Category Archives: Work/Life Issues

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If It’s Good, Let Them Know Too!

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Oftentimes, when you hear someone talk about customer service they’ve received or a product that they’ve purchased, you often hear the bad side. Not always, but probably more often than not. And most of us, if we do have a bad or negative experience with a product or service, we are more likely to tell about it.

To be sure, you will hear about good service and products, too, but I think you’re more likely to hear the negative more than the positive. And what’s the possible effect of this?

That fewer people in the service industry will go the extra mile, or even do their jobs as required, and good products and features will disappear as positive feedback is little or non-existent.

Now, this effect is usually long-term and not readily apparent, but I believe it is there. So, in my case, I do try to give positive feedback whenever I have the chance to review or give an opinion on a good service or a good product that I’ve purchased.

When I purchase something online, find that I am satisfied with it, and I get an e-mail requesting a review of the product, I submit the review and make sure to point out what I like about the product. And in the case of someone who gets tips, such as a waiter or waitress, I add to the tip if the service was above average or they went the extra mile. It makes my day as well as theirs.

This helps to ensure that the service person will continue to provide the excellent service they’ve provided and that the company or store will try to continue to carry that great product. And it’s just the right thing to do.

After all, if they provided a lousy service or product, most of us would certainly let them know it. We should be just as eager to let them know what a great job they’ve done or how great their product is when our expectations are exceeded as well.

Be sure to mention those positives, too!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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So, How Do I Like My Smart Phone After 6 Months?

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Well, I’ve had my Smart Phone for 6 months now. It’s my first. So, how do I like it, and smart phones in general?

I have to say, so far, so good! And, as a matter of fact, I’ve gotten used to what my phone can do for me now.

First, and probably most important, are the apps that I can get, for free. Yes, there are some you have to pay for, but so far, I haven’t needed those. Most companies that provide apps will provide them for free, since many of them want you to come to them or buy from them. And the free app acts as free advertising for them as well.

Apps are really great, as they can often allow easy access to finding things on the go, and comparing prices. They can also alert you.  If your favorite store is having a sudden sale, and you have their app, you may get an alert from them.

Apps can also help in monitoring information and controlling things from afar. I have an app that allows me to check to see if my burglar alarm is set, and, if it’s not, I can set it from my phone!

I also have an app for locating theaters and checking what movies are available, where they’re playing, and I can even purchase tickets, which would be waiting for me when I get there! It’s also the same with many apps for eating places, including many of your favorites!

And if I don’t know where there is?

I have Google Maps, which can mark the location and tell me how to get there, too! This came standard with my phone, and most smart phones will come with a set of pre-installed apps, such as the Google set on Android phones.

Next, I have internet access. So, I can check up on e-mails and unclutter my inbox without having to wait until I get home! I can also surf the web. And, I can also watch YouTube videos, though these will use up lots of data and memory.

So, am I one of those who is constantly texting or checking my phone? No, I’m not. While you do have to try to avoid the urge to multitask with a smart phone, (Studies show multi-tasking makes one less effective!) I’ve never been a good multitasker and I refuse to bend to the idea that one must be doing everything at once all the time or be connected all the time!

But, if I’m waiting in a doctor’s office or am in some other “waiting situation”, then yes, I may check my e-mail inbox with my phone.

And finally, there are apps for free games, which are pretty good, too. I have Chess and also Checkers apps.

So, while I didn’t feel the need for a smart phone until a possible job situation came up which required one, I’ve seen that they can do a whole lot more than a “regular” cell phone can.

And best of all, you don’t need the latest, top of the line $700 I-phone or Android phone to get these great features! I got my phone, an LG Optimus Zone 2, for only $49! To see how, check out my post, “Again, Before Jumping In, Do Your Research! (Or how I got a $149 phone for just $49!)”.

So, if you’re thinking about a smart phone, you can get them with lots of features, and cheaply, too!

Good luck with your smart phone!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Stop Smoking Already!

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I just can’t help it! When I see someone smoking, especially here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where I live, I just can’t get over it. At least, where I used to live, in Southern California, the air was often smoggy, (However, significant progress in the region’s air quality has been made over the years.) so, in a way, it somehow didn’t seem as bad when I saw someone smoking. But here, in the Pacific Northwest, with its pristine air, it just seems like smokers here are really robbing themselves of some of the best air on the planet!

