No mercy rule
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (AP) -- Bridgewater State set NCAA Division III records for runs, hits, RBIs and victory margin Monday, routing Newbury 57-1 in seven innings. (Read on Source)
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On Road to Armageddon, Christianity's Foundations Are Shaken: Author Examines Topic in New Book
Laissez faire attitude threatens to thwart believers in the end times. (PRWeb Apr 26, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/TWFnbi1NYWduLUhhbGYtUHJvZi1NYWduLVplcm8=
Photos: A peek at Yahoo 'Paranoids'
"Paranoids" come in the uppercase and lowercase variety throughout the company. And then there are the superheroes.
NASA probes sabotage; report says pilots flew drunk
Damage to noncritical computer is "intentional," agency says. Separately, NASA says no comment on report astronauts flew while intoxicated.
Harvest Moon to Grace Evening Sky
The moon of Wednesday, Sept. 26 also carries the title of the Harvest Moon for those living in the Northern Hemisphere. The moon officially turns full when it reaches that spot in the sky diametrically opposite (180 degrees) to the Sun in the sky. This moment will occur on Wednesday at 19:45 Greenwich Time (3:45 p.m. EDT or 12:45 p.m. PDT). ... (Read on Source)
Borrowed time
But heavy booing showered upon the Saints by their home fans during Monday night's 31-14 loss to Tennessee was an apt reminder that 2006 is long gone. The Saints' playoff hopes will be as well without a quick turnaround. (Read on Source)
Fifty Years After Sputnik
Fifty years after Sputnik 1 -- the first artificial satellite -- was launched into orbit, scientists looks back at the story of that particular mission and examines some of key issues of modern satellite technology, from navigation with GPS and Earth observation to the dangers of "space junk" and the potential weaponization of space. (Read on Source)
The kinder morgan pipeline Posted By : KenWilson
This multinational company is actually the largest independent one when it comes to owners/operators of various products pipelines in the entire U.S; the gulf south pipeline is also likely to be serving customers from the west part of the country to the east part. Having more than the well known 10,000 miles of directed pipelines, these national midstream energy assets are likely to offer different fee-based services that are likely to address to a diverse number of various products that are com
MCAs Michael Cizmar Joins Advisor Board of OpenPipeline Project
(Programming News and Information) Today MCA announces that Michael Cizmar president of MCA will be serving on the advisory board of Dieselpoints OpenPipelineCurrently search text analytics and connector vendors find themselves constantly reengineering their software to integrate with closed proprietary systems OpenPipeline works outofthebox with Dieselpoint Search but can be used with any search engine Since 2002 we have been working with our clients to implement search technologies We see a tremendous potential for our clients because OpenPipeline simplifies many of the complexities of the UIMA said Michael Cizmar President of MCABoth broader and simpler than IBMs UIMA Unstructured Information Management Architecture OpenPipeline provides a common architecture for connectors to data sources file filters text analyzers and modules to distribute documents across a network It is fully functional out of the box and includes an installer a job scheduler file scanner and crawlers doc filters and point and click interface with drag and drop module installationDocument processing can be centralized or parallelized as needed The transport mechanism is simple webservices XML over HTTP RSSAtom feeds are also possibleThe development philosophy behind OpenPipeline stresses simple elegant design and massive scalability Minimal external dependencies and straightforward plugin implementation ensure that the learning curve is lowOpenPipeline Beta is available for free download via the Apache License 20 Current Advisory Board members include individuals from enterprise search text analytics and connector firms and consultancies More information can be found at wwwopenpipelineorgMCA is dedicated to solving business challenges by enabling organizations to derive maximum value from their business intelligence assets With expertise in areas of portal development management and architecture and supporting technologies MCA builds applications defines processes and leads implementations which help our clients leverage processes and information as a strategic business asset More information can be found at wwwmcplusacom...
Disney Merging Video Game, Digital Units
Disney plans to merge its digital media unit with its video game division, in an effort to create "a unified Disney-branded experience and community across all connected devices," said Disney CEO Bob... (Read on Source)
Maybe they should change the name to LUV-inental
Nick de la Torre/Houston ChronicleKellner: Up with peopleI decided to drop by Continental's annual meeting on Wednesday. I was curious how things would go, given that pilots were picketing outside and the company had just announced major cutbacks. Instead, I...
Science Weekly: Science and the media
Professor Steve Miller joins us to talk about the strained relationship between science and the media. Plus award winning novelist Ian McEwan muses on creativity and how it might differ between artists and scientists. (Read on Source)
Men And Women May Need Different Diets
Diet can strongly influence how long you live and your reproductive success, but now scientists have discovered that what works for males can be very different for females. In the first study of its kind, the researchers have shown that gender plays a major role in determining which diet is better suited to promoting longer life or better reproductive success.
