Customer Experience

I've heard it said, "everybody is in sales".  I can buy that (pun intended, I suppose).

A 'typical' company looks to win a contract (sale) by attempting to make a good impression, provide excellent service and hopefully, begin a long term relationship.  This logo is representative of corporate good intentions.

Rochester Public Utilities - I've had good experiences here.

Companies all promise something.  Will promises made help acquire and retain customers or might companies lose them with this very same promise?

The answer is determined by customer expectations. I've read about these "promises".  I've read about delivering on these promises as well.

There is an  entire range of possibilities within a customer satisfaction matrix.

The ACT

It's that time of year. Our weekends are spent in celebration as we congratulate each and every High School Graduate!

I did just a little research on the tests that are required for college entrance.  Whoa.  I am seriously grateful that I am well beyond the High School Junior status!

There are generally two main tests that colleges consider when reviewing applicants;  The SAT and the ACT.  Click here for sample ACT questions (if you dare).

Guest Writer: The Design

Have you ever thought to yourself or out loud…...Are we….am I ….living how God designed us to live?

What was the design? The original design that is.  What is the design?  Does it still exist today?

A friend of mine….the one who came up with “Sandals and a Stick” used the word “Design” in one of our many conversations about God. So it got me using it now too.

What is Conflict of Interest

Maybe you're a news-junkie.  Maybe you just check-in once in a while.  I know that it's hard to watch the steady stream of horrific scenes from all around the world.  ISIS.  Syria. Plane crashes, Train derailments. Terrorism bombings. I guess this is why I make sure that I catch Steve Hartman every Friday.  At least there is one positive news clip!

Dreamstime photo

In addition to the above mentioned atrocities, I'm noticing more and more news that falls into what might be termed, "Conflict of Interest".  Normally we understand this term in a legalistic point of view; Legal or illegal, yes or no, black or white, right or wrong.  Can something be legal and yet still be a conflict of interest?  Can something provide some good and still be found guilty of this conflict?

Examples.

Gut Check

Image by Mark Bartholomew

A 10 posting review in order to;

1. determine what kind of track is developing  
2. see if articles are accomplishing the goal of Sandals and a Stick
3. adjust any trend that is not moving toward these goals.

Result.  Adjustment required.

I've noticed that some of these postings seem to be a little preachy - definitely not the goal here.  Reading the header, these articles are supposed to be about the things in life that I see and recognize as opportunities to walk with God in a better relationship.

Servants

Flying back from Hawaii 8 years ago now, I was given a book with blank pages.  I was instructed to write something for the new bride and groom.  It was to be a book of wisdom and advice for this new couple to help them on their way.  I could only think of one thing to write.  One of my favorite in-the-pew songs is called the Servant Song.  Listen here if you'd like.

Not Every Day is a Good Day

"You just can't argue with that", I think to myself.  Sometimes, the planned day proceeds flawlessly. Some days, nothing goes right.  Blame everything from Murphy's Law to the weather to the color of your socks, but it probably won't help much.

• Shrug your shoulders and sigh.  
• Boil your rage to Category 5 levels and flatten everything around you.  
• Find a secluded corner and quietly break.  

Choices.  None of them good.

Truth by Humor

Chuck Lorre Vanity Cards - Click Here

If' you're familiar with Chuck Lorre, you'll know that he's been writing Vanity Cards for years.

Lilacs, 1 Corinthians and Mothers

• Mom 
• Purple 
• Lavender
• Spring

Your thoughts of Lilac bushes might not leave impressions matching the items on my list.  But, during spring, Lilacs manage to attract my attention frequently. Pretty strange.  It seems like way too much thought about an ordinary plant.  However, the smell of lavender and the sight of those purple blossoms will always and forever make me think of my mom. These sights and smells cement a cerebral connection between a mother and son. She has always been there for me - and others too, of course.  After all, she's the mother of 5!

Madam Secretary

In the episode called "There But for the Grace of God", the Secretary of State (Tea Leoni) is talking with her husband, Matt (Tim Daly).  A moral dilemma is being discussed.  It seems like there are no good options.  Then, Matt says,

"When everything seems to be lacking in integrity, you know what you do?  You find it in yourself.  You change the world right from where you're standing!"

 Television isn't always bad...

Hesitation

Guilty.

Efforts to;

• be prepared, 
• make sure all ducks are in the row, 
• make sure there are no typos, 
• work towards finding the right audience, 
• discern what topics should be addressed, 
• make absolutely certain that content appears rational rather than foolish, 

3 Reasons To Walk in the Morning

Spring is here and it's time to start walking again.  It's really the only exercise I get.  So here's my "wisdom" for the day.  Walk in the morning because;

1. It's cooler.  I don't like to sweat - so this is a good thing!
2. You can begin your day with great views, a more positive attitude and