But in reality, smokers rob themselves regardless of how polluted their local air is. Oh, I know, the rate of smoking has dropped, especially since the 1940’s, when it seemed every adult smoked. (Just watch an old movie from 1960 or earlier!)

But those who continue to smoke are still robbing themselves, and not only health-wise, but financially. And, those of us, like me, who are not smokers, probably know, or have known, at least one person who is. And you may have tried at times to get them to quit.

Unfortunately, the health threat argument often doesn’t scare a smoker into quitting. After all, cancer and heart disease aren’t like bears at the gate presenting an immediate and obvious threat in most cases, and when they do, it is often too late.

But, the financial drag of smoking, not even counting the financial side of the health threat, is significant and shows itself every time a smoker buys more cigarettes! Perhaps this argument can carry more immediate weight with some smokers. So here it is.

Now, a smoker might not think the cost of a single pack is enough to justify quitting.  Recently, I was in a store and was waiting to check out, and I noticed the prices of the cigarettes. The lowest cost pack was $4.70. Again, $4.70 might not seem like that big a deal.  But let’s take a look at an example below, starting with a price breakdown as well as a longer term view.

First, the breakdown. Let’s assume that a smoker smokes only half a pack a day. And buys a pack for only $4.00 even. A pack usually contains 20 cigarettes. That’s 20 cents per cigarette. Cheap? If the smoker smokes just one a day, then it is. But our smoker smokes half a pack, or 10 cigarettes a day. That’s $2 a day.

Now, for the longer term view.

In a week, that’s $14.

In a 30 day month, that’s $60.

In a 365 day year, that’s $730!

Just think of what an extra $730 can get you. In some cases, that could be an extra month’s rent or an extra 1-2 month’s groceries or an extra brake job on the car, or airfare, or a week or more at a hotel, and then some! Surely, you can think of a time in the past year when an extra $730 would have come in handy!

And remember, that’s just smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day! Many smokers smoke more than this, some, a lot more. And some, if not most, cigarettes run more than $4 a pack.

Using the $4-a-pack example above, a full pack-a-day smoker is looking at spending $1,460 yearly!  This amount of money can possibly buy you a pre-owned 1990’s vehicle that is in decent, if well-used, condition, in some cases! Just check out Craigslist for Ford Aerostar vans!

So, to smokers, look at this example to see how much you are spending to …kill yourselves.

And to those who are trying to get a smoker to quit to little or no effect, try this argument. Find out how many cigarettes or packs they smoke daily, and how much they pay per pack. Then, crunch the numbers and show them the results. I think they’ll be stunned.

To smokers, I hope you succeed in quitting! To those trying to get a smoker to quit, I wish you luck and hope that this argument works!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

A Fathers’ Day (and Mothers’ Day, too) Message

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I’ve written before on how it is important to keep in touch and, with June 21st being Fathers’ Day, as well as the first day of summer, it’s especially important to stay in touch with your parents.

If they at least tried to be what a parent should be, it is important to keep in touch with them and to remember and contact them always, especially on special days like their birthdays and Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.

Sure, you may have chafed under their rules in the past and you’ve certainly had your disagreements, as we all have, but chances are, you also had your good times and there have been times when they showed you how much they loved you, warts and all. And as the years pass, if you stop to really think about it, you’ll see they did more for you, in many ways, than you realize.

And, you don’t know how long you’ll have them, and even if they live to be 100 and you are 75, when they pass, it will still feel like it’s too soon.

So, On Father’s Day, call your father! And if he’s no longer with you, then call your mother! And vice versa on Mother’s Day!

You’ll be glad you did.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Don’t Let Time pass You By!

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I was talking to a friend recently, about my upcoming vacation and how I need to have my time off, not only to “get away” but also to see family and friends that I live far from and don’t get a chance to see every day.

I’ve always felt that it’s good to stay in touch, including face to face visits, even if there is great distance involved. But, I’ve known and met many people in my life that had relatives or friends that they haven’t seen in years, often due to the distance and busy lives.

Of course, it is understandable, in today’s fast-paced world, that time is scarce. The problem with this is that, many of us postpone that trip for later, “when I have more time…” which never seems to come. Before you know it, the friendship has faded, or worse, that great friend or relative has died.

