whos been http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for whos been Copyright 2008 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:45:37 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/whos+been How The Grinch Stole Christmas (DVD) Review http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-dvd-review http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-dvd-review#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 18:32:06 +0000 charlie brown christmasanimated christmaschristmas classicsmeaning of christmasboris karloffrudolph the red nosed reindeerred nosed reindeer http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-dvd-review animated Christmas classics, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a Dr. Seuss holiday masterpiece. Created in 1966 on the heels of the phenomenal success surrounding such TV specials as A (1965) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), the Grinch has morphed into a sacred annual Christmas rite perfect for any child from one to ninety-two. The narration and singing voice of breathes life into the 1955 Dr. Seuss tale of a dark and miserly heart's redemption, thus revealing the true . Based on Charles Dickens' literary classic A Christmas Carol, it creates a uniquely memorable caricature of the Scrooge personality we've come to know so well...

How The Grinch Stole Christmas follows the life of a lumbering green cave monster with a heart seven-sizes-too-small. Living with his dog in a mountaintop retreat high above the town of Whoville, the Grinch (voiced by Karloff) hates all the Whos, but what he hates worst of all is their incessant happiness and celebration come Christmas. So the Grinch, smiling his evil Grinch grin, hatches a plan to steal Christmas. Fashioning crude reindeer horns for his dog and a Santa suit for himself, the Grinch drives a makeshift sleigh down into Whoville while the Whos lie sleeping on Christmas Eve. He steals their lights, their ribbons, and their bows. He steals their boxes, packages, and bags. He steals wreathes and Christmas trees and even their Roast Beast -- why that evil Grinch even stole the Who hash! And the only thing he left behind was a crumb far too small for even a mouse... But when the Grinch is caught by the most innocent of Whos, his master plan begins to unravel. He discovers that Christmas isn't quite what he thought it was. In fact, Christmas might be a whole lot more. But with the trimmings of Christmas hanging in the lurch, what the Grinch finds out about himself just might be the key to saving all of Christmas for the Whos...

Created under the direction of Chuck Jones, the famed creator of such Warner Brothers characters as the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, and Pepe Le Pew, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a masterful production with stellar voice-overs, imaginatively drawn characters, and Boris Karloff's impressive narration. In fact, the facial expressions and movements of the Grinch mimic Wile E. Coyote in numerous ways. Several songs interspersed throughout the story, such as the song "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," have become holiday classics in-and-of themselves. In a nutshell, no celebration of the Christmas holiday is truly complete without at least one viewing of this brilliant cartoon... Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report (http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com), a blog where you can find more reviews like this one. ]]> Christmas Movies http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-movies http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-movies#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:29:28 +0000 kris kringlegriswold familychevy chasenational lampoonmiracle on 34th streetmiracle on 34thchristmas movies http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-movies Christmas movies that are most enjoyable, there are some that remain favourites. 'A Christmas Story' is told from the point of view of a little boy in the days before Christmas and on Christmas Day. It shows him doing routine things each day but against the backdrop of the Christmas season with the decorated store windows, Santa Claus, the snow and frostiness and of course his wish for a Christmas toy. But his parents disapprove of the toy that he desired. The movie is good in showing the innocence of the Christmas season.

'A Christmas Carol,' written by noted author Charles Dickens, tells the story of old Scrooge whose only purpose in life is to make money. Scrooge puts making money above his family, friends and everyone who cares about him. His response to Christmas is a grumpy, 'Bah Humbug.' He gets a different experience however, when ghosts appear to him and try to point out the error of his ways.The movie's lesson is about the importance of appreciating people in your life.

'It's A Wonderful Life' is a story about hope and the worthiness of everyone. It tells the story of a man experiencing despair and self-destruction because he thinks he is of no worth to those around him, and they would be better off if he didn't exist. An angel grants him his desire and he gets to see what he contributes and what life would be like without him.

Every Christmas, 'A Street' can be seen on television. It asks and answers the question 'Is there really a Santa Claus?' The movie is about a man who claims to be , or Santa Claus, but is not believed and so he has to prove his identity claim.

''s Christmas Vacation' is about the with Mr. Griswold, played by , who gets into silly accidents that provide a lot of humour. The movie shows the lives of the family as they celebrate Christmas and the difficulties that arise when their entire family comes to visit for Christmas.

