The part of the art business I hate

I love making art jewelry, even the business part.  But.  There is one part I don't care for.

Not really my phone, but looks like one I would totally have

Making "unannounced" phone calls.

I've been following up with my new wholesale accounts that I've taken on since the beginning of the year.  I've stayed in touch by email, but, as I have been coached by others within the business, nothing beats a phone call.

If you know me, you know I could talk an African violet to death so what's the problem with the phone call?

I hate interrupting people when they're not necessarily expecting me to call.  It's just a respect thing.  So I try to keep it short, sweet, to the point.  All about what I can do to help them and their business.

What about you?  What don't you like within your job or business?

I don't want to speak with someone in middle India!

*This is a part of the Thursday rant series, a tongue in cheek look at my life.*

When are businesses going to learn that a person with limited English skills from halfway around the world does not make good customer service?!?

I need to freight some materials up north.  I won't get into why, but I've been researching freight options since it's too big to go as a typical package.  A few of the online websites that I have tried to get quotes from require a customer service representative to call me back.

Ok, fine.

When the phone rang the other day, with one of the "customer service reps", this is what I got:

(From this point forward, it might make more sense if you read this aloud)

"Hell-o.  Katureen?  I am Mee-Linda from (x company).  I want help you sheep your package."

The 45 minute conservation of me trying to explain the three scenarios I wanted prices for eventually came to this response:

"Yes, Katureen.  I understand you want to ship package to Pin-sill-vane-e-ah.  I can help you with that."

NO YOU'RE NOT!  YOU ARE P*SSING ME OFF!

My response?

Click.

When are these companies going to get it?  I have been around the block a time or two on these people.  They aren't listening at all.  (Kind of difficult when you're only reading from a script.)  Have you ever tried asking them something they don't have a written script for (like in this case)?

Rest assured that when I finally get my day on QVC selling my jewelry, I will never allow my beloved customers have their phone calls sent to some call center anywhere near India.  My promise to you.  *smile*

New Year's Resolutions and why I don't make them

I quit making new year's resolutions a few years ago.  I came to realize that anything truly important should be done before waiting for a new year to start.  Now, I'm not trying to disparage those that make new year's resolutions.  Certainly, you should do whatever works for you.  In my case, they just aren't a good fit.

Since I have been on Twitter, I have followed Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) and his tweets about business and social media. Instead of doing new year's resolutions, he starts his new year with 3 words to focus on.  I rather like that idea and am going to give a try for my resin jewelry business for 2011.

My three words in no particular order of importance:

Delegate.  If I want my business to grow the way I hope it will, I can't do it all myself.  I'm going to have to delegate some tasks to others within my studio or hire outside help.

Innovate.  What is something really special that my customers are wanting that they don't have?  What would really make them say, "Oh I have to have one of those!!".  (Suggestions can be left in the comment section below.)

Collaborate.  I have spoken with a few other artists about doing a couple of collaborative projects.  I'm not revealing any details as not to spoil the surprise, but I think it will be pretty neat (and may crossover into the word above.)

What are you focusing on for 2011?