I read an article once from a travel writer, who said that he was always postponing visiting his favorite uncle, due to his job. His uncle later died and the writer has regretted not visiting his uncle, for the sake of any job. Jobs come and go, but people cannot be replaced and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

I’ve lost several relatives and friends within the past year, but one thing I don’t regret is my having made time to visit them and to have them visit me.

Last Christmas, I met a relative who’d been out of the family circle for a long time, and I could see, without his telling me, that he most likely felt that he’d missed out on a lot, and regretted it.

So, if you have that wonderful friend or relative that you haven’t seen in a long, long time, don’t postpone that trip! Make time for that visit!

No regrets.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Hate to Cook After a Long Day? Try This!

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You’ve had a long day at work and now you have to cook dinner and you’re tired. And you don’t want to go out, either. So, what to do?

Maybe try a meal delivery service! I worked for one for a short time last year, delivering meals directly to people’s homes along a route.

Yes, these services do exist, offering different plans for different needs. The company I worked for featured fully cooked dinners. No drinks are included and people sign up and can choose which days they want meals delivered, and can also have special consideration for food allergies and dislikes. The company also provided insulated bags on request. It provided a good service. Other companies will provide drinks or other variations of service.

Of course, there is a charge, and most companies have customers create accounts. And it may not be for everyone, either. But I can see how it can benefit those who have long workdays or just plain hate to cook.

Some may think this is only for senior citizens, but my clients included all types of people, young, old, families, single, and other multiple living arrangements.

So, if you don’t like to cook, or just don’t have the time, you may want to check out a meal delivery service. Bon Appetit!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Stay Prepared! Keep the Charge and Gas Up!

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A blog post, “It Took an Earthquake to Teach Me Preparedness and Priorities” from The Idea Bucket, regarding the recent earthquake in Nepal, brought something to mind. Namely, the things we often overlook when planning for an emergency.

Two of these are: Keeping your cell phones adequately charged up, and keeping an adequate amount of gas in your car.

I usually charge my phone if the battery level falls below 80 percent by day’s end, barring unusual circumstances, and when I travel; I always bring my chargers with me. And, I have a car charger for the phone, as well as one for my home. And this is a good idea, because you never know when you may need to use your cell phone at an unusual time. See Lesson 4 in “It Took an Earthquake to Teach Me Preparedness and Priorities” from The Idea Bucket.

I also keep my other electronics charged up as well, even though they are less likely to be needed in an emergency, possibly. If they are, I know I’m prepared.

And the car? Yes, I have read once or twice in the past that one should keep at least a quarter tank of gas in the car for emergency purposes. I usually fill up when my car’s gas gauge reaches the quarter tank level as it is. Occasionally, I do go past this, but most of the time, I do fill up at the quarter tank level.  Again, you never know, no matter how remote the possibility, when you may have to evacuate your town or city in the middle of the night due to some disaster and your car is the only ticket out.

So, don’t overlook these items when planning for emergencies. You have planned for emergencies, haven’t you?

Be safe!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Give Them A Break!

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If you are in business, or even if you have the latitude as an employee, there are less obvious ways to increase the chances for more business and a better reputation.

And one good one is? Give customers a break when the opportunity arises! No, this isn’t about offering discounts en masse. It’s about giving breaks in certain, usually individual, circumstances.

For instance, I build resumes for people on the side. I charge $30 for a one to two page resume and usually charge $5 for making changes later on if there are more than one change or if the change is somewhat substantial.

But, one time, a customer sent me his resume and wanted me to make changes as I saw fit. However, his resume was good as it was and I only needed to make a very minor date change that he’d told me about. So, since it only took two seconds, I let him know that there’d be no charge. He was pleasantly surprised by this and I’m guessing he probably told a person or two. Yes, I could have charged him at least my $5 minimum, but I chose not to. Why?

Because it creates good “Karma”. Maybe it won’t lead to more business, but then again it might, even if it’s just from him. You see, at the very least, he knows I’m not this hard case who will charge just for contacting me. And if he needs a new resume, he may just remember me.

When a business, especially a small business, does something like this, they do get remembered, even if it is after a while. And, when those customers who’ve gotten those breaks talk about it, even if it’s just a casual mention, it acts as free advertising.

And, if you’re an employee whose been given the latitude to cut people breaks at times, do it! It can mean a good comment for you on that comment card or online survey, or even a letter of commendation sent to your boss or someone even higher up, leading to a raise, promotion, or both, for you down the line. And, as an employer, it’s a good idea to give a trusted and proven employee just that kind of latitude.

