The Current
Scattered Intermittent Random Thoughts May 2011
By Nancy Friedman, The Telephone Doctor
I’ve always wanted to do an article like this; sharing thoughts that
come into my mind. Some are business thoughts and some are per-
sonal. Hope you enjoy!
• I really have a hard time with the person who says, “Oh, ok” when
I’ve just logged a complaint. It’s as though they didn’t hear me.
That’s not the right thing to say when I’m not a happy camper.
• Don’t you hate it when you let someone in front of you in traffic
and they don’t wave a thank you?
• Forrest Tucker of F Troop, for those who remember, once told me,
“Some folks get overcome with the smell of their own perfume.”
Great statement when you realize what he meant.
• Why does the nurse say, “The doctor will be right with you” and
then they don’t show up for 45 minutes.
• How about the person who takes the last cup of coffee from the
pot and doesn’t make more?
• Ever wonder why some folks aren’t able to laugh at themselves?
• Someone once told me, “Grow old with your audience.” So I update my press picture every 2
years. Makes a big difference.
• I make my grandkids leave their cell phones in the car when we take them out to dinner so we
can have a quick 20 minute dinner uninterrupted. This, by the way, makes me the worst grand-
mother in the world apparently!
• It really bothers me when a customer service rep sounds as though they are reading their
script to me. All it would take to personalize it, and have it sound more natural, is a few rehears-
als. It would make a big difference to everyone.
• Most people aren’t aware you are not married to the voice that came with your automated at-
tendant. You can do it yourself or bring in a fun voice. We find that it’s not always the AA that is
the problem; it’s the blah blah voice they object to.
• And speaking of automated attendants, are you as frustrated as I am with the “voice recogni-
tion” machines? OMG! They seldom recognize anything I’m saying.
• I personally don’t think there is a generational issue out there.
• When I am having trouble on the phone with an accent from another country, what I tell them
is a far cry from what I’m actually thinking. (The old “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say
anything at all.”)
article continued on page two...
www.MendocinoCoast.com •
[email protected] • 707.961.6300
Telephone Doctor continued from page one Page 2 • May 2011
• I can’t get my teeth cleaned without the gas that puts me out.
• Why do people put “I’ll call you back as soon as possible” on their voice mail message and then
don’t?
• If chocolate only came in milk chocolate I’d be so thin.
• Am I the only one who dislikes it when the person helping me on the phone (or in person) is
chomping on gum?
• I really wanted to meet Johnny Carson and Johnny Cash.
• When you call to sell me something, why don’t you ever ask if it’s an OK time to talk?
• Ladies Only: When my mate/partner/whatever tells me I look “fine,” why doesn’t that sound
good enough?
• Why don’t people know the difference between their, there & they’re and you’re and your?
• Why don’t some people wash their hands when leaving the restroom? Don’t you just want to
yell out, “Hey come back; you forgot to wash your hands”?
• I wonder why owners and managers don’t call their own companies to see how their custom-
ers are handled.
• Men Only: What’s with the not asking for directions? Who started that one? That’s sad. You’d
get there twice as fast if you’d ask.
• Why do they ask, “Can I take a message” and you say, “Yes” and start talking and they say,
“Wait, I gotta get a pencil.” Duh!
• If you haven’t seen Jersey Boys yet, add it to your wanna do list. Great show!
• Do you agree with me? Common sense isn’t so common.
• Why don’t people send handwritten thank you notes anymore?
• How come no one ever thinks ‘they’ are rude?
• Why don’t you leave your phone number TWICE and SLOWLY on voice mail instead of rattling
through it?
• I miss Simon on American Idol.
• Are you noticing it’s not just the kids who walk and text and don’t look where they’re going?
The big folks are just as guilty.
OK - that’s enough for now. What’s your random thought? Send it to me at press@telephonedoc-
tor.com. I’d like to hear it.
HomeMade Publications… We get the word out.
• Mendocino Travelers Guide
• Mendocino Real Estate Guide
• www.MendocinoGuide.com
Erina Reeves • 937-3565 •
[email protected] www.MendocinoCoast.com • [email protected] • 707.961.6300
Chamber Announcements Page 3 • May 2011
Nominate Your Neighbor
Each year we present community and business
awards for; Business of the Year (Over 25 employ-
ees & Under 25 employees), the Charlie Bell Award
(previously Volunteer of the Year, Beautification/
Preservation (Business & Residential), and a Sus-
tainability Award. We need help from the commu-
nity to put a spotlight on these unsung heroes.
Is there a business on the coast that has gone Barbara D. Clark
above and beyond to give great customer service? Broker / Owner
Or a business that gives opportunities to those in
need? Do you know of an individual or group that Fort Bragg Realty
has given endless amounts of time to local causes 809 N. Main St.
or organizations? Has someone done a complete Fort Bragg, California 95437
Business (707) 961-1111
restoration of a historic home or just beautified the Fax (707) 964-3402
eye-soar in the your neighborhood? These are the Website c21fortbraggrealty.com
E-Mail
[email protected]people and businesses we want you to nominate. Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated Office
2004
Recipients are given recognition for their hard work
and dedication to our coastal community, at a cel-
ebration to be held in June. Nomination forms and
details can be picked up at the Chamber office (217
S. Main Street, Fort Bragg) Deadline for nomina-
tions is Friday, May 20, 2011. For more informa-
tion contact us at 961-6300
Peters Painting
Want to know what is happening on the
Rates for Chamber Members Mendocino Coast...check out our
Commercial or Residential Calendar of Events!
Ask for Lloyd Peters
(707) 513-6276
CA Lic# 882523
North Coast Plumbing,
Joe P. Moura
Heating, & Sheet Metal INC.
Construction Company Residential - Commercial
•Residential •Custom Homes •Commercial •Remodeling
Builder
since •Vinyl Siding •Vinyl Fencing •Plans & Permits Over 150 Years Combined Experience
1968
161 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
We B u i l d I t B e t te r !
(707) 964-2783 ~ (707) 964-4127
18200 North Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 707-964-4177 email:
[email protected] www.northcoastplumbing.com
General Engineering & Contracting Lic. No. 37895 Contractors License #375855
Annual Showcase Mixer Page 4 • May 2011
Christine Lindauer, new owner of Cheshire Books, dis- Joe Seta and Christina of Living Light Marketplace talk
plays some of the great books available at her store. about their many products with Chamber Ambassador
Kit Mosden of Mosden’s Antique Furniture Restoration.
Melissa Ivankay of CV Starr Aquatic Center
stands near their display of childrens workshops
offered at their facility.
Sandy Mosden of Mosden’s Antique Fur-
niture Restoration, demonstrating chair
caning to two of our younger attendees
at the Showcase Mixer.
Walt Dooley of Sport Dodge and Water Safety
Coalition displays water safety tips to keep
our locals and visitors safe.
www.MendocinoCoast.com • [email protected] • 707.961.6300
Chamber Mixer
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce
Invites you to attend a Chamber Mixer at:
The Company Bar
daTe: Thursday, May 19, 2011
TiMe: 5:00-7:00pm
loCaTion: 303 N. Main St., Fort Bragg
RSVP: Amanda @ 964-7087
Come check out this downtown hang out with great
food, specialty drinks and Mendo Vino!
Don’t Forget your Business Cards!
Sponsored By:
North Coast Plumbing,
Heating, & Sheet Metal INC.
Residential - Contractors License
#375855 Commercial
Over 150 Years
Combined Experience
161 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-2783 ~ (707) 964-4127
www.northcoastplumbing.com
