twice in my career, people got ticked off and didn’t return, but that is ok by me.

      Donna
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  8. Ashvini June 6, 2013 at 7:59 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I think thinking like a marketer is essential for all businesses. Of course no one can tell if something is successful. One can however do market discovery by observation and analysis.
    In the product that I have created I get regular suggestions and I always try to incorporate them as fast as possible. But I have seen that release of too many features overwhelms people. So I moved into doing lesser than before. This would have not been possible if I was only developing and not marketing.
    I believe that organizations that do not take care of their customers thoughts are bound to become history sooner or later. The important thing is to get a repeat buyer and it wont happen unless they are happy in the first place.
    I loved reading your post. Some really cool insights. Thanks and have a wonderful day 🙂
    Ashvini recently posted..Create exclusivity for your new productMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2013 at 3:02 pm #

      Hi Ashvini!

      I know you are a great product producer and have seen you tweak your product with suggestions with light speed.

      Releasing too many features does overwhelm people. I like that one thing at a time product so I can keep up, learn and act.

      I have seen how your customer service works! FAST!!!!!!

      Thanks for coming over to my blog!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  9. Angela McCall
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2013 at 5:43 pm #

    That is so true, Donna. When you are a marketer everything around you changes. You see every person a potential for customer or client.

    As far as houses are concerned, this is probably the best time to buy. My brother-in-law bought a new house in Ione, CA. I didn’t even know that town existed till they moved there. Houses there used to sell like half a million and because the economy is bad, it went down to $100,000. That’s a STEAL. My brother-in-law encouraged us to buy a house there NOW because he said, Obama just printed 1 thrillion dollars. And dunno when he’s gonna release it. Or maybe he released it already. Anyway he said, once it’s release the houses are going back up again. Houses in Ione are down like 3% interest only. He said that it hasn’t been that LOW since World War II. So this is the best time to buy!

    Isn’t that nice? I can now go to my doctor and not to worry about waiting so long because I have my iPhone. Just gotta love the new technology of today! 🙂

    Oh yeah…80% on marketing. And it’s good to keep abreast on the latest technology.

    No, your expectations are not too high. It’s just is. If folks do not update themselves, they become antiquated and LEFT OUT in the dark. This is Information Technology ERA where we can access informations right at the tip of our fingers! thank God for Google. now I can do my research online. Fantastic technology!

    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted..Biggest Marketing Challenges TodayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 6:03 pm #

      Hi Angela,

      Yes, the economy is being boosted now by printing money (although I personally don’t see how it will be good in the long run but that’s another story) The rates are low. Ergo….people are buying and it is now or never to make the deals.

      Well, as an investor, I make deals all the time. But it is the mindset that is pushed to make people get off their duff, not be afraid, and take the plunge of home ownership. Go girl!

      I just got my Iphone too! But I wasn’t “allowed” to leave. Go figure. Business is business no matter what. My marketing mindset sees everything that way.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  10. Tonya Stephens June 5, 2013 at 1:46 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    You’re on a roll….kudos for selling your home in record time and saving money on commission to boot.
    You’d think the lawyer would know about the flat rate listing option. As for the doctor’s office…hehe…I know it’s not funny but I worked in the medical field for my whole adult life until 2 years ago so this is no surprise.
    One thing about doctor’s is this…they do not live in our world…they have their own special world and that special world revolves around them. If you are in their office they expect you to wait however long it takes. With the medical care bill now going into effect it’s only going to get worse…..
    Now I have done the same thing you did and threatened to leave…I was already in an exam room… the doctor came right away and saw me otherwise I was outta there.
    Ok back to your point. Yes we as marketers need to think like a marketer and also keep up with what’s going on here in cyberspace…and that’s almost a full time job…right.
    Loved your post…you’re awesome.
    Congrats on the house sale!!! Whoo hoo Maine here she comes.
    Tonya
    Tonya Stephens recently posted..Social Media Backlinks | 4 Keys To SuccessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 5:52 pm #

      Thank you Tonya!

