I am a person that was “Born to Socialize”. I love parties. I love them for the interaction involved. I hold “party manners” in high regard. Everyone is equal and is beautiful.
“Born To Interact” was a label given to me.
The glass is always full, or will be .. I can bring out the “Cuteness” in people – usually by bringing out their wit.
I frown on those that judge.
Despite the above, I am not able to hold my temper when It comes to dealing with Rogers or Bell (or any such company that train their people to intimidate those that are us and their customers. They seem to have us by the short and curlies - and that, in itself is MADDENING).
Big business, Big Pharma, Big Government, Big Financial, Big Allopathic, Big GMO, etcetera etcetera)
What is the point of this blog?
I am presently studying marketing. Affiliated marketing to be more precise. Specifically it is under the auspices of smimg.com/leadershop/199175 - to be precise. And I am very proud to share how I did NOT get mad nor hang up on our entertainment providers (internet, cable, phone).
Allow me to digress.
Whenever I used to call our cable/internet/phone provider, usually for an unapproved charge–I would end up becoming so mad that I would hang up (more accurately, I would slam the phone down).
I have gotten so frustrated when I called, I had to stop calling.
One time, they insisted I don't understand "allocation".
"I'm an accountant, of course I understand "allocation", it's simple algebra, after all!"
The front line staff are very sneaky too. I say this because when they have agreed with the charge I was disputing, and I felt somewhat OK to hangup, once the bill arrived, I would lose it.
The bill was so convoluted with debits and credits - pluses and minuses - it screams "dummy!". This is just another trick they use. However, this trick, is just that, a trick. It involves "confusing the customer into thinking they received a reduction for the disputed charge. By showing the expected credit, then a debit or two, another credit, two more debits -they to give you a headache make you just not bother with it.
It's rather to determine how much they burned you this time by adding the "adjustments" together. Simple math should tell you that the result should equal a negative amount - i.e. the disputed charge.
The amount was positive. And I don't understand allocation?
In the past, when their name would come up, the first words that would come to mind were "short and curlies".
Most recently, after learning a "ton" of information at www.sfimg.com (discount sign up code = 14199175), I decided to try a new tactic in dealing with our outragisly, overpriced communication bill. I am very happy with the outcome and very proud of myself for doing such a great job. I successfully negotiated way more features for each of cable, internet and home phone services PLUS reduced the overall charges by half. This is also guaranteed for one year not to increase in any way AND there is no commitment necessary on my part.
I will be even more ecstatic - once the bill arrives and the correct charges are shown. In the mean time though, I"M LOVING all the new features! I'll be doing the cell phones next. t.
Do try this tactic for yourself:
It is necessary to do some research prior to calling your provider. Do not call them until you have googled “internet, home phone, cable, wireless providers - and the name of your town”. You're looking for the competition and the deals they're offering in your area. Write down the top deals in your area and who has them.
Next, decide what features you do want and what you're willing to pay, relative to what's out there
When you have finished the above, you do need to "get into character". You' want to sound up beat and cheer; think about all the new features you will soon be receiving. "Upbeat and cheery" is necessary to be reflected in your voice.
When you are ready to place the call, your opening line should go something like the following:
"Oh HI! I’m calling to give you the 30 days - advance notice - required for me to cancel all of my services."
The front line staff are not allowed to let you go without a fight. They will tell you they do NOT want you to go and they will ask what it will take to keep you.
At this point, you can recite a package you found and want OR you can ask what they have to offer. Knowing what the competition is offering can certainly be used as leverage. In fact, they may insist knowing what you have been offered in order to top it. Alternatively, they could insist on knowing, exactly what would make you happy enough to cancel your other order and stay with them.
When dialing in, do follow the prompts to take you to "cancel all services".
We now have a lot more bells and whistles (SOA, Storage Wars, Movies, Sports); faster internet services and a cheaper home phone with extra services – ALL - at half the price we have been paying for far too long. To boot, the prices are GUARANTEED for a year YET we can cancel at any time.