'Home Alone' is about a large and chaotic family with lots of kids who are going on Christmas vacation. Amid the chaos of leaving on the morning of the trip, one child is left behind and must stay and fend for himself in a very large house during the Christmas season. At first he was happy to be alone but then two thieves break in and he has to fight them off. The movie shows the importance of family and loved ones.

A sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' tells of the boy who was left alone going to an aunt and uncle's home and again encountering the two thieves who are seeking revenge.

'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' was first made as an animation for television but other versions have since been done as motion pictures. The Grinch is a grouchy, green man who lives in the mountains above the small town of Whoville where residents, called The Whos, celebrate Christmas enthusiastically every year. The Grinch who doesn't like Christmas ,wants to spoil it for Whoville and so he tries to steal all the toys, food and gifts that The Whos have accumulated for Christmas. The movie provides a lesson on the true meaning of Christmas.

'A Charlie Brown's Christmas is an animated television movie about the popular Peanuts comic strip. The movie is about the comic strip's main character, Charlie Brown, and tells of the experience with his friends for Christmas. It also has Biblical references that relates to the true meaning of Christmas.

'Frosty The Snowman' is an animated story about a snowman, named Frosty, that comes to life and who must avoid a greedy musician who is trying to get the magic that brought Frosty to life. The movie is very funny and has lots of wonderful songs.

'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' is also an animation about the reindeer with a shiny nose that kisses a pretty girl and also helps out his friends.

There are far too many Christmas movies to mention here but they all play an important part in adding to the festive entertainment.Jayne Waldorf lives in Cheshire,England.She has been an internet marketer for over two years and she loves all things related to Christmas.If you would like more information on Christmas,Christmas Activities,Christmas Food and Drink or great gift ideas please visit Jayne's Christmas Web Site]]> Get Your Holidays Started With How The Grinch Stole Christmas Tickets http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-your-holidays-started-with-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-tickets http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-your-holidays-started-with-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-tickets#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:27:05 +0000 grinch stole christmashow the grinch stole christmasintriguingholiday spiritwhovillespirit of givingheart http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-your-holidays-started-with-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-tickets Grinch Stole Christmas tickets are always a great way to get you and your family into the , and this year, the classic book and film is coming to the theater stage. Dr. Seuss is one of the most unique writers in history, and his stories always give a different perspective on timeless lessons in the form of comedy and prose. We'll take a look below at just how this story has become such a phenomenon.

About the Story

The story, predictably, is about the Grinch. The Grinch is an unsightly green creature with a that's two sizes too small who lives with his only friend and companion, his dog Max, on the top of Mount Crumpit. Mount Crumpit oversees , where the town's residents, called the "Whos," live amongst themselves.

As Christmas approaches, the Grinch becomes increasingly annoyed as he hears more bustle than normal from the town's residents as they prepare for the forthcoming holiday. The Grinch does not like happiness, and he decides to act on his frustration in order to find himself some peace and quiet.

The Grinch forms a plan to steal all the children's Christmas gifts and holiday decorations in Whoville, as he believes that this will prevent Christmas from arriving. The Grinch comes down from the mountain and successfully steals everything he wants to take, and he is quite satisfied with his efforts.

However, the result of this crime spree is exactly where tickets begin to reveal the message that's delivered to every audience. Despite the absence of gifts and decorations, the people of Whoville still celebrate Christmas with the same zest and cheer.

The Grinch is stunned by this development, as he realizes that the holiday is about much more than gifts, decorations and other material things. As a result, the Grinch's heart grows three sizes, and he is filled with the holiday and appreciation for what he has. His heart also grows by three sizes, and he basks in the acceptance of the townspeople when he returns everything he has stolen.

