Recession Blues? Fix Your Customer Service

Hi Folks,

My previous post about illegals and our health generated a lot of negative comments. But since they were all "anonymous", I elected not to publish them. My attitude is if you believe it - put your name on it!

Now to the customer service issues. Many companies I consult with seem to have a customer prevention department. It is amazing to me. What happens is that the owners have no idea how their customers and prospects are being treated - in person, on the phone, and on their websites.

My first bit of advice is to shop your own business as if you were a customer. When I had my retail golf stores we employed a mystery shopper service. But you don't have to spend any money.

Ask one of your referral partners to shop your business in exchange for you shopping theirs.

This does not just apply to retail businesses. It applies to every business - retail, repair, private practice, personal services, internet, etc.

Shopping in person

• Observe the parking lot and sales area for cleanliness
• Were you greeted promptly and courteously?
• Ask questions about a product or service
• Is the staff knowledgeable?
• Do they offer up-sells, cross-sells, and other services?
• Do they collect your contact information?
  

For some real coaching on recession busting strategies, attend a 2 day "Double Your Business Boot Camp" in Scottsdale on Aug 28-29. For more info go to http://BizBuildersBootCamp.info .

I will address mystery shopping on the phone and internet in a future post.

That's all for today!

Chuck Trautman

Illegal Aliens - Are They A Health Risk?

Hi Folks,

I am concerned!

Last week the CDC stated that in the worst case scenario the swine flu could cause several HUNDRED thousand deaths and cause over 40% of those employed to miss work over the next 2 years. It is unlikely the outbreak will be this severe but never the less...startling!

In the same paper, the AZ Republic, there was a story that a Sheriff Joe sweep turned up 9 illegals, but the feds made the sheriff release them without deportation because they had "clean" criminal records. In itself that sounds like an oxymoron to me.

The two articles got me to ponder the health side of the "illegal" debate. I have no facts but this is just common sense.

If someone in a foreign country settles here illegally, it stands to reason that they did not receive any of the required immunizations to come to the US.

What diseases common to the US will they catch and spread within our population?

More worrisome to me is what diseases will they bring with them from their country?

Shouldn't our government protect us from the swine flu and other infectious diseases by enforcing our immigration laws?

If any one out there has some facts on disease and the illegal issue, I invite your comments.

Chuck Trautman

It's Official! Taking Over Phoenix West Chapter on 8/1

Hi Folks,

Several months ago I made a deal with Alex Lowy to purchase the Glazer-Kennedy Phoenix West chapter from him. We had the verbal approval from GKIC so we promoted the transfer via email and Alex's newsletter. We even announced a "passing of the torch" luncheon meeting.

It is such a natural for me, since I already have the Phoenix East chapter.

We ended up with the proverbial "egg on our faces" because while our signed paper work was in the mail, GKIC had a problem with a transfer in another part of the country and their lawyers put a hold on all transfers.

Everyone in involved expected the lawyers to work out the details by the end of May. As is often the case when lawyers are involved, this drug on to the middle of July.

Anyway, it is now a done deal! Our first Phoenix West chapter meeting is scheduled for August 19 and you are invited. That's right guests are welcome. What we do at a chapter meeting is have spirited discussions about Dan Kennedy marketing principles. The emphasis is on what is working TODAY.

Where: Ottawa University just north of Dunlop on the east side of I-17
Time: 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Who: Entrepreneurs and Sales Professionals Seeking Better Results

As a grand re-opening special, you are invited as my guest. Lunch is included. Everyone who attends will also receive a complimentary copy of the DVD "The Phenomenon:. How to achieve more in the next 12 months than you have the last 12 years.

Please RSVP so Chef Diane can get the prepare the right number of lunches.

Chuck Trautman
chuck@GoldCrownMarketing.com
480-773-7490

My First Round of Golf In The UK

Hi Folks,

Watching the British Open this weekend brought many wonderful memories flooding back. You see I have been blessed because I have played golf in England and Scotland on 3 different occasions.

My first trip was a trip with my wife, Carol, and NOT a golf trip. We went on a 17 day junket to celebrate our 30th anniversary and traveled throughout England and Scotland. I guess I was behaving myself because I got the "thumbs up" to rent some clubs and play a round.

