People like YOU !!

 

                                                                                       Edition 359 Monday 28/11/16

 KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

 

 

 

 

Hi,as a follow up to last weeks rescue run fundraising for the Westpac Chopper there have been a number of daring life saving rescues in our area since.A seriously injured local Muriwaian man was airlifted to hospital after rolling his car and then two choppers winched survivors from the swirling waters of the Kaipara bar after a fishing boat capsize.Frankly I couldn’t imagine life without them around no matter where you live!There is never a better time to save a life than NOW!

 Fletcher reckons; he would like to be a chopper pilot one day like that cool dude Ritchie McCaw the ex All Black skipper hero guy Mummy follows on Facebook ! J ! He is also happy to report Mum has forgiven Dad for last weeks pedal bike crash,grazes have healed,and he is back on the horse! Yay!

We re-energised on the weekend by staying at home and playing tourists in our own hood.The result was a renewed appreciation for the amazing backyard we have (see attached photos) Wow!

Staying on that theme I had a surreal experience last week driving toward One Tree Hill with the U2 song devoted to that iconic Auckland landmark blazing away on the car stereo,it was moving!

On a funny note I noticed people staring at me wearing glasses in a café recently?Finally I had to ask what they were looking at?,seems my +1.5 specs purchased from PaknSave recently featured an auto shade feature that dims the lenses as the light gets brighter!,the effect being darkened glasses which was obviously a source of much amusement for café guests (and my wife it turns out!!).

So on that note, have an ‘Upbeat’ week laughing at yourself…..Cheers Jonesey!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon they were chopper rescue pilots in a previous life!!

 
SELLING THE SIZZLE

 

“One kind word from YOU can change someones entire day”. C.B.Jones

 

I was reminded about the power of words,particularly when they are accompanied by music!

As mentioned above I was driving toward One Tree Hill when the U2 song written referencing the Auckland landmark was playing.

It was a surreal and uplifting moment that moved and inspired me on a day that had provided more than the normal amount of challenges.

I used it as a motivational sign to keep going forward with a warm feeling and a BIG smile J

Words are powerful both written and spoken,a well timed thank you or congratulatory note can make a huge difference to a friend, colleague or customer. Here is a personal recent example……

 

People like YOU

People like you inspire me

People like you set goals and work hard to achieve them.

People like you motivate others to do the same.

People like you make personal sacrifices to reach their goals.

People like you commit themselves and stay focused on getting better.

People like you make me want to get up early in the morning too.

People like you are reason I joined Toastmasters and remain as  passionate today.

People like you deserve to get better and the success they work hard for.

People like you get to the top.

People like YOU.

 

I didn’t have to do this but it is how I felt at the time so I made the effort and it made a difference!

It is the little things we do with others in mind that make a BIG impact on the giver and the receiver!

A timely reminder at this the traditional time of giving….Give and you shall receive…Good Luck!!

 

“YOU be the reason someone smiles today” J C.B.Jones

Rescue Run

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 358 Monday 21/11/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,Christine Jones played her part in saving 34 lives this weekend. She was part of the event winning team from the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade at the innaugural “Rescue Run’.The event raised over $170,000 for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT)….very proud,you go girl.

Last year the ARHT flew over 1,100 missions,36% as a result of accidents and a whopping 53% because of a medical event.It costs approximately $5000 per mission hence the $170k raised,funds another 34 flights.Helicopter trusts operate nationally and rely heavily on donations  having witnessed several rescues at Muriwai I urge you to support this amazingly worthwhile organisation!!

 Fletcher reckons; whilst his big pedal bike crash on the weekend didn’t warrant a chopper rescue it was still a significant event in his bike riding evolution.He is particularly keen too get it sorted as the word on the wire is Santa may be considering a bike upgrade based on skin retained not lost!!

I saw a cool sign for sale in a Hospice 2^nd hand store last week.It was all about laughing and I reckoned it would have looked good in any room at 48.Unfortunately I committed the cardinal sin and thought I would come back the next day,you think I would have learned by now?!! Yes it was gone and in an ironic twist ‘laughing’ was the last thing I felt like doing grrrrrr!!

As a sequel to last week the camper van has arrived in Devonport and its new Octonogerian owners are like excited overseas tourists readying themselves for new adventures…go Mum and Dad!!

Crikey it is all going on, cant wait for another huge ‘Upbeat’ week ahead !!!....Cheers Jonesey!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon there’s never been a better time to save a life!!

 

“Get closer than ever to your customer.So close that you tell them what they need well before they realise it themselves”. Steve Jobs

 

My recent DIY activity has necessitated visits to the local big shed DIY specialist.

I said ‘specialist’ because that is what I think they should be.

The reality is that this is far from the case not only at our local but many of these large retail outlets.

Like most things first impressions are vitally important so it starts up front with the meet and greet.

If this is enthusiastic and energetic it creates the right mood from the outset however if this lacks these qualities or in some cases is non existent then it has the reverse effect.

I was after advice on all things painting but didn’t have confidence in all the staff in this department.

I eventually got the advice and the products I was after but it was a frustrating experience.

Exiting the store was also a mission with a lack of checkout staff on one occasion and a lack of knowledge and ability on others.

Interstingly this company (Mitre 10 Mega) encourages customers to ‘give their 10 cents worth’ in an online customer service/satisfaction survey detailed on all receipts.

Needless to say my feedback was a mixed bag erring on the mediocre side.

Also interestingly their competitor is coming to the neighbourhood soon so if they dont get their acts together they will lose significant market share quickly…..me included I am afraid.

We all know customer service is important right but how many of us are actually doing something to live and breath or improve that on a daily basis?

Front line staff need to be enthused,incentivised,empowered, trained and motivated.This needs to come from Managers who are like minded and who lead by example.

If this is done properly and has ongoing focus then the customers cant help but notice, comment, tell others and importantly want to come back.

Everyone in the organisation needs to adopt the title of ‘specialist’ and to work hard to ensure this is what they are and how they are perceived(ITM do this well on their TV ads).Some good lessons here!

 

“If you make a single sale you can make a living.If you make an investment of time and good service in a customer you can make a fortune”. Jim Rohn