Something has definitely changed. It’s not that I want to stand on top of the highest building and shout it out (for a fear of heights will stop me before the stupidity of it all stops me), but I do want to have a voice, and to be heard. I’m not talking about writing a book, as I feel like that’s my calling, I know that that is what I was born to do. What I’m actually talking about is having my voice heard by those that matter, of taking thee time to share how good or bad something is with those that count.
It’s all very well complaining to your friends about how bad something has been, be it service or product, but it’s another thing to stand up and tell the people or company concerned that you are very much dissatisfied with them. Conversely, the same could be said for if something is really good, if you’re really pleased with something. In fact, I think people are more likely to complain than they are to pass on their thanks about something.
I don’t know what changed, but suddenly I seem to be taking the time to pass on my thanks to companies where I’ve had good service. So far this year I have thanked the nice AA man, who came out on the first day of the snow to change my battery in my car. Even though I was unlikely to be going anywhere that day, it was still really nice of him to come all the way out and do a job, in the cold, and keep a smile on his face. Today I thanked my hair dresser for giving me the best hair cut I’ve had since leaving London.
On the flip side, in the last month I’ve complained to two Chief Executives about a poor quality service, and failure by the said company to do something very simple. One of the complaints so far has had an affect, the other, I’ve heard nothing. At least I’ve had a voice to do something at the end of the day. If you don’t stand up and be counted, then it makes it hard to justify anything that you might say. I also find it helps me sleep better at night.
I’m sure there are many of you who think that I’m going to start spouting on about it being an election year, and if you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice. Well I’m not. My feelings on the subject of politics are very clear. A lot of you might not share my sentiments and it’s not really fair to force them upon you, so for now, I’ll say nothing.
