Paula Fargo, Author at Paula's Point

April 14, 2010

Nobody’s Fault But Mine

How are you as an apologizer? Does it stick in your craw? Make you annoyed because you felt justified in whatever action you took? Or do you apologize too easily? Want to keep the peace and just say you’re sorry to get it over with? Well, neither situation is ideal. In order for an apology to be meaningful, it must be, by definition, “full of meaning.” You must mean what you say, and how you say it. Interestingly, apologies can have very little to do with “fault.” In fact, “fault” is a concept that always seems rather unpleasant. In my…

April 6, 2010

But Do You REALLY Want To Take It Into The Bathroom?

Yes, we all LOVE our computers! Isn’t it great to have oceans of information at our fingertips? I love my computer as much as the next person; however, I don’t want to do all of my reading on my computer screen. First, it hurts my eyes after a while. It’s hard to curl up with my computer for a good read. It’s not always on when I’m ready to read. I don’t necessarily want to read my computer screen when I am on a long flight, train or car ride. And don’t even get me started about the bathroom! Printed…

March 30, 2010

Can I Speak with a LIVE Person…PLEASE!?!

Why are businesses using automated answering services during normal business hours, as a replacement to nice, friendly, helpful, AND LIVE, customer service representatives? Do business owners actually believe this is a good idea? An upgrade in customer service? I don’t know anyone who hasn’t felt utter frustration, at least once, after encountering an automated answering machine when calling to place an order or ask a question. The worst is the kind that is supposed to recognize your voice commands, but no matter how perfectly you enunciate, it can’t differentiate yes from no. When people call your business, they want to…