      Oh once that new health care comes in, we are going to wait a long long time. 4 of our doctors have left already because of that. But dare I mention this in public? lol!

      I will be good and keep my feelings to myself. Too much bashing going on with my opinion on it.

      Yes, I know that those doctor’s offices work in a different world. Not only that, but sometimes I feel like taking my malpractice attorney with me when I go for a visit. he he.

      I love your story of how you threatened to leave…good for you! This is all teaching us that we must speak up.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  11. Barry Wells June 5, 2013 at 1:08 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’ve just come from 2 other popular blogs and one mentioned focusing on the end game and the other mentioned the importance of meet ups… Is there something in the air?

    I shouldn’t joke as you’re all covering IMPORTANT aspects that we NEED to pay attention to.

    The examples you used about people not know important aspects of their fields are pretty shocking. A legal rep’ not knowing about flat rates, umm what else is she missing??

    I do say my piece when I need to and often spot things others don’t but when it comes to our doctors they’re a law onto themselves. It took 12 months to see a scan of my wifes back and by the time we saw it her condition had worsened so much she had have major surgery when minor would’ve done had they acted on time.

    It wasn’t until I dragged my wife to the complaints department that any action was taken. She was operated on a week later 😉

    Stand your ground and make noise if you have to, sometimes it’s the only way to get things moving.

    Good for you Donna, hope the house sale goes well for you 😉
    Barry
    Barry Wells recently posted..Be Seen But Be Safe, Get The Picture?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 5:47 pm #

      Thank you Barry,

      OMG it took that long for your wife to see a doctor? Yikes, we are headed for the same thing here in the US, but If I mention the catch phrase here on healthcare I would probably get kicked off the internet he he.

      Making noise is useful. There is an old saying that “the squeaky wheel gets attention.” I was always very quiet and used to let things slide. But since I have to be a bit hard nosed with businesses I run, I know when to squeak.

      Oh and thank you I hope the sale goes well too. You never know until you are at the closing table. I bought and sold many houses in my life and I am experienced in how a deal can break.

      Fingers crossed!

      Donna

      PS Hope your wife is feeling good.
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  12. Tim Bonner
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2013 at 8:07 am #

    Wow Donna! I love that you got up and walked out of the doctors.

    I remember going to the local A&E (Emergency room in the UK) a few years back and waiting almost 5 hours to be seen.

    I was really hacked off but I felt like I had to put up with it because it was the NHS and I was getting free treatment.

    I went to the zoo yesterday with my daughter and we had booked to see the pandas at 10 am.

    They’re still pretty new to Edinburgh zoo and are very popular with visitors.

    We got there at 9.55 am only to find that they were only taking groups of 50 through at a time. We were in the second group and also after a school group.

    We didn’t get to see the pandas until 10.20 am. I could hear a lady behind me arguing with staff that if the ticket says 10 am then that’s when she expected to see the pandas.

    I was a little bit annoyed too as I had my two-year-old daughter with me, it was really hot and sunny and I’m a member of the zoo so pay an annual membership.

    My daughter was insistent that she wanted to see the pandas though so we stayed in line.
    Tim Bonner recently posted..Google+ WordPress Comments – Time For A Change?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 5:37 pm #

      Hi Tim,

      Well, I can understand the wait in the Emergency Room. We have a long wait here to in the US. But a private specialist, is a different story.

      Last time I was in the Emergency Room I had a Kidney stone which is more painful than giving birth…so much so it was nauseating. After one hour of doubled up in pain, the scoop in the waiting room was that it was full of people who overdosed on drugs.

      I felt like an animal cornered. So I went on a rant telling all that I didn’t do this to myself…all the others did. Oh boy was I angry and in pain.

      People were shaking their heads, so I made a further scene by saying I was going to vomit in the waiting room acting like a crazy person. I was in and had an IV hooked up in 5 minutes.

      Sometimes we just have to out crazy people he he he

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  13. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 11:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great Post Donna!You were not hard at all but you were spot on!You have the right entrepreneurial mindset that we should all have as entrepreneurs.