Overall, the works of Dr. Seuss are timeless in nature, and the stories' audiences know no age limits. If you want to combine the holiday spirit, the gift of giving and a valuable lesson for your family or loved ones, How the Grinch Stole Christmas tickets will provide a solution for all of these desires. Written by Jay Nault, sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com/ . StubHub sells How the Grinch Stole Christmas tickets: http://www.stubhub.com/dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-the-musical-tickets/ sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. ]]> Getting Started In Mountaineering http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-started-in-mountaineering http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-started-in-mountaineering#comments Sat, 19 Aug 2006 02:27:10 +0000 fun factormountaineeringmountaineerstrength endurancedefinitelypositive attitudepersonal activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-started-in-mountaineering definitely the closest thing to flying. Being literally on top of the world, that is. Also, ing" rel="tag">mountaineering is the sport for those who wish to do so. Many a person has risked his life just to be able to reach peaks like those in the Himalayas. Scary but thrilling. Most of them say that the view from the top is worth all the effort.

But before you get carried away with the dream of reaching new heights, here are a few simple things you need to remember as you start out in the wonderful adventure of mountaineering. No seasoned mountaineer goes by without them.

1. Great things start from small beginnings

Dont dare take on the Himalayas if you havent tried some anthills. Of course, that might steal your fun for awhile. Small elevations means small fun. On the contrary, gradual but steady improvement in climbing skill makes for a more stable stance as a mountaineer. You would not want to miss that over things as small as your pride.

2. Keep the Flaming and Alive

You can never expect to stay unscathed and untouched in such an activity, but one thing that will make you quit faster than I say mountain is the lack of passion and enjoyment for what you are doing.

3. Carry a all throughout the climb

A severe motivation must keep you going, and if you cant laugh at your shortcomings from below, you can not expect yourself to be jolly and bright when your feet are lifted off solid ground.

4. Appreciate yourself

Mountaineering is an extremely in the sense that each person who chooses to do it can vary because of the difference in mix of strength, endurance and conditioning of the body. Try you best to be objective in every climb. Your goal is to reach the top and challenge yourself, not kick down the other guy whos unconciously making it up there earlier than you do. You might even endanger yourself more if you keep on looking at how other people are faring compared to you.

5. Expect the load and trust your instincts

When something doesnt feel right, dont blindly go for it. Also, it will really eradicate any unnecessary difficulties if you have already made a mental gauge of the load you will be carrying even before you start the climb. Remember, the terrain can get very steep, and so will your carrying abilities.

6. Love your liquids

Water will be your best ally. It wouldnt look too good to be dehydrated in the middle of a steep climb. Only God can make water really come out of the rock, and it might not even be safe for you to drink if you were able to do so. Make sure you have enough water supply to keep you going. You would not want to take a climb and realize that you have not packed enough water and you are already dying of thirst.

7. Ask around

Now is the time to be more open-minded. You can never know everything just by reading about it or trying it once. More experienced mountaineers will be able to provide you with information your research materials might have failed to tell you. Also, dont be afraid to ask, because your life may literally depend on it.

8. Prepare physically

Gain or lose weight if you have to. Make sure you know the state of your body before, during and after the climb. Watch out for symptoms such as pain and fever. Also, get some resistance training for a few months before you decide to eMBArk in the whole mountaineering experience. This is also the perfect time to know your strengths and weaknesses. You wouldnt want to experiment on that in the middle of a potentially dangerous climb.

9. Climb with music

Some auditory entertainment may help alleviate your worries away. You cannot possibly be thinking of worst-case scenarios when your favorite song is plugged in your ears. Just make sure you dont get too carried away and find yourself letting go and dancing to the beat.

10. Rope up with buddies

Mountaineering for the first time is really something that will require you some experienced company of sorts. You may wish to climb solo, but save that when you are already used to it. In the meantime, being with a group who have already gotten a feel for the climbing process can help you get used to it easilyand keep you safe and sound and in one piece. For more great mountaineering related articles and resources check out http://weknowmountaineering.info ]]> Tips For Selecting The Right Expert Witness Service http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selecting-the-right-expert-witness-service http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selecting-the-right-expert-witness-service#comments Mon, 21 Aug 2006 08:27:21 +0000 expert witness reportsexpert witness servicelitigious societyactexpert witnessestelling the truthquality of education http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-selecting-the-right-expert-witness-service litigious society has made many of us think of court settlement as our first rather than the last resort. Whenever a problem arises and ends up in a dispute, most of us prefer to have our dispute legally settled.

Thus, theres always a chance that youll need the services of an expert witness at some point in your life. Hiring an expert witness can solidify your case against the other party; if you hire the right , the company will able to provide more than adequate proof and reliable testimony in court to support your claim.