Google Quality Score Update: First-Page-Bid Guidance Will Drive Up CPCs
We got a powerpoint from our helpful G reps about this on Friday. That deck has essentially the same content as their blog posting on this (see Inside Adwords, 8/21/08, Quality Score improvements). (Read on Source)
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee Speaks to Republican National Convention
SPEAKER: FORMER GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE, R-ARK. [*] HUCKABEE: Thank you. Well, let me say that, as much as I appreciate this magnificent opportunity to speak tonight, I've got to be honest with you. I was originally hoping for the slot on Thursday night called the acceptance speech. (LAUGHTER) (APP...
Leading Off: Could Brewers duo make Giants lose grip on Cain?
A lingering rumor was given new life Wednesday night. ESPN's Peter Gammons said the Giants could trade starting pitcher Matt Cain, 23, to the Brewers for first baseman Prince Fielder, 24, shortstop J.J. Hardy, 26, and another player. He didn't cite his source. (Read on Source)
Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America
I just finished Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America by Eric Jay Dolin. As the US tries to move toward a post-crude-oil world, this is a fascinating book about the evolution of the whaling industry in America. The author follows the rise of the whaling industry from its rapid expansion during the colonial era [...] (Read on Source)
FDA Seizes $71,000 In Dietary Supplements It Says Were Misbranded
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 9 ordered that U.S. marshals seize $71,000 in dietary supplements that the agency said were being improperly promoted as treatments for serious diseases. Full story on lexis.com
Thailand's police detain protest organizer: report
A key anti-government protest leader was arrested Sunday by Thailand?s police, according to media reports.
Don't Be Afraid To Give Problem Customers The Boot
Q: In a recent column you made the point that the customer is always right, which I agree with. However, in the same column you also said that it is sometimes necessary give problem customers the boot. If the customer is always right, at what point do you think they become so problematic that you should stop doing business with them?
-- Gary M.
A: That column brought a number of emails similar to yours, Gary, requesting that I clarify the line between "the customer is always right" and "sometimes you have to give a customer the boot." Here's the bottom line: if you, as a business owner or service provider, are willing to take a customer's money in exchange for providing him with goods or services, then the customer has what I call "the right of expectation." This means that the customer has the right to expect you to deliver everything promised in the transaction between you. For example, if you own a restaurant the customer has the right to expect that their meal will be prepared and served to their satisfaction. If you are a dry cleaner the customer has the right to expect that you will launder their clothes without returning them in shreds. If are hired to perform a service the customer has the right to expect that the service will be provided to their satisfaction within the terms of the defined task.
As the business owner, it is your responsibility to meet the customer's expectations and provide good customer service. Even if your business does not involve a formal contract that spells out to the letter what should be expected, there is generally a clear understanding of what the customer expects and what you are willing to deliver. If you back peddle on your end of the bargain, let's say by serving a bad meal or losing a customer's laundry and refusing to make things right, then you are guilty of not meeting the expectations of your customer and thereby are guilty of providing bad customer service.
Unfortunately not every entrepreneur puts emphasis on delivering good customer service. They are in it for the money and damn the customer if they have a problem. Such entrepreneurs were the topic of the column you mentioned, the point of which was, if you make a habit of not meeting your customer's expectations, you will not be in business for long.
Now let's look at the flipside. Just as the customer has the right to expect that he will get his money's worth when doing business with you, you have the right to expect that your customer will not demand things that are beyond the scope of realistic expectations (or the contract). If a customer orders hamburger, he shouldn't expect it to taste like steak unless you have advertised it as such. If a customer brings you a cotton shirt to launder he should not expect a silk shirt in return. It's when the customer's expectations get out of sync with what should realistically be expected that you will have problems.
We have all had customers who expected far more than was their due: customers who were unreasonable, overly-demanding, condescending, hard to please and sometimes, even dishonest in their dealings with you. When a customer's reasonable expectations become unreasonable demands you must decide whether or not that customer is doing more harm to your business than good.
So here is the line in the sand between the "customer is always right" and "sometimes you have to give the customer the boot" - if a customer crosses the line from being an asset to being a detriment to your business, you should consider giving that customer the boot.
This is easier said than done if that customer constitutes a large chunk of your revenue, but even then you have to consider what your business might be like if that problem customer was not in the picture. Would the time you spend dealing with the problem customer be better spent on sales calls that might expand your client base and grow your business (a business that is dependent on one client is a house of cards)? Would your employees be happier not having to deal with this customer? Would you sleep better nights knowing that you don't have a dozen phone messages from him on your desk every morning?
The easiest way to decide how much trouble a customer is worth is to look at the amount of revenue this customer brings in versus the time and expense of meeting his expectations. If this customer pays you $1,000 a month, but costs you $2,000 in time spent keeping them happy, this customer is actually costing you money. Just a handful of these kinds of customers will put you out of business fast..
For example, I once had a client whose business was worth several thousand dollars a year to my software company's bottom line. However, this client proved to be problematic from the second the contract was signed. He and his employees called our office ten times a day and dominated my tech support team's time with IT problems that were not even related to the service we were contracted to provide. It got so bad that my employees cringed every time the phone rang because they were afraid it was this client calling again.
When the time came to renew this client's contract it wasn't hard for me to decide to give him the boot. I simply did the math. This client had added thousands of dollars to my company's bottom line, but had cost me at least that much in handholding and support, not to mention the mental anguish he had caused my employees. I opted not to renew the contract and politely invited the client to take his business elsewhere.
The perfect customer relationship is win/win, meaning that your customer benefits from your product or service and your company prospers by delivering the product or service. The relationship must be built on mutual respect and honest intention. It is when the relationship becomes win/lose that you must be ready to take action. If the customer thinks he can hold you over a barrel and get more out of you than he has paid for, the relationship and your business suffer for it.
Look, you don't need me to hit you in the head with a stupid stick on this one. You know who your problem customers are and you know that you will eventually have to deal with them. You have to consider the value of every customer in the long run, not just their value today.
Is the customer making demands that are beyond the scope of what should be reasonably expected? If the customer constantly demands more than they are entitled to and gets angry when you refuse to comply, consider giving them the boot.
Is the customer taking advantage of your good graces? Some customers may mistake your willingness to please for weakness and try to wring more out of your relationship than they should. If the customer has a record of trying to take advantage of you and plays every angle to get more from you than they deserve, consider giving them the boot.
Is this customer a threat to your reputation? Let's face it; there is nothing more harmful to your reputation than a dissatisfied customer with a big mouth. And it does not matter who is at fault in the disagreement, a disgruntled customer is going to bad mouth you in the end - especially if they were at fault. If you suspect a customer might be the sort to one day air dirty laundry in public, consider giving them the boot.
Does the customer pay in a timely manner? If you have a customer that is consistently 90 to 120 days late in paying even when your contract clearly outlines your payment terms to be otherwise, it may be indicative of other problems to come. If you feel the client is a payment risk, consider giving them the boot.
What's the best way to avoid a customer booting? The best answer is to have a contract that clearly spells out the specifics of the relationship. The contracts I use in my various businesses clearly define the services to be provided, the cost of those services, and the timeline and terms under which those services will be rendered. If there is a deviation from the contract, we write an addendum that details any changes and their effect on the contract. Do I still have to give some customers the boot? You bet, but not very often. It's hard for a customer to cry foul when everything is there in black and white right above his signature.
What if your business doesn't use contracts? Then hang a poster in your shop or have a hand-out that clearly defines what your customer can expect from your business and then deliver what you promise. If you have a poster or hand-out that clearly outlines your services, your rates, scheduling, return policy, etc., there should be very little that the customer can complain about.
I know, famous last words.
Tim Knox Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker <a href="http://www.prosperityandprofit.com" title="http://www.prosperityandprofit.com" target="_blank">http://www.prosperityandprofit.com</a> <a href="http://www.dropshipwholesale.net" title="http://www.dropshipwholesale.net" target="_blank">http://www.dropshipwholesale.net</a> <a href="http://www.smallbusinessqa.com" title="http://www.smallbusinessqa.com" target="_blank">http://www.smallbusinessqa.com</a> <a href="http://www.timknox.com" title="http://www.timknox.com" target="_blank">http://www.timknox.com</a>
Stuff You Might Like: Free Webinar on Search Marketing Findings
I wanted to let you know about a free webinar that I'm doing with MarketingSherpa called 'New Research Findings: Search Marketing Tips, Tactics and Trends.' (Read on Source)
Finding the Best Home Phone Plan
ConnectMyPhone.com Offers 5 Tips for Getting Affordable Home Phone Service (PRWeb Oct 24, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/connectmyphone/best-home-phone/prweb1248044.htm
Digital Photo Frame Site Announces New Blog
OnlineDigitalPhotoFrame.com, a site that carries a variety of digital film equipment and accessories, was founded by Robert Bielling in 2007. The latest addition to the site was the implementation of an informational blog for its customers. (PRWeb Oct 26, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1522744.htm
Packers-Titans Preview - USA Today
Packers-Titans Preview USA Today - Kerry Collins has been asked to pass frequently in prior matchups with the Green Bay Packers. He isn't likely to have to carry that much of a burden this time. Rested Packers next up against unbeaten Titans NFL Betting Preview: Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers |
Ancient And Modern Plagues Show Common Features
The Plague of Athens is one of 10 historically notable outbreaks described in an article in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The phenomenon of widespread, socially disruptive disease outbreaks has a long history prior to HIV/AIDS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, H5N1 avian influenza and other emerging diseases of the modern era, note the authors.
Degraded grasslands best for palm oil biofuel production, finds study
Producing biofuels from oil palm plantations established on degraded grasslands rather than tropical rainforests and peat lands would result in a net removal of carbon from the atmosphere rather than greenhouse gas emissions, report researchers writing in Conservation Biology . The results confirm that benefits to climate from biofuel production ... (Read on Source)
THE ROUNDUP: Science and Nature News Around the Web
 | How spiders evolved; a stinking blossom's secret; a Jupiter moon turns to the dark side. |
Joe the Plumber heads to Israel
The Ohio man, who became famous during the U.S. presidential campaign after asking Barack Obama about his tax plan, is heading to Israel as a war correspondent for a conservative Web site called pjtv.com. (Read on Source)
name: MAGPIE