    Time is the most valuable commodity especially for business people and so many people think that their time is valuable but not their customers’ time and I would call this as disrespect. Customers should be valued because they are your business and without them there is no business.

    I loved the point you made about learning regularly and become updated with what is going on and share the information with our clients. That’s a great point to learn more on a daily basis; to make it part of our routine to become an authority in our niche and help others with confidence.

    I also love the idea of the flat rate broker. I wonder if we have that here in Canada. I will have to look into that. Thanks for the tip.

    Thanks Donna for a great post and for sharing your experience with all of us. Have a great week.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 12:04 am #

      Hi Neamat.

      Thanks for the heads up on this!

      I just read your last post on Respect. It kind of ties in of what I have written here.

      Our time is valuable. As entrepreneurs we know that and treat others with respect. As we do this, we develop the mindset of being respected as well.

      As for learning something every day: Yes that is so important to keep ourselves sharp like a tool, for we are the tool when running our own business.

      It does help us become an authority in our niche. Of course, we cannot know everything, but being honest if someone asks a question we don’t have an answer for, and telling them we will find it and get back to them is great service! It is appreciated.

      As for my flat rate broker, I’m sure you have it in Canada. Google it because it will save you money. What does a listing broker do? Very little when it comes down to it. It is a matter of getting your property on the MLS. That’s all! Then sellers brokers will be ringing your phone like crazy!

      Blessings,
      Donna
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  14. Vijesh June 4, 2013 at 9:27 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    As soon as I read your title I felt there could be some things which I should know and it was about you I knew. And do you have a department stores I never knew that and you also blog having so many works. Your facts are true really Doctors office too is a business place and sad that they make us to stay for hours in spite of taking appointment. I liked that point of taking care of elders or people who are in need. So you are a marketer who links personal life and what ever you see you see with a marketing eyes…

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 11:43 pm #

      Hi Vijesh,

      I am so happy you made it to my blog. No I don’t have a department store, but I know very well how retail works.

      I am a marketer and a self development coach. I value each person I work with. Being a marketer, I have become so much more aware of other businesses and how they work.

      Maybe that example of the doctors office will enlighten them to be more efficient. Well in fact, as of today, my doctor called me and I explained to her how her staff wasn’t treating people as she would. My doctor is a compassionate person. She thanked me and said she was happy that I brought that to her attention. She is a person that likes things to run smoothly. I know that about her and respect her for that. So now, I assume she will keep her eye out on her staff.

      So after that experience, My doctor has benefited in her business. Sometimes we must speak up. I notice when I do sometimes people will thank me for it.

      I do it because I would want someone to do it for me. If I cannot provide something, I want to know so I can be the best I can be.

      Thank you for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  15. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 3:12 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Ah…seems I’m the last one here this time, and sorry for that as I’m on a holiday, though I’m glad I’m here now 🙂

    Oh yes…just as everyone mentioned, we do have many issues where we don’t really like to be kept on a hold. Small things like even when we visit a departmental store we find one of the billing machines not working, or they just use one of the 4 they might have and everyone’s to wait in a queue and waste their time. I guess they do that to save on electricity and their staff!

    Similarly, just as Carolyn mentioned, one doesn’t mind waiting if the doctor is really good, but what matters is that you are treated well or informed that your wait would be this long, so one’s prepared for things that ways. Sometimes the doctors receptionist’s lets us know that you would have to wait for 2 hours for your turn, and we go after that time period, so that our times not wasted, but being doctor’s, sometimes even their time is unpredictable.

    All in all, I wish we were also valued for the time we have to waste at all such places, and I think you are being hard at all. 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Rekindle Love in Marriage in 10 Practical WaysMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 11:36 pm #

      Harleena,

      You didn’t make first place, but managed to get here even though you are on holiday. I so appreciate that!

      Yes, no one wants to be kept on hold. This is so important for us as marketers to know. We provide service, and if we cannot get there on time, at least we can set up a time when we can.

