BC Ahn on the week of training
I will never forget the time that I have had in this class for the last 5 days. It was such a pleasure to meet such a wonderful professional like Peggy, and it was such a unique experience. Everything was so great. Just perfect! Just perfect for everything! I would like to express my appreciation to Peggy, Dolores, Angie and all the other staff. I truly understand why you have such a successful, professional business and why so many graduates have chosen you. I will continually contact you as my mentor. Thank you.
BC Ahn, Graduate May 2010
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts
press 1 for ‘annoyed’
My coffee maker is pretty ancient and I decided to buy a new one. On Thursday I started my search on the internet but couldn't find what I was looking for, so I dialed Black and Decker about finding a particular model. During my 22 minute hold, I was informed by an automated voice that I was no 13 in line, then 8 and then 3. Finally, a recording came on and asked me to leave my name and # and someone would call me back! I waited 22 minutes to leave my name and number! It has been 3 days and I'm still waiting. Have you ever experienced such madness? It appears that my time holding on the telephone line is not important, and that the company has simply put this in place to save money. It's not customer service, for sure.
On a more positive note regarding telephone prompters, Neiman Marcus is the only major department store in Atlanta that has someone live and breathing answering their phones. No prompters. I appreciate that very much and so they are always my first choice. That IS customer service, for sure.
...and that makes Momma happy!
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts
Are You Driving Away Business?
I recently decided to purchase a new car. For some people, there is no attachment to whatever they are driving, but for me, my car is usually at least a 10 year love affair. Ten years ago, I purchased my car from a dealership, so I called them first to make an appointment with the same salesperson. I was told he had moved on but they could quickly connect me with a new sales associate.
When I arrived, I explained to my new SA that I would like the same model and color. What else could there be to decide? After driving 3 cars, and with my checkbook in my hand, I said, ‘This is it, I’ll have this one.’ The SA looked at me and said, ‘Now, will your husband (of whom there had been no mention) have to sign off on the car?’. This is the 21st century and 62% of the workforce is female – where have you been, fella? I looked him right in the eye and said, ‘Actually, I’m not sure I do like this color.’
I drove straight to another dealership on the same street, and I bought a car in less than 50 minutes. Even though I had never driven that make before, I fell in love immediately. I won’t ever return to the first dealership, because my new love and I will be driving through fields of buttercups in slow motion for many years to come.
... and that Makes Momma Happy!
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts
Only Good Etiquette at this Firm. Do you think they know?
Over the weekend, my husband and I attended a very large and glamorous wedding. As we were approaching our table for dinner, I could see a woman moving the place cards around. She wanted to sit next to someone else at the table so she rearranged the seating.
When I sat down at the table, Mrs. Place Card Mover’s husband was on my right, my husband on my left and Mrs. Place Card Mover on my husband’s left. It is always common for Americans to ask ‘What do you do?’. I tried not to tell Mr. PCM that I was in the etiquette business, because sometimes people are intimidated, but he kept pressing about what kind of consultant I was so, I told him. He let me know that he was a partner at one of Atlanta’s largest law firms and they only hire people with great etiquette skills.
As we are talking, the waiter came around offering red or white wine. Mr. PCM picked up MY wine glass and said he would have red. A few minutes later, my husband quietly asked if he could put his bread on my plate. Mrs. PCM had used HIS bread plate.
Well, I went through the evening with no bread plate and no wine glass, but not to worry – ‘Mr. PCM’s firm only hires people with good etiquette’.
What would you have done? I didn’t ask for another bread plate or wine glass, as that would have embarrassed Mr. PCM’s Senior Partner.
... and that would NOT Make Momma Happy!
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts
Yes, I’m Breathing
Happy New Year 2010!
As 2010 begins, I will be blogging each week on positive and negative etiquette situations that I encounter during my daily journey. People’s reactions are fascinating and you are welcome to respond with your comments.
Next, please!
At my doctor’s appointment today, a resident came in to give me my annual physical results. Mr. Tall, Handsome & Gorgeous has my attention but he failed to introduce himself, shake hands or look me in the eye. No doubt a lot of money has been spent on education, but what about social skills? If a doctor is presenting good or bad news, I need that body language that suggests I am breathing?
... and that Makes Momma Happy!
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts