tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.comments2023-05-16T11:13:32.257-04:00Prospering in Tough TimesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-87390403562069263752009-04-12T06:58:00.000-04:002009-04-12T06:58:00.000-04:00BeckyThank you for visiting and sharing your thoug...Becky<BR/><BR/>Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts.<BR/><BR/>When the majority of our nation fully embraces the personal responsibility that you adress, then recovery will be near.<BR/><BR/>I admire the personal responsibility being shown by so many consumers. On the othert hand, too many business execs still seem to be counting on someone else to bail them out. And regretfully, Washington seems to love the attention (and donations) that come with bailout requests.<BR/><BR/>Our nation is making some progress....but has far to go before the upturn is solidly rooted.Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-73373035708508096212009-04-09T00:56:00.000-04:002009-04-09T00:56:00.000-04:00Hell no, hedge funds should not be bailed out sinc...Hell no, hedge funds should not be bailed out since they are suppose to be for wealthy, sophisticated investors who are diversified. Of course, we are finding out that hedge funds are also a convenient vehicle for fraud, cleaning out ordinary investors and retirees of life savings. Even legitimate funds are losing huge sums of money for their clients, so obviously, hedge fund managers are not so hot investors after all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-19198651336319169152009-04-03T08:24:00.000-04:002009-04-03T08:24:00.000-04:00What about people who have never worked a day in t...What about people who have never worked a day in their life and have just left education? How are we supposed to get a job when no-ones interested in grades?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-39482782372236722892009-03-26T04:07:00.000-04:002009-03-26T04:07:00.000-04:00SarahThanks for being a reader of this blog and sh...Sarah<BR/><BR/>Thanks for being a reader of this blog and sharing your experience. <BR/><BR/>I trust all readers understand the essence of Carol's point, ie that there are incredible opportunties, even in this downturn, to win customers/clients by outperforming sloppy competitors.<BR/><BR/>I see Bellagio type stories often because of all the traveling I do. But, I also see some hotels waking up to the power of treating clients really well. Not "giving away the store," just consistently doing the little things right.<BR/><BR/>These are the times to shine...in business and in our personal lives.Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-86126764299756924582009-03-24T20:13:00.000-04:002009-03-24T20:13:00.000-04:00Be glad they corrected the error at all. On my re...Be glad they corrected the error at all. On my recent Bellagio stay, they lost my reservation and original deposit (though I showed them my confirmation letter). I checked in because they said they would correct the problem later in the day. Upon checkout, they had screwed up again, and overcharged me $350. I never signed on checkout but it was still charged to my card, and I am still trying to get this dispute settled. I have never encountered customer service close to as horrible as Bellagio's.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16931064823997647168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-944467065069790992009-03-16T09:33:00.000-04:002009-03-16T09:33:00.000-04:00While fear can be managed, fear is not an inapprop...While fear can be managed, fear is not an inappropriate reaction to much of what is going on right now. <BR/><BR/>I think a sitting down with your fear(s), writing them down on a piece of paper, talking to wives and family about them is probably a good idea. <BR/><BR/>Fear starts to control you when you don't actually face it and attempt to address what can REALLY be done about it.But being afraid is a very realistic response to what's happening out there. And after figuring out what you can and cannot do about something, you may still end up being rationally very afraid.<BR/><BR/>The adage False Evidence Appearing Real = FEAR isn't really accurate. There is plenty of REAL evidence that is REAL and there is plenty to be afraid of. Many of the issues you cite are REALLY happening to REAL people. That being said, it is still important to confront FEAR and to manage it.<BR/><BR/>But to suggest that when people are afraid they are somehow not seeing the truth around them is to not give them much credit.<BR/><BR/>Anybody who is NOT afraid right now is either not paying attention or has been in cash for 18 months.<BR/><BR/>ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-80537777722574775162009-03-16T09:28:00.000-04:002009-03-16T09:28:00.000-04:00Dave - if it is any comfort to us, note the follow...Dave - if it is any comfort to us, note the following:<BR/><BR/>Sales of “Atlas Shrugged” Soar in the Face of Economic Crisis<BR/>Washington, D.C., February 23, 2009<BR/><BR/>--Sales of Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” have almost tripled over the first seven weeks of this year compared with sales for the same period in 2008. This continues a strong trend after bookstore sales reached an all-time annual high in 2008 of about 200,000 copies sold.<BR/><BR/>“Americans are flocking to buy and read ‘Atlas Shrugged’ because there are uncanny similarities between the plot-line of the book and the events of our day” said Yaron Brook, Executive Director at the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights. “Americans are rightfully concerned about the economic crisis and government’s increasing intervention and attempts to control the economy. Ayn Rand understood and identified the deeper causes of the crisis we’re facing, and she offered, in ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ a principled and practical solution consistent with American values." <BR/><BR/>So is this good news? not sure, gun sales are up too!<BR/><BR/>Bob TormeyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-82609357875469643172009-03-08T15:33:00.000-04:002009-03-08T15:33:00.000-04:00Ok fair enough. Allow me to explain why I posted....Ok fair enough. Allow me to explain why I posted. <BR/><BR/>I used to live in Vegas and am an ex employee at the Bellagio. I was just googling through stuff about the recession and how it has impacted so many jobs in Vegas. The Bellagio/MGM Mirage was a great company to work for and I learned a lot during my time there.<BR/><BR/>They always stressed great service as a company and did a lot to keep it a good work environment as to keep the staff motivated and happy for the most part.<BR/><BR/>One thing that was a losing battle was keeping countless guests happy all the time. It gets to a point that being on the "front lines" just becomes frustrating in that people are going to endlessly complain no matter how good of an atmosphere you try to create and how you try to go about your job every day.<BR/><BR/>I do understand that this person could have taken a better approach to your issue in their demeanor and what not. I just know what it is do listen to endless "issues" the guests have for 8 hour stretches. It can wear on anyone after a while.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate your comments back and sorry I misinturpreted your purpose behind the post...All the best.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-72658238477992585412009-03-08T10:33:00.000-04:002009-03-08T10:33:00.000-04:00I could not agree with you more that in times of g...I could not agree with you more that in times of great change the ability to adapt is so, so important.<BR/><BR/>Through the ages, there are so many examples of individuals, comapnies and even societies that have proven this point.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the exclamation point on this important issue.Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-55423124736050254992009-03-08T10:24:00.000-04:002009-03-08T10:24:00.000-04:00"Might find them bashing you on the internet"...no..."Might find them bashing you on the internet"...no "might," I have just been bashed by you on the internet. But, I...unlike the Bellagio...very much respect that you took the time to make your view known. <BR/><BR/>Customer feedback, or in your case, reader feedback, is a great thing. So many customers who get bad service just choose not to say anything.<BR/><BR/>I do want to try to clarify that I was not suggesting, in any way, that the manager should lose her job. I purposely did not use her name. Furthermore, I doubt that a company like the Bellagio would take the legal risk of firing an otherwise great employee over one misstep. <BR/><BR/>The purpose of this blog is to save jobs, to save people's savings, to save companies, etc. by providing real world stories that illustrate what I believe to be worthwhile learning points about prospering in tough times. This blog is NOT intended to be a forum for service problems (there are - after all - many, many sites that are for that express purpose). It is unfortuante that you see that as my purpose. I will increase my efforts to make sure that readers undertsand the purpose of any post.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for taking the time to express your opinion. Reader feedback is a very good thing!Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-68572990230461506192009-03-07T18:49:00.000-05:002009-03-07T18:49:00.000-05:00So let me get this straight. You had a wonderful ...So let me get this straight. You had a wonderful experience staying at the Bellagio. Got a great deal on the rooms and recieved great service. There was a mix up in the system, the problem was fixed, and you are still complaining because the person didn't kiss your *** enough while fixing the problem. <BR/><BR/>Unbelievable. <BR/><BR/>I underdstand how important it is to give great service, beyond expectations and thensome but please. You make it personal. Life is hard, someone has a bad moment, go easy. Instead you are suggesting they should be unemployed due to a cusomter or two. <BR/><BR/>Hope someone doesnt percieve your services the wrong way. Might find them bashing you on the internet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-39162923371718776072009-02-15T05:40:00.000-05:002009-02-15T05:40:00.000-05:00As a businessman myself I concur wholeheartedly wi...As a businessman myself I concur wholeheartedly with the notion that opportunities abound in in the present economic climate.<BR/><BR/>However, to discount the news media’s contribution to the economic downturn is just as much a flawed practice, as to believe that the situation is hopeless and their aren’t other opportunities.<BR/><BR/>I think it’s vital in dealings with clients to understand how the media has destroyed business confidence, which is the main driver for layoffs and belt tightening.<BR/><BR/>You say there are opportunities for those who understand the dynamics of the downturn. The media is very much a part of the dynamics of this downturn.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-6382599067392031202009-02-09T20:50:00.000-05:002009-02-09T20:50:00.000-05:00MarkThank you for your thoughtful post.Like you, I...Mark<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your thoughtful post.<BR/><BR/>Like you, I believe that much of the problem lies with senior managers who are not clearly communicating that every single customer is important, more so today than in recent "good" times.<BR/><BR/>The days of managers having to put up with poor performers due to the (then) labor shortage are long gone. The winning businesses will be taking advantage of the changed labor market to instill great customer service.<BR/><BR/>These are truly times when the astute and the agile can prosper!<BR/><BR/>DaveBlog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-56391963554544774222009-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:002009-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:00I'm constantly annoyed by the fact most employees ...I'm constantly annoyed by the fact most employees just don't get it when it comes to how they treat their customers. Since this is more the norm than abnormal, it occurred to me there may be something else going on. Two observations in that regard. First, without a clearly communicated and infused Vision from the owners or management, the customer service objective will never be accomplished. Second, owners and mangers need to clearly determine what the ideal customer experience is, as defined by their own customers. Make a point of asking every customer on checkout what the best thing about their stay was and what if anything could be done to make it a better experience. You'll be surprised at the appreciation and feedback you get.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09329235629706792158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-17951125109589702172009-02-05T20:06:00.000-05:002009-02-05T20:06:00.000-05:00I realized as I read this last posting of your and...I realized as I read this last posting of your and the purpose to your blog -- Opportunities abound for those who understand the dynamics of the downturn and take advantage of the opportunities created by the downturn.<BR/><BR/>That beside the 'business opportunities' there are other 'upturns' to this downturn. I guess you could say these are personal opportunities such as taking this time to re-evaluate where we're going in life.<BR/><BR/>I remember years ago one of my life purpose coaching clients told me that he realized he was like many other people so busy clamoring over each other up the corporate ladder that he failed to notice the ladder was on the wrong wall.<BR/><BR/>I wrote more about this 'opportunity/upside' in a recent article that is also posted on the Living & Working On Purpose blog. <BR/><BR/>So, yes, losing a job can be a real downer, a real crisis, but many people may find in hindsight it was a the impetus to stop and recognize which wall their ladder has been on.CoachBradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01960805530471415243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-51213121893841616962009-01-30T06:28:00.000-05:002009-01-30T06:28:00.000-05:00BradKnowing of the good work being done at the Lif...Brad<BR/><BR/>Knowing of the good work being done at the Life on Purpose Institute, I love your experiment as it provides a "no excuses" path for someone to get quality help, in an important dimension of one's life, during these challenging times. <BR/><BR/>Equally important, I applaud that the Institute is not just doing "business as usual. All businesses, including non-profits, must scrutinize their processes for opportunities for improvement. <BR/><BR/>Double kudos!Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-3269450036915151032009-01-28T17:24:00.000-05:002009-01-28T17:24:00.000-05:00What a perfect example you gave, Dave. I know as ...What a perfect example you gave, Dave. I know as a coach/consultant myself who often sees the service part of 'customer service' missing I too sometime like to make suggestions to businesses I frequent.<BR/><BR/>I often start with 'in the spirit of being of service...' sometimes it's received that way and sometimes not, but I know I feel better having given it a shot -- it's true to the 'purposeful passionate and playful service' part of my life purpose.<BR/><BR/>I'd love to hear more from you as to what 'getting it' and 'not getting it' looks like for you.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to share an 'experiment' that we're working on at Life On Purpose Institute. As a 'vision directed/fiscally responsible, spiritually based enterprise, we recently implemented the "No Committed Soul Left Out" policy that goes like this:<BR/><BR/><I>"Anyone who truly feels called to our work (programs and coaching services), and feel that we can be of service to them in living a more purposeful and meaningful life, will not be denied those services due to monetary or financial constraints. We will make every effort to find a way that will allow them to participate in our work while continuing to be financially responsible as an enterprise."</I><BR/><BR/>As I said, the experiment is in process but so far it's been a wonderful experience of helping find win-win solutions where we at LOPI can continue to fulfill our purpose through serving others.CoachBradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01960805530471415243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-68481867854980220142009-01-26T15:30:00.000-05:002009-01-26T15:30:00.000-05:00SharonI doubt any of us are good judges of whether...Sharon<BR/><BR/>I doubt any of us are good judges of whether we are becoming a dinosaur. So, I am not the best person to comment on the success I am having in avoiding becoming a dinosaur.<BR/><BR/>As to my personal efforts to avoid being such, I have redoubled my efforts to stay close to the market. I am probing, probing, probing to reach my own conclusions as to the pace of change and changes I need to make. I am blessed to have amazing mentors and proteges who are so valuable in my efforts to understand what is going on. Finally, writing for my two blogs forces me to try to stay current.<BR/><BR/>Your question is so good, I will write a post or two on this subject in coming weeks.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your interest.Blog Hosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04279218412633931284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-88819854027809101622009-01-24T03:01:00.000-05:002009-01-24T03:01:00.000-05:00I like the fact that you stated the turn around wi...I like the fact that you stated the turn around will not be quick, and it will not be easy. Personal responsibility is something that we all must face. In order to heal a nation it has to begin within each one of us.<BR/><BR/>To heal something that is sick takes time and consistency once you find what works.Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01516034361173621552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-79187602675642246662009-01-23T22:31:00.000-05:002009-01-23T22:31:00.000-05:00Nice post and keen observations. I'd like to know...Nice post and keen observations. I'd like to know more on what you are doing to avoid becoming a dinosaur and if you are having success. I'm sure in tips, advice and suggestions would be great to post here to motivate your readers to do the same.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-84995348581278198592009-01-17T08:06:00.000-05:002009-01-17T08:06:00.000-05:00this is great for the college educated mucty- muc ...this is great for the college educated mucty- muc you know the educated fools who got us into this mess in the first place what about us blue collar workers who do our jobs and dont complain until one day a pencil-neck with a suite and tie comes around and tells us our job is there got shopped of to china or the company has had a down turn you got any advice for usAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-81287702531587812902009-01-10T01:40:00.000-05:002009-01-10T01:40:00.000-05:00People always hate to talk about when they are lai...People always hate to talk about when they are laid off. But as it has become every day's news headline since Yahoo started it with cutting 1500 of its task force last year, now a need of platform has been in demand where people can express their selves in words how they are feeling about their company, whey the got laid off was that justified or not.<BR/>And every thing they want to tell anonymously.And www.layoffgossip.com is providing you that platform.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-38835816596268637332009-01-09T12:29:00.000-05:002009-01-09T12:29:00.000-05:00Dave,It's a joy and honor to be a part of your sup...Dave,<BR/>It's a joy and honor to be a part of your support team. You're generosity with the world is inspiring beyond words. I truly believe the single most important skill to master is accessing "inner peace." Looking forward to playing with you 2009!<BR/>MaryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-37484074347890237512009-01-09T10:30:00.000-05:002009-01-09T10:30:00.000-05:00Dave, enjoying your blog.Might be interesting to a...Dave, enjoying your blog.<BR/><BR/>Might be interesting to ask those side-liners if they truly believe it is possible NOT to participate in the recession. Life is continual flux; the flux is just more dramatic right now, and thus harder to deny ... although the non-participants types will certainly try!<BR/><BR/>Tough times provide us with the best opportunities for growth. The current recession/depression is allowing (or for some, forcing) us to remember that we *always* live in a climate of flux. And those who get through it with the most serenity -- and thus, I believe inevitable success -- are those willing to adapt continually.<BR/><BR/>Be well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873408022704760771.post-59416765298007646072009-01-02T11:15:00.000-05:002009-01-02T11:15:00.000-05:00Thank you for this thoughtful post. I am glad tha...Thank you for this thoughtful post. I am glad that my book has been valuable for you. I love the quote on 'adjusting to winning'. Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com