As the recipient of some of these breaks, I do make mention of the good deals and breaks I’ve gotten, as well as a list of people and places to go to where I know I’m going to be treated well, instead of as just another pigeon to pluck! And, I’m quite sure that I’ve gotten some business as a result of my cutting someone a break.

And, speaking as a small entrepreneur, I know that any free advertising helps!

So don’t forget to cut some breaks if you’re able to. It can really help the bottom line, in more ways than one!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂

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Don’t Drive? Need a License? No! Need an Updated ID? Yes!

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So, you no longer drive or have stopped driving. And that means you have no need of a license, or a need to update it. But, do you still need an up to date ID? The answer is, yes!

Now, we’re not like an iron curtain country where we need “papers”, but there are cases where an up to date ID can really help. And no, not just to enter bars or other adults only places.

I went to do my taxes last week, and, while waiting, a customer appeared who had not updated his ID, so, the expired ID he had was considered invalid. This meant that he had to go and update his ID before he could do his taxes.

There can be other cases where an updated ID is essential. Among these are getting all kinds of services and discounts for senior citizens. Also, one is often needed for banking and other financial transactions. Then of course, you need one if you’re going to fly anywhere.

And lastly, if you lose your wallet and it ends up with the police or other law enforcement authority, you may have more trouble getting it back.

So, what to do if you don’t drive and don’t need a license? Well, you can get just an ID card, usually from the DMV. They are usually good for 10 years, to my knowledge, and are accepted as valid forms of identification. And remember to keep it updated!

You never know when a valid ID can help you.

Be up to date!

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And thanks for reading! 🙂

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Driving for Business? Make Sure You’re Covered!

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Recently, I came across an article, “15 Things You Need To Know About Buying Auto Insurance – Consumerist“, that talked about auto insurance and how people don’t realize that their auto insurance won’t cover them in certain situations, such as when they have a new teen aged driver in the family, or if they lend someone their car for the long-term, where the car is kept at that other person’s residence. There were other situations listed also, and I knew about them all and knew not to put myself in any of them…except one.

It was situation # 12 listed in the article, about business use of your car. Sure, I did know that if I had started my own delivery or taxi business using my own car, that I’d need special additional insurance for my car, but I didn’t know that taking a simple delivery job, such as delivering meals part-time, or free publications to businesses part-time, fell into this situation also.

But, this article, and another one on Yahoo that I can no longer find, led me to thinking. I decided to go to my insurance agent’s office the very next business day, to really find out if this applied to me or not. Here’s what I found:

1. Your car is not considered to be used for business if you report to a work place and the car is parked for your entire work day. And you’re still covered if you run the occasional errand for your employer.

2. If you use a company vehicle for work, your company covers you. (But always double-check first!)

3. If you don’t report to an actual building and you drive to where you work, such as going to client’s homes or businesses, even if you don’t drive from client to client, then your car is considered by the insurance company to be used for business.

And it doesn’t matter if you are an employee, independent contractor, or any other work status! So, even if you get a job as a simple pizza delivery person, or a free publication delivery person, or even to distribute fliers door to door as I do, you need to check your policy first!

As an example, I distribute fliers door to door. I go straight from my home to the neighborhood where I will distribute the fliers by walking door to door. Yet, even though I do not drive from house to house but merely drive from home to the neighborhood, the insurance company still considers my car as being used for business.

4. If you plan on transporting people or hazardous materials, you absolutely need to check with your insurer and will most likely need a special commercial policy in addition to the one you now have. And yes, if you plan on driving for Uber or Lyft, or anything similar ride service where you use your own car, you would most likely need that special commercial policy.

So, the bad news was that my policy would not cover me if I was at fault in an accident during my working hours!

The good news was, I didn’t need a special commercial policy since I wasn’t transporting people or hazardous materials. And adding the business coverage I needed only added $9 to my 6 month premium! A very good price to pay to avoid a huge shock and disaster should I have an accident while working!

Unfortunately, many people don’t know where pleasure use ends and business use begins for their cars, and many insurers don’t make this very clear, if at all.

So, if you haven’t used your car for business and are planning to, or if you’re not sure whether or not you’re currently using your car for business, check with your insurer! It could prevent a lot of shock and heartache!

Safe driving!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, site and blog!

And thanks for reading! 🙂