      In our business, life happens. A move, an illness, a death in the family. We can explain this to our customers/clients and they do understand the “waiting time” But we do explain it!

      Thank you for coming by on your Holiday!

      Donna
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  16. Mayura
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 11:08 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Ha ha… I know what you mean 😉 Everyone seems to look at the World through the glasses they are wearing. Reminds me of the incident about fence.

    Well, when it comes to my country elders are not very fond of Internet and new technologies much though dear 🙂 It’s young generation who embrace it. I doubt how many 40s know how to use a computer here. But in your country, even 80s know how to.

    But what amazes me is even they are not exposed to Internet, they are up-to-date Donna. I believe ’cause they really into their subject. They read newspapers and magazines, plus collect pages with interesting information 🙂 But not everyone though. Some just have all the certifications, more than enough, but still lives in 1980s.

    When it comes to doctor’s incident, I think it was way better to let patients know about the delay before they go over the limit. It’s something common I see, when it comes to professional services. Like we are there to beg him for the service. I respect doctors, but with the experiences I had, I really hate those who find it merely as a business. How come a doctor doesn’t treat the patient who need it the most until his relatives finish with the payments?! Some heartless and disrespectful folks there. We better avoid ’em and keep us positive, nah? 🙂

    You have a wonderful week Donna 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..12+ Helpful Blogging Tips for Pet BloggersMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 12:26 pm #

      Hi Mayura,

      It is the same here in the U.S. Many people in their 50’s and over don’t use the internet. But then, on the other hand, I see people like my mother who struggles through it, but gets the information she needs.

      Even if a person doesn’t use the internet for information, professionals have trade magazines to keep them posted.

      To me, there are many ways to skin a cat (American saying lol) Whatever business we are in, we need to always be on a learning curve. And if we don’t have an answer, tell your client or customer where to get it. That’s service!

      As for the health care industry, it is taking its toll her in the US, it is changing.

      Take our dental care here, Oh boy it is not only expensive, but takes 3 different dentists to solve one problem. Years ago, I was fed up with this and found a dentist in Canada. Yes…that is where we go. Canadian Dentists are far more knowledgeable than the US ones that I have encountered.

      So, I will take a five hour drive to a different country just to go to the dentist. Full service and excellent efficient care!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  17. Lisa Cash Hanson June 4, 2013 at 9:51 am #

    Well I’d love to walk out of the doctors office 🙂 And I think you are point on when you talk about research. With all of us we all have so much great information that anyone can access to learn more and so it would benefit them to take advantage of those offers.

    My favorite is the statement about treating people with respect and care. Nothing is more important than that.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 12:18 pm #

      Hi Lisa and welcome to my blog.

      Yes, we have to be aware to treat people with respect and care because there is nothing more important than that.

      When we do, we usually attract (via the Law of Attraction) the same. When it does not happen, we just walk away.

      Donna
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  18. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 9:10 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I can’t be in more agreement with you. My dentist is famous for making people wait. Or he ran out to the store or the bank and I end up waiting for him! Whhhhhhat??? How do you make an appointment with me, then leave me sitting while you run errands! You’ve got to be kidding!

    I agree we must run our business like a business and I expect to be treated like the ultimate customer and I, as an entrepreneur, are aware of business.

    I eventually did the same thing you did. My time is valuable. He left, so I left. He evidently did not need my business and his staff was surprised. Are you kidding? Why? Anyway, thank you so much for this because some people think they need to deal with it.

    Great article. Think like a business person and change your life.
    Barbara
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 12:17 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      What nerve your dentist had! As Entrepreneurs, we have developed a mindset for business. We see it everywhere we go. From our health care providers to a department store.

      It happens when we, as marketers, are providing our own services and giving the best we can give. It becomes a mindset and we see it everywhere.

      Good for you! And I like your last line: “Think like a business person and change your life” which is so true!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  19. Carolyn
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 8:56 am #

    Hi Donna, Great job embracing tech! You’re using tech as a tool in your everyday life which gives you an advantage over the huge majority of people. Performing a simple Google search can reveal important information beyond what you were searching for in the first place. You would be amazed at how many people don’t think that way, Donna. You want and expect the best and are willing to go the extra mile to get it. Well done.

