Re: Smart answers and useful answers

[Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

The interesting thing about this thread  is not the communication 
problem as much as it is the sale's associates lack of knowledge on how 
to communicate with a customer.  There are a number of devices on the 
market that allow users to switch between inputs for display on a 
television, including attaching the video output from a computer 
system.  If they would have listened and clarified what you wanted 
without making a snap decision, you would have got the product you 
needed and they would have increased their commission check.

When I was a single parent (a long time ago), I took a sales job because 
it offered regular hours and I could be with the kids.  One of the first 
things that my mentor drove into my thick skull was to ask questions.  
You need to know what the customer's problem is before you can solve 
it.  I followed that same advice when I became operations manager and 
responsible for sales training for a regional computer sales/service 
organization.  The result was an increase in sales and decrease in 
customer service calls.

Unfortunately, I have run into too many sales people like the ones 
described in this thread.  It's a prime example of why sales people, 
especially those involved in technology, need training both in 
technology and in selling techniques...and that opens up the door for a 
sideline for any technical writer between contracts.  Write a sales 
manual for that store or maybe hold a few sales seminars.  The sales 
staff might look at you funny at first, and those "know-it-all" sales 
reps might even mock you, but they'll stop laughing when those all 
important commission checks start getting fatter.

--

Al Geist, Geist Associates
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award 
Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Office: 802-658-3140

Cell: 505-400-4128
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com <mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
URL: www.geistassociates.com <http://www.geistassociates.com> (online 
portfolio/resume)

See also:
URL: www.geistimages.com <http://www.geistimages.com> (fine art prints 
for home or office and note cards for all occasions)

"When the situation is absolutely hopeless, you have nothing to worry 
about."
                        Compliments of The Monkey Wrench Gang


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