Positive Impressions in Two Ways in Retail Stores

Two chains new in the area are using excellent techniques to create positive impressions on customers.

One technique, used by the new MacAuthority, is to know other nearby stores who carry related products that customers may ask for, which MacAuthority does not carry. The staff at MacAuthority appears very knowledgeable about products when they can do that. Another new store, EarthFare, promotes a positive experience by offering many food samples and encouraging customers to try these items. Obviously they want customers to stay longer in the store, and buy some new items. Whether through referrals, enthusiastic smiles, pleasant smells and wonderful tastes, or generally appearing eager - not just barely willing - to serve the customers, these stores are using some effective strategies to create positive impressions!

Parent of a high school senior?

Soon the college and scholarship applications will be done, and then comes the thought: does my child know enough about non-academics to do well in college? For example, does he know about time management, money management issues such as credit cards and phishing, finding cheap travel fares, doing laundry and more? While some high school seniors will listen to this advice, most won't.

One way to get around seniors' "I know it all attitude" is to write the information down for them to read when they are ready, and to put it on a computer so it doesn't weigh anything when it's time to go to college. Then, at 3 AM if they need to know something, the information is waiting! But who wants to write a book? Fortunately, it's already done and waiting on the web, at www.portableparent.com. There are even sections where parents with Windows on their computers can add their own tidbits of widom. "Instant information, with a parent's insight, available 24/7!"

Trouble with American English Pronunciation?

Newcomers to the USA, whether they are here with H1B visas or other reasons, often struggle with pronunciation, culture and language skills. Many learned British English, which has many differences in grammar, vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation from American English. My Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminars often discuss some of these differences. For example, the British may pronounce "schedule" as "shedule", while Americans say
"skedule". The British may say the noun "progress" as "progress" (with a long "o" sound), while Americans say "prahgress". For those who want to change their pronunciation patterns, the next open enrollment Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminar will be January 10 - 12, 2010; a few spaces are still open at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com/class3.htm.

Can't Get Up Early in the Morning?

Many people have difficulty getting up early in the morning for classes or work. They have an alarm clock but ignore it or don't hear it. A wonderful solution is an innovative product called a ShakeAwake. This is an alarm clock that you strap on your leg and it vibrates - strongly - to wake you up. It's designed for people with hearing loss, but it works wonderfully for people who hear (but maybe don't want to listen)! ShakeAwake can be gotten from www.devices4less.com, and is terrific!

Taking a freshman to college...

Each fall, as parents help new college freshmen pack and move into a college dorm, the question on their minds is, "Is he ready?" Thanks to a unique, down-loadable book, Portable Parent, www.portableparent.com, parents can now send their students with information they need before the students think to ask. Parents can even insert their own wisdom in it, to make sure certain ideas are covered. "Instant information, with a parent's insight, 24/7".

Topics such as what to bring to college, time and money management, tips on doing laundry and making friends (a big concern of new students), how to lengthen or shorten a term paper, finding private scholarships, student travel sites, getting textbooks less expensively, and much more are included. Best of all, the book will not add an ounce to the mounds of luggage to be lugged to your student's room!

A student reviewer for Portable Parent commented, "Hey - it's like a parent that you can get information from when you want it.... even at the times of morning that you need advice but don't want the lecture you'd get about calling at that time of night!"

www.portableparent.com

Diversity and idea generation

A client of mine who wanted advice on facilitating brainstorming groups recently asked if brainstorming groups should have people with similar backgrounds in them. Research has shown, I told her, that the more diverse the group, the greater the number of ideas that will be generated. Diversity can be from different places in the same (or other) country, age, race, sex, professional or educational background.

Another group of my clients who are from other countries come for help with improving their American pronunciation. As they improve their communication skills, we are also sharing information about our native cultures. "In my country, we...." is often heard. Often other groups' beliefs and ways of doing things are a real surprise to us, and we all learn about another way of dealing with a problem.

Whether focusing on improving pronunciation or brainstorming skills, diversity makes a difference!

Letting Your College Freshman Go -Gently

A few years ago, at a college orientation program for parents, sad looks and even tears were on many faces. Parents were clearly concerned about their children's ability to manage on their own.

There is another option, though, between being a "helicopter parent" and a "hands off" parent.
Children who are in college often do want guidance, but they don't want their parents to know about it.

A new downloadable book, Portable Parent (www.portableparent.com) offers this middle ground.
Parents can include their advice in sections of this unique customizable book, and then upload it onto their child's computer. The book includes advice and helpful information on everything from getting to know others and lengthening term papers, to finding private scholarships and avoiding phishing e-mails. Best of all, when giving this book to your child, it won't add a single extra ounce as you lug your child's things up to his new dorm room!