Change or Die...

is the headline article for this month’s Fast Company magazine.

I can remember when death would have been a more appealing choice for me. Okay so maybe that is a little dramatic but I have not always adapted well to change.

And after reading this article, I used to be the norm.

Nine to one odds against you that you would be able to change. Yep, the article says nine to one against you.

So what changed for me to accept change?

I tried it. And not just a small change but a life altering made me crazy for about a year kind of change.

And guess what?

I lived and I learned. And I liked who I became as a result of the changes that I allowed to happen in my life.

So my advice for the nine who would pick death over change:

Change is inevitable. Change is not always easy. But it is through change that you grow.

Stereotypes Be Gone

The cashier at the local store was asking me about my day and as soon as I started talking he wanted to know where I was from. When I confessed to being from Alabama, he mentioned he had a friend that lived in Alabama who he teased about being a hilljack.

I explained I didn’t know what a hilljack was and he informed me it was the same thing as a hillbilly or redneck.

He then proceeded to ask me which word did I identify most with – hillbilly, hilljack or redneck.

“Why would you assume I identify with any of those terms”, I asked.

He politely answered, “Well because you’re from Alabama.”

Now I felt my face get hot but decided to play it cool and explain to him my feelings about his poor assumption.

“Where you are from does not determine what you are. Deciding that I am a redneck, hillbilly or hilljack because I am from Alabama is a total stereotype. I have met rednecks all over including right here in Indianapolis.”

“So you aren’t going to answer which one you are”, he pressed on.

I just smiled and said, “If you must know I am a Southern Belle. And it is only because I am a Southern Belle that I haven’t called you ignorant. Have a nice afternoon.”

Happy Mother's Day

My mom should definitely be celebrating today. She made it through raising me which I am confident was no easy task.

Growing up my momma guided me through temper tantrums, growing pains, disappointments, frustrations, illness, broken heart and change. She encouraged me and supported me even when my choices weren’t what she thought was best. She celebrated in all my successes and encouraged me to always give my best.

I watched her sacrifice a lot of what she wanted to ensure I could be all that I wanted to be. She was loving, hardworking, passionate and kind. She was my unconditional constant.

It has always been an honor to be her daughter and as we grow older it is also an honor to be her friend.

I love you momma!

Fighting Feedback

Reading Sean D’Souza’s post about Customer feedback got me wondering why companies fight feedback so much?

In my role as a marketing consultant, I always recommend that struggling properties complete a Customer survey to use as a feedback tool. I am always met with hesitation and resistance.

I have heard all of the following:

Won’t a survey make the community more aware there is a problem? An excuse because guess what…the community already knows there is a problem that is why your property is struggling.

What if they make recommendations we can’t accommodate? An excuse because if Customers are your first priority then you will want to accommodate them.

People do not have time to fill them out. An excuse because you can make the survey simple and give an incentive for filling it out.

This will just open the door for unhappy Customers to complain even more. An excuse because the unhappy Customer has probably moved their business elsewhere and has no real interest in helping you now.

Feedback from Customers is an opportunity to celebrate what you are doing right (great way to get testimonials) and improve on what you are doing wrong (before you go out of business).

So while you are thinking of all the excuses not to listen to what your Customers have to say, I would also find time to “beef” up your resume because I promise you one thing – you won’t be in business very long.