Even if you dont need to hire the right expert witness service now, you could need one later so its better to be prepared in advance. The expect witness service youll avail of must meet the following criteria:

1. Adequate Courtship Experience

You cant hire a novice to as your expert witness. Court room battles are vicious and if the expert witness doesnt have any experience in providing testimonies, his claims will be shredded to bits even if hes . An experienced expert witness knows on the other hand how to handle himself in court and modify his behavior and speech depending on the type of lawyer or judge whos questioning him. An experienced expert witness knows when to act calm or passionate and above all, how to be utterly convincing.

2. Proficiency in Report Making

are almost always required to submit detailed reports about their findings. If an expert witness doesnt have excellent writing skills and adequate experience in creating reports, he will once more be subject to more abuse from the other partys legal counsel. Facts can easily be overturned if they are not stated convincingly. Ask for samples of your to visualize how he can help win your case.

3. Achievements and Credentials

Although titles dont define a person, they do carry significant weight in the court room. Consider this: if a jury is debating on the being provided by a certain school, that type of expert witness will they be more inclined to believe one who has sufficient experience in teaching and have a long list of professional credits and certification to his name or one who has simply had the benefit of graduating from high school? It may not be fair but thats how the world or more specifically, the law works. Knowing this, why hire one who doesnt have enough credentials when you can hire an expert witness that has them?

4. Degree of Involvement in an Industry

If you are looking for an expert witness to help you win a dispute over a real estate property, you will do better if you hire an expert witness who happens to work in the real estate industry as well. Being an active member of the industry helps the expert witness become a better judge and adviser. The expert witness doesnt rely on his observations and analytic skills alone to render a judgment; his actual work experience helps him greatly as well in coming up with valid and accurate results.

5. Training and Workshops Attended

Believe it or not, there are trainings, workshops and seminars offered to help expert witnesses improve in their line of work. These additional classes will help expert witnesses attain their goals in a more effective and efficient manner.

6. Paying the Right Price

Of course, expert witness services come in a range of prices. Their rates depend on the amount of experience they have and the extent of work theyll be expending for your case. Its your call if you wish to go over your budget and secure a favorable outcome of your case.

7. Reputation Matters

Lastly, although its you who have hired the expert witness, he must still remember and understand that his primary duty is to help the court seek the truth. Thats why his reputation matters as well. If hes known to take bribes and make dishonest or biased claims in favor of the hiring party, his professionalism will surely be questioned in the court room. In the worst case scenario, his opinion would be rendered invalid and youll end up having hired him for no reason. For more great expert witness related articles and resources check out http://expertwitnesshq.info ]]> Horse Breeds: Tersk, The Buckskin Horse, Thessalian, Thoroughbred, Tokara, Tori http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-breeds-tersk-the-buckskin-horse-thessalian-thoroughbred-tokara-tori http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-breeds-tersk-the-buckskin-horse-thessalian-thoroughbred-tokara-tori#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:36:52 +0000 buckskin horsesdun horsesbuckskin horsearabian stallionsterkscolored horsesdraft breed http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-breeds-tersk-the-buckskin-horse-thessalian-thoroughbred-tokara-tori
The Tersk breed is a light saddle breed developed at and Stavropol studs during the 1920's and 1940's. were brought in to help produce the breed. Breeding was selective, and the desire was to create a breed as smart as Arabian but stronger and more adaptable to taboon management. When they were crossed with Strelets; the inbreeding resulted in the Tersk.

Terks are a lot like Arabians. They have light heads and straight faces, wide foreheads and a well muscled croup. They can be golden chestnut, grey or bay colored.

The Terks are about 160 cm height at withers, and because they perform well in racing and dressage, they are used often in circuses. They have amazing endurance and solid health. The mares produce 70-75 live births per 100 mares.

*THE *

The Buckskin horse is another subject of deep controversy. Those researching and studying the breeds have come up with different conclusions regarding the coloring of these horses. Buckskins are typically bred with to create different , such as Albino's for instance. However, Buckskins and Duns have long been bred together to create a fabulous line of horses.

