Wealthy Bag Lady Blog

Not Gonna Take It Anymore?

Are Employees as Mad as Hell?

I n the film Network, Peter Finch's anchorman character, Howard Beale, said, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore."

Steven Slater, a 28-year employee of Jet Blue, got as mad as hell.

A passenger was rude to him, getting on his last nerve and even hit him with a suitcase. Slater launched into a profanity-laced tirade, grabbed a beer and slid down the plane's emergency chute.

Now Slater is being praised as a "working-class hero". His story has touched a nerve with employees who are tired of working long hours, living in fear of being fired, dealing with obnoxious customers, and not being appreciated by their boss.

Take This Job and Shove It

This is why more people are joining the entrepreneurial revolution. You can choose who you want to work with, make your own hours, and only work with customers that you like and respect.

According to business expert, Loral Langemeier, "Our founding fathers didn't fight the revolution so we can have jobs." Having your own business is becoming part of the American Dream. Employees are even starting part-time businesses so they can claim their independence and tell bosses and abrasive customers to shove it.

Would You Buy from This Man in His Underwear?

I was shocked!

I went in to pick up my dry cleaning and a guy who looked like this was behind the counter waiting on customers.

Can You Believe It?

Image and first impressions are so important. Small businesses make the same mistake as my dry cleaners and I'm amazed that even large companies spend lots of money on massive advertising campaigns, but don't pay attention to the front line people dealing directly with customers.

 

 Image and First Impressions in Your Business

• Appearance: Your appearance should match your clients. I just saw Tony Hsieh from Zappos.com speak onstage and this is what he wore. He doesn't wear a suit, but his look matches his relaxed image.
• Online: People will check you out online before their initial contact with your company, so they need to have a good experience with your web site, social media and email marketing.
• Logo: Your logo needs to represent your company with professionalism and friendliness.
• Voice Mail: Your voice mail needs to welcome people and not become a frustrating circus that never leads to a human being.
• Location: Your place of business should be inviting. If you're a home-based business, meet people in warm, relaxed locations like restaurants and hotel lobbies. Some coffee houses are too hectic for business.
• Telephone: Have you ever called a company and felt like you were an interruption to someone's day? Customers are looking for a great telephone experience with someone who can provide great solutions for their lives.