    I respectfully disagree with you about the doctor’s office. There are two types of doctors: the ones who try to get through as many patients in the shortest amount of time and those who truly care and are willing to take extra time with their patients.

    I had an OB/Gyn who never, ever took me on time. She was the best, most caring and involved doctor I ever had. At one point, when she was particularly late, the women in the waiting room discussed how we didn’t mind waiting because we knew she would take her time with us too.

    The receptionist was great though, keeping us posted, apologizing repeatedly and addressing each of us by name. That’s a big difference on how you were treated though.

    That doctor was in private practice. So many doctors now work for large corporations and are employees so don’t have the care and concern of private practitioners. I would much rather wait for a doctor who truly cares about my health than a doctor who cares more about staying on schedule.

    Great job selling your house, Donna! That would have sold me too, living close to waterfalls and a beach would be idyllic!
    Carolyn recently posted..Meet the New Google Maps!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 11:31 am #

      Hi Carolyn,

      Thanks so much for your lovely comment. As for the Doctor, I love and respect her. But her staff stinks! I have been in many situations where the receptionist would come out and tell me there was an emergency, or things are backed up. That is totally understandable.

      I do not mind waiting, because I do understand that she might have had a patient that needed extra time. But just let me know!!!

      It is not the Doctor, but the staff that was not doing business correctly. I felt like I was sitting in the Emergency Room at a hospital where you know you could be camping out for hours.

      My doctor is a private practitioner and I would have waited hours to see her. But….I did bring to light later to her personally when she called me that her staff wasn’t up to par.

      Do you know what? She thanked me! I know how efficient and loving she is and had no idea what her staff was doing. She was grateful in the end that I told her what was going on.

      As for my house….we are in contract. Not until all papers are signed at closing can I shout out SOLD! I have investment houses and know things can go wrong sometimes, so I’m looking at it as a business.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  20. Alice June 4, 2013 at 6:06 am #

    Donna,

    I love this post…

    It all boils down to the experience, how someone
    feels.
    Whether it is in our own business, a doctors office,
    any business at all.

    If the customer does not feel valued…they will seek
    their solution some where else.

    Your so right, as marketer, we do have a different mindset!

    Alice
    Alice recently posted..Cracking The Mind And Spilling It Out!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 12:28 pm #

      Hi Alice!

      Spot on girl! If we don’t feel valued, we will go elsewhere. When we are marketers, we have that mindset so strong that we can circumvent poor quality or services.

      We give our all, and we expect the same. If not, on we go to someone else.

      That happens off line as well as on line.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  21. Silviu June 4, 2013 at 5:21 am #

    Hi Donna,

    What happens with a marketer should happen with any other profession. Every profession provides a specific way of seeing the world.

    The end game

    What is very important is the fact that you are doing business and not playing with your visitors, prospects etc. This is the no.1 concern.
    Even in blogging: you don’t blog just because you are bored and want to have some fun. I know there are people who do this but to me is the end game that counts.
    Blogging is a powerful tool for your business but … it is not the business.

    There are two things in blogging that matters most:

    1. Promoting and selling your products or services
    2. Build your influence.

    If you are not doing this that you can do whatever you want on your blog because it doesn’t matter.

    “They should know these things”. They should, indeed. But most of them don’t want to know these things. Knowing these things means time and effort. Nobody wants to invest time and effort. This is true for 90% of the people.
    That’s the way it is and we cannot change it. We cannot change the world.
    Just a few people here and there.

    You waited for one hour and a half? You were lucky.

    Have a nice day
    Silviu recently posted..Blog Commenting Results. Case Study 1My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 11:10 am #

      Hi Silviu,

      Thank you for your awesome comment. We need to have our eye on the end game. Yes, our blog is a tool, but not our business.

      It is there to promote our business and build influence. This is where people may fumble. They get stuck there and don’t take the next step.

