Becoming An Empowered Consumer

How many times have you said to yourself?"I just wish that company would treat me like they appreciated my business!"?

For many years I trained Customer Service Reps at a large corporation. There is no doubt that it was during those years I personally became a consumer with rather high standards and expectations. It was also during that time that I realized my only point of power (as a consumer) was to take my business elsewhere if I didn't get the treatment I deserved. While it may not sound like much, take a minute and add it up!

How much do you spend at your grocery store in a year?

How much do you spend at your local gas station in a year?

How much do you spend at your Dr.'s office in a year (make sure to include what your insurance pays)?

Are you surprised?

Whether we consciously think about it or not, we are all consumers of companies and businesses who profit because we choose to do business with them. The key word here is "choose", and we'll talk about that later.

Some of the smallest businesses do a fabulous job teaching their employees how to treat their customers. Maybe it's the place you stop for coffee on the way to work in the morning. You go in, the coffee is hot and fresh, it's neat and tidy, the cashier has a big smile (even if it's really busy), and they even take the time to thank you for your business.

Then there are some of the larger companies (not all). They have mission, vision and values statements on the walls. In the employee lounge area there are posters that say something about their commitment to quality and service. Yet, when you reach the customer service or check out person, they appear lifeless?no enthusiasm, no eye contact, and virtually no acknowledgement?and god help you if you inconvenience them by asking for an explanation or a price check.

Decide right now to become an empowered consumer and give your business to those who treat you like they appreciate your business. Here's a strategy to get you there:

  • Create a list of all the places you do business. Don't forget to include subscriptions, financial institutions, and even your handyman.

  • Next, rate your satisfaction with each business on your list (5= Very Satisfied - 1= Not Satisfied).

  • Review your ratings.

  • If there are ratings of 1 or 2, take your business elsewhere?immediately.

  • Businesses you rated 3 should be considered in the danger zone. If you choose to stay with them, at least give them some feedback on what they can do to improve. Review them again in 6 months.

  • Repeat the process annually.

    My point?you deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation, and you have a CHOICE! If you exercise that choice, you serve us all as consumers. Don't settle for less!

    About The Author

    Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com; Coach@connectionscoach.com

    • More Resources

    Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

    More Coaching Information:

    Related Articles

    How to Choose the Right Coach for You
    So you want to hire a coach but with so many choices it's easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you find the coach that is right for you? It can seem like a daunting task so here are some guidelines to help you make the right decision for you.
    Executive Coaching
    The higher you climb the ladder in this organization, the less chance you have of getting feedback about your performance. The working rule of thumb is "the farther up you go, the stranger things get," especially in the way you are reviewed and rewarded.
    Addiction to Thinking
    Randall sought my help because he was stuck being miserable and had no idea how to get out of his misery. In his life he had experienced moments of great joy and sense of oneness with all of life, but those moments were infrequent.
    Value Based Leadership Coaching
    What can I do to be a better coach? The Eight Step Coaching Model describes the process, yet too often the focus is on techniques only. "How can I say it to win my point, get others to do things my way, or convince them?" Focusing only on one technique is fundamentally manipulative.
    What Does It Take To Have It All In Life?
    Many people have asked me why I wrote my book, 'The Street Kid's Guide to Having it All', and I realized that some people simply do not believe that it is possible to 'have it all'. Well, I am here as an ambassador to dispel that rumor once and for all.
    Run to Win
    I was never much of an athlete growing up. Notoriously clumsy, I was ostracized by our school volleyball and basketball teams.
    3 Keys to Making Small Talk Easy to Do
    Small talk used to be really hard work for me. I never knew what to say and I always worried about saying the wrong thing.
    The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: How Do You Change the World?
    Recently, I saw an exhibition of paintings by a very talented artist. He clearly has a social conscience and his depictions of the pain and misery of disenfranchised and minority people are so vivid and real you can't help but feel the pain in viewing the paintings.
    Building a Strong Coaching Practice
    As a person who has been around the coaching profession for a number of years, I wish I could say that my practice is full right now. But the fact is that I've been pursuing TV gigs in the last few years and haven't put much emphasis on building my individual coaching practice.
    Whats Up With All These Coaches?
    If you are anything like me, you may have noticed a tremendous increase in the number of coaches that have appeared recently. Traditionally, coaches existed primarily in the world of sports, but you could also find voice, acting and singing coaches.
    Can I Be My Own ADD Coach?
    Quite often I am in contact with people who discuss acting as an ADD Coach for their child or spouse. While supporting and helping loved ones with ADD is a great idea, acting as an ADD Coach really isn't a great idea.
    Why Bosses Dont Get All the News
    Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained that the industry has no interest in real business stories. And, I had to agree with him, since we don't see much coverage that doesn't involve stock prices or some sort of scandal.
    Bringing Forgiveness Down To Earth
    What does it mean to forgive?One of the first things we typically think when we hear the word "forgive" is that it is a spiritual concept that is mostly out of reach for us mortal human beings. The bible talks about it, pastors implore us to forgive, we might believe that it is something that we "should" do but for the most part, most of us find it very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.
    How to Crack a Daunting Task!
    If you have a daunting task and the mere thought of it overwhelms you, it's probably too big to implement directly and should be broken down into actionable parts. I find this happens to me frequently -- I see the big strategic goal that I want to achieve, but become paralyzed thinking about the size of the project.
    What Are Your Priorities?
    "The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want." -Ben SteinAt the end of every winter as warm weather and sunshine approach, I find myself keenly aware of where I'd like to be spending my time.
    Tips for Writing Great Coaching E-Books
    Never understimate the power of a well-written word. Tens of thousands of readers of coaching ebooks have had their lives changed for the better by a well written ebook.
    Sometimes, It Just Takes ONE Conversation to Change Your Life!
    I was thinking this morning about the importance of the profession that I am in. Besides doing various trainings, workshops and consulting, I also coach people.
    Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words
    Has it ever occurred to you how much you are saying to people even when you are not speaking? Unless you are a master of disguise, you are constantly sending messages about your true thoughts and feelings whether you are using words or not.Studies show that your words account for only 7% of the message you convey.
    We Are the Five People We Associate with Most
    Last month I was invited to participate in a charity golf tournament in Las Vegas to celebrate the life of the late dancing legend Gregory Hines. The event was held to raise funds and awareness of the tragic disease that took this entertainer's life.
    Is Your Attitude Destroying Your Health?
    A positive attitude may bring good health and success. If you have ever read any book about success you will discover how an optimistic attitude will keep you healthier and tremendously increase your chances of success.