Originally from Sorraia a Spanish country, Scandinavia, and Norway, the Buckskin horse is older than depicted in recorded history. In fact, it is impossible to pinpoint the actual origin of the horse, because of the age of the breed. Most people have concluded that the Buckskin originated in Spain. In the modern day, both the Spanish and Norwegian breeds are found in close to ever Buckskin breed in existence.

There are many qualities and characteristics that make the Buckskin a unique horse. The superiority of their genes attribute to their color, their strength, and other fine qualities. Typically, are hardier, have better bone structures, harder feet, intense determination, and more stamina.

*THESSALIAN*

Found in Thessaly, in Greece, the Thessalian breed is a light riding and that has been improved by crossing Arab, Lipitsa and Anglo-Arab breeds. They are nearly extinct.

*THOROUGHBRED*

Any horse whos ancestry traces back to the three foundation sires named Byerly Turk, Godolphin Arabian and the Darley Arabian is described as a Thoroughbred. The foundation stallions were named after their owners and were brought from the Mediterranean Middle East to england at the start of the 17th century in order to breed a stronger native horse.

The result of the breeding was a horse that could carry heavy weight at quick speeds and for long distances. The sport of horse racing became aristrocratically supported once Thoroughbred's became involved.

In order to ensure the selective breeding process for Thoroughbred horses; the records must be kept accurately. In 1791, the first stud book was published and it contained pedigress of 387 mares. Years later, a pedigree registry for American-bred Thoroughbreds was developed in 1873.

The Jockey Club is responsible of guarding and maintaining the stud book.

Thoroughbred racing developed along with the development of the country, and spread from one coast to the next until America had more volume of racing than any other country in the world.

*TOKARA*

A native horse in Japan, the Tokara is used primarily for riding and light draft. It stands only about 12 hands tall. The population status of Tokara is rare.

*TORI*

An all purpose breed of horse, the Tori was developed in Estonia between 1890 and 1950, from the crossing of Estonian mares with halfbred, European stallions. The development of the breed relied heavily on a horse by the name of Hetman, and his sons. During the 1930's, the horses began showing signs of inbreeding depression however, which caused a deterioration of performance. In order to overcome the inbreeding depression, a cross was done with Breton Post horse stallions.

As the need rose for horses with skills in both utility and sporting, there was a limited breeding by crossing Tori horses with Trakehnen and Hanoverian. The modern type of Tori was the result of this crossing.

The breed is clearly a harness type with a very solid build. Their necks are medium length, and their withers are of average height. They stand about 162 cm at the withers and are most often chesnut, reddish-bay and bay colored. Their performance is terrific in draft and pull, as well as draft endurance. They have high fertility- at about 86 foals per 100 mares.

The population is very rare.Phillipe Wiskell is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale, horse farms and horse trailers for sale.]]> Monster Customer Service Blunders and How to Avoid Them http://www.artwoo.com/article/monster-customer-service-blunders-and-how-to-avoid-them http://www.artwoo.com/article/monster-customer-service-blunders-and-how-to-avoid-them#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:08:32 +0000 monster customer servicepoor customer serviceservice behaviorstrain managersdelight customerscontagious enthusiasmcustomer delight http://www.artwoo.com/article/monster-customer-service-blunders-and-how-to-avoid-them poor customer service, there are always a handful of renegade businesses that somehow find ways to keep their workers fired up and their customers delighted and coming back for more. In these rarified places, highly motivated employees pursue with a passion; they ignite a flashpoint of that spreads throughout the organization like wildfire.

How do they do it? They conscientiously avoid what I call the Top 5 Blunders":

Monster Blunder #1: Trying to solve the problem with superficial employee training. Workers call it smile trainingprograms intended to convince staff to look and sound more cheerful, while giving them no particular reason to feel any more cheerful. When you boil it down, this kind of training does nothing more than itemize the specific workers are expected to exhibit. It then becomes managements job to somehow enforce these designated behaviors into the daily operation of the business. If this approach has any effect at all, it typically creates conduct that strikes customers as mechanical and insincere. Worse, it often intensifies worker resentment and cynicism.