I walked on at Blackpool Country Club in Blackpool, England. At the time I was an 11 handicapper. The pro rented me a set of Browning blades, a knock off of a Callaway driver, a fairway wood that was a real wood, and a knockoff of a Ping Anser 2 putter.

Since I had not hit blade style irons in over 20 years, I asked where the driving range was. The pro said, "We don't have a range and your on the tee with those 2 blokes on the tee now". I was nervouse as hell because blades have a small sweet spot and no margin for error.

Those "blokes" were a 10 and an 11 handicapper who wanted some "American cash". We settled on a "5 pound" nassau.

I hit an OK drive with the knockoff driver and had about 180 yards downhill into the wind to the green. I was scared as hell to hit my first approach shot with those blades! I chose a 4 iron and to my amazement, I flushed it! It landed short of the green and rolled up to 15 feet.

My birdie putt went right in the jar and I went on to shoot 77. The Brits mumbled about "another sand bagging Yankee" as they each handed over their 15 pounds.

My only regret? I did not buy the damned Browning blades!

Until next time,

Chuck Trautman

Tele-Seminar Replay and The British Open

Can you believe what's happening at Turnberry in Scotland? In case you haven't heard, 59 year old Tom Watson is tied for the lead at the halfway point of the British Open. Amazing!

What about Tiger Woods. Oh, he missed the cut.

This thing about 60 being the new 40 must have something to it. Last year a 53 year old Greg Norman lead the British Open after 3 rounds. Greg missed the cut this year, too.

Why am I talking about this? Well, you know I love golf, but there is another reason. There are big lessons that can be learned here.

When asked if he was surprised at being tied for the lead, Tom Watson said, "No, I would not have entered if I didn't think I could win". Think about that. We should not be in business if we don't think we can succeed - at any age.

This segues nicely into the Tele-Seminar about time management and productivity that I conducted on July 16th. To win at business you have to manage your time well to be productive.

To hear a replay of my webcast click HERE now.

Chuck Trautman

Prepared For Time Mgmt Teleseminar By Playing Golf?

Hi Folks,

Yes that's right - I prepared for the teleseminar I am giving tonight by playing golf this morning. You see I really do manage my own time and productivity well so my prep work was done yesterday.

For the golfers amongst you, I shot 82 at Legend Trail Golf Club in North Scottsdale. It should been a 79 but I got excuses!

One of the guys I was paired with, started talking in my back swing on 17 and I hit my tee shot in the desert and made double. Then I bogeyed 18 from the middle of fairway by thinning my approach off the back of the green and short sided myself for the chip. Breaking 80 is always great, but, oh well...

Below is the info about my Teleseminar tonight. It will be fun.

Here is the subject matter:

- Why Do You Want to Manage Your Time Better?
- How Much Are You Worth?
- Managing Your Telephone -
- Cell Phones
- E-Mail
- Use of "To Do" Lists
- Working in Time Blocks
- Dealing With Interruptions
- Meetings
- Linking Time Management to Your Goals

Click the link below to register. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions in advance.

EVENT: Time Management and Productivity Seminar
DATE & TIME: Thursday, July 16th at 6:30 PM Pacific
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=8254479

Time Management And Productivity Teleseminar

Hi Folks,

One of the questions I get from clients all the time is "How do I get everything done" or "I never seem to have the time I need. What can I do". These questions have come up enough that I am doing a teleseminar / webinar about this topic on Thursday, July 16th at 6:30 PM Pacific time.

I promise to make this fun AND educational!

Here is the subject matter:

- Why Do You Want to Manage Your Time Better?
- How Much Are You Worth?
- Managing Your Telephone -
- Cell Phones
- E-Mail
- Use of "To Do" Lists
- Working in Time Blocks
- Dealing With Interruptions
- Meetings
- Linking Time Management to Your Goals

Click the link below to register. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions in advance.

EVENT: Time Management and Productivity Seminar
DATE & TIME: Thursday, July 16th at 6:30pm Pacific
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=8254479