      It is true that 90% of people won’t invest their time and effort and yes, we cannot change that. But the more we, as marketers can get the message out to them, the more we can enlighten a few here and there.

      -Donna
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  22. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2013 at 4:12 am #

    Hi Donna

    I so agree with you. I have been a business woman for most of my life. I am the sort of person who loves a good sales presentation. I do not mean a cheesy “gonna getya” type deal. I mean someone who is asking me questions and is professional.

    I watch advertisements on TV read ads just for ideas. I sometimes watch ads more than programs.

    I love that you walked out of the Drs. It is a wonderful story and yes those dudes are running businesses. They just do not think like other business people though.

    No your expectations are not high. For many years now if I get bad service I will tell the business owner. Because I would like my customers to tell me if they were dissatisfied. Sometimes I give them a second chance it depends. I have zero tolerance of bad customer service which I see as part of marketing. You have a live customer there then look after them.

    You and I share a lot of the same beliefs Donna. Go girl!

    Great post

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Live the Life You Want To LiveMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 11:06 am #

      Thank you Sue,

      From you it is a compliment because you have been a great business woman for years. I respect your business experience.

      I too would like my clients or customers to give me feedback if they were not satisfied. Sometimes it can be a communication glitch. I would like feedback how I could improve!

      I too have zero tolerance for bad customer service. From a doctor’s office to a nail salon! I was once in a nail salon and noticed they weren’t sterilizing their tools. I told them, and walked out. The owner was screaming at me. I went a bit further and reported them. Not only for my sake, but for many others who didn’t notice and could catch some kind of illness.

      Yes, I think we do share a lot of the same beliefs Sue. And I think it is because you and I have been business women for a long time.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  23. Corina Ramos June 3, 2013 at 11:56 pm #

    I don’t think you’re being too hard on folks at all Donna. You should have high expectations especially when dealing with doctors or attorneys.

    My sales and customer service lights are on all the time. I know when a hard sale is coming and I even start coaching reps who are trying to sell me something…and don’t get me started on customer service. I once told a rep if I were her manager I would have fired her because she sucked at her job. I know I was harsh but she really did. 🙂

    I had an issue with a nurse yesterday. My dad’s arthritis flared up and we took him to an Urgent Care center. Well my dad was confused and thought they gave him a steroid shot. The nurse stared telling my dad “we dont’ do that here, we’re not a pain management clinic.” She said it twice and I couldn’t take it and said “you don’t have to be rude about it” and as we were leaving the doctor as my dad if he wanted another shot for pain and I told him the nurse needed a shot of nice….I think I was more upset at the way she as talking to my dad but she had the worst attitude. So I know where you’re coming from, 100%!

    I’m going to have to look into the flat rate broker, I’d love to save me some money there!

    Great post Donna! Have a wonderful week!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Monday Work from Home Job Leads Madness 06-03-13My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 10:59 am #

      Good for you Corina!

      When it comes to that nurse, wow…that would piss me off too! Especially if I was there with a loved one. Well I won’t get started on the health care thing because I could RANT!!!!

      It is good to know you have your customer service lights on all the time. I don’t think you were harsh on that rep. After all, if someone is not doing their job correctly, you have a voice…and you can voice your opinion.

      Sometimes when I’m treated that way, I ask for their boss, get names, and then write a letter to all about the situation.

      Maybe it is that Brooklyn gal in me, but I don’t like to take any S%#t from people. I have run 3 businesses. There have been times when I couldn’t give my all, so I would call, cancel an appointment and tell my client why. They didn’t mind at all. If I am not feeling well, I’m honest with my client and tell them If I can’t give you 100 percent of myself it wouldn’t be fair. They do understand.

      -Donna
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  24. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    June 3, 2013 at 10:29 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I love how you mention using Google to further your knowledge of your business. I am amazed at what you can learn and all for FREE to. A few weeks ago I was searching for some mindset tips and found a site where this gal Dawn gave away a 5 part series of spiritual awareness all on MP3’s all for free. Awesome Tools!