Instead of attempting to dictate what workers should be doing to , the better approach is to give workers opportunities to generate their own ideas for delivering a better customer experience. Managements role then becomes helping employees implement these ideas, allowing workers to enjoy the motivational boost they derive from positive feedback from delighted customers. This level of employee ownership and involvement is a key cultural characteristic of virtually all flashpoint businesses.

TO AVOID THE BLUNDER: and supervisors, not just employees, to facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions in which employees come up with their own strategies for improving the customer experience.

Monster Blunder #2: Blaming poor service on employee cynicism. When business leaders complain to me about the cynicism of their workers, Im always inclined to ask them if they believe these workers were already cynical before their first day on the job. If so, the organizations hiring practices are clearly not working very well. If not, then the cynicism may be a direct product of something in the organizational culture.

Employee cynicism is the direct product of an organizations visible preoccupation with self-interest above all elsea purely internal focus. The focus in flashpoint businesses is directed outward, toward the interests of customers and the community at large. This fundamental difference in cultural focus makes all the difference in the world.

TO AVOID THE BLUNDER: Instead of trying to fix the employees, set out to fix the culture by removing operational obstacles to customer delight. Invite workers to participate in identifying and removing cultural roadblocks to further enhance their sense of involvement and ownership.

Monster Blunder #3: Using negative customer feedback as the primary basis for action. Businesses often implement elaborate customer surveys and other feedback mechanismsbut then use them primarily to highlight customer problems and complaints. Employees come to dread these measurement and data-gathering initiatives, since the emphasis is always on the negative, on finding out whos to blame for anything and everything that went wrong.

Flashpoint businesses, too, rely on a variety of customer feedback toolsbut for an entirely different purpose. Here its positive feedback that becomes the primary basis for action. Feedback is used to uncover and highlight everything thats going right. Managers actively seek out hero storiesexamples of employees going the extra mile to deliver delight. Positive feedback is the catalyst for ongoing recognition and celebration. In this kind of culture, theres always some new reason for cheering and hoopla. Its why employees in flashpoint businesses find it easy to see themselves as winners on a winning team.

TO AVOID THE BLUNDER: Start using your own customer feedback data to uncoverand celebrateexamples of service excellence.

Monster Blunder #4: Reserving top recognition for heroic recoveries. Does this scenario sound familiar? A customers order gets fouled up, and a dedicated employee catches the problem and goes to heroic lengths to correct the situation or make up for it in some way. The appreciative customer advises management of this employees heroic initiative and management in turn gives the employee special recognition for his or her efforts. You may be wondering, Wheres the blunder in this?

Its a monster blunder when these kinds of recoveries are the primaryif not the onlysources of employee recognition. If foul-ups represent workers only chance to feel appreciated on the job, then in effect such foul-ups become almost precious to the workers. If, later, management announces that steps are being taken to correct these foul-ups for good, its news that may not win much support from employees. It can feel like this kind of corrective action will rob them of their only chance to shine.

Flashpoint businesses celebrate heroic recoveries, of coursebut they hand out the splashiest recognition to employees who delighted customers where no foul-ups were involved. This makes it easier to motivate workers to strive for the elimination of operational problems.

TO AVOID THE BLUNDER: Reserve your most extravagant recognition for service champions who deliver delight in routine transactions that have no element of heroic recovery associated with them.

Monster Blunder #5: Competing on price. This is one of the most commonplace (and costliest) mistakes in business. When it comes to purchasing decisions, price becomes the ultimate deciding factor only in cases where everything else is equalwhich is almost never. Theres usually at least one little something that gives one business an edge over another one. The real competitive advantage belongs to the business with the highest perception of value, not the one with the lowest price. The overall sense of value is based on the total customer experience, which takes into account less tangible factors, such as helpfulness, friendliness and the personal touch. These values often allow businesses to retain their competitive edge despite slightly higher prices.

TO AVOID THE BLUNDER: Institute a formal process by which employees can continuously come up with new ways to expand customers perception of value.

Concluding Thoughts:

The kind of customer-focused cultures we find in flashpoint businesses obviously don't happen by accident. These organizations create, implement and refine a process for producing delighted customers. A good place to begin is to stop the top five customer service blunder monsters from rearing their ugly heads in your organization.Management Training Centre provides professional development, customer service, leadership and executive training and career training programs for HR professionals, supervisors and employers.]]>