    There are so many people who give us information that will help to further our education. Take your blog for instance, this is a lesson in itself.

    No your expectations are not to high Donna, all business owners should learn the latest trends, tips, information, strategies and techniques in their field so they can support others on the right way to go about building their business.. Thanks for sharing.. Chery 🙂
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Transform The Way You Communicate With OthersMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2013 at 10:39 am #

      Thanks Chery,

      I was questioning myself if my expectations were too high.

      You are absolutely correct when you say using Google can further your knowledge. Thanks for your example. There is so much information out there, it is a cinch to keep oneself up to date.

      As marketers part of our job is to be on top of every trend. Hey, back in the old days there were trade magazines for that.

      Now we have so much more at our finger tips. I don’t expect myself or anyone else to know “everything” – but at least keep up with the changes.

      – Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  25. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    June 3, 2013 at 10:03 pm #

    I hear you Donna…

    All day yesterday I didn’t have any internet or cable TV. We hadn’t had an electrical storm and there was no news of anything having happened in our area but we were all out. Of course my provider was closed because it was Sunday so all I got was a recording giving me the time frame they “thought” it would be fixed.

    Do they expect me to pay for service on a day I didn’t receive it? Well they have another thing coming and like you, that’s the marketer coming out in me.

    Like you, I refuse to be treated that way and especially at the doctor’s office. We all have emergencies but you can’t expect me to sit there and wait on you plus pay you for your time. My time is just as important and I have things to do.

    I love the way you think and I LOVE that you sold that house on your own and got such a great deal that your real estate attorney didn’t even know. Now that one really does blow my mind.

    Thanks Donna for this reminder. Stand up people and respect your time because no one else will. 😉

    ~Adrienne
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 3, 2013 at 10:40 pm #

      Hey Adrienne,

      I do understand things do happen, but when your provider didn’t provide an “emergency” person to take calls, that’s bad business. I could hear you now giving them a piece of your mind!

      Yes, that doctor’s office really got me going. I would expect that in the emergency room, but not in my cardiologist’s office. In any other Doctor’s office I’ve been in, if there were a 15 minute wait, the receptionist would come out and advise me.

      I was ignored, and that pissed me off. I was expected to wait without question. I must have been the first person that had done that in the Great Cardiologist’s Office. And the first person to explain they are a business and not the great OZ!

      They keep on calling me he he! But I know the deal. I’m supposed to be on a statin for cholesterol. I refuse to take it, and when I first did my insurance didn’t want to pay. So I got it….I played the game of 4 different ones and told them I had the same side effects. It was just another routine “buy these drugs” appointment anyway.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  26. Lisa
    Twitter:
    June 3, 2013 at 8:35 pm #

    LOL – Donna, you think more people would KNOW these things. I found the one about the caretaker a bit unusual but it sure does make sense. We are always doing research of a one kind or another. Why for those type of products too? Selling your own home, that takes guts. I would hate showing my own. Will love to hear more about how that goes.
    Doctors office believe we expect to wait, that’s how it’s always been done. When I was a kid we used to wait up to 8 hours for a doctor. Now if it’s an hour I go nuts. Thank God for smartphones to keep us busy waiting.
    I don’t think you are being too hard on people Donna. Clever topic!
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 3, 2013 at 8:59 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Sometimes I can be a hard nose because I am so used to being in control of my business.

      When showing my home, I removed all family photos and “staged” my home as a simple as I could. Most people cannot imagine what goes where when buying a home. It is a whole psychology! I had to view my home as a business so I put my business cap on with no emotion. I did what I always do in marketing: Showed the benefits.

      I think what clinched the deal was when our buyers came for the second showing, I told them to call me when they were done because I was walking to the waterfalls (2 doors down) And the BEST is that I strutted down the street with my bathing suit and beach towel with the dogs.

      That showed them more quality – They asked a million questions about that. Yes it took guts for this old gal to strut in her bathing suit, but business is business lol.

      Donna.

      P.S. What’s the deal waiting so long for the doctor? OMG 8 hours? I rather stay home. he he
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

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