Yes...You Can't Do It Alone

When I launched the personal style blog, I thanked a few people who helped make it possible. When you read my Backstory, you'll see how my Daddy influenced my entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Throughout my entire life I've had somebody, somewhere giving me a hand-up (not to be confused with a hand-out) so I could then help myself.

I moved to Austin 21 years ago. Me and a couple of girls decided to come for the weekend and never went back to the small town we called home. They had family here. I didn't. That was my primary reason for wanting to stay. I needed to gain my independence and the only way I could do that was by leaving my family. I'm the youngest of four kids, my Daddy's 13th child, and needless to say - I was spoiled loved. I was going down the road of non-stop mistakes with my sisters, uncle, and mama bailing me out.

Fast forward to today. I've raised the most amazing daughter anyone could ask for, have a brilliant son following along in her footsteps while making imprints that are uniquely his own, and have been afforded the opportunity to work in a variety of fields. But most of all, I get the greatest joy and sense of accomplishment from what I do as an entrepreneur. 

And just like all of the people who welcomed me into their homes when I couldn't go and be with my family, I've been blessed to meet folks who embrace, inspire, and push me to achieve greatness in business. 

The notion that you can OR did do it alone is laughable. 

If you're striving for success and despite your efforts, you just can't seem to get there - it might be a good time to survey your circle of influence. Take inventory of your support group. Look at where your roots are planted in the community. 

Oh...you don't have any of that? 

Well it's about time you step away from the computer and start to really connect.

If you're any closer to your dreams today than you were yesterday, chances are, somebody helped you get there. 

Tea invited me to her Word Carnival. Wanna see what other bloggers/small business owners have to say about this topic? Go ahead...click here.

AT&T Penalizes Customers For Saving

While talking to my friend Linda last week, she mentioned she was going to call her home phone provider to have one of her features removed. We both have AT&T. I hadn't called them in a while to see what promotions they were offering, which would in turn lower my bill. Last time I did this I ended up saving 50% on internet service. 

Here's what happened when I called this past weekend:

$17 MONTHLY SAVINGS

Following Linda's lead, I cut back on the feature I no longer needed. In my case, it was long distance. It makes absolutely no sense when I have unlimited calling anywhere in the U.S. on my cell phone. 

My monthly plan went from $47 down to $30. 

There weren't any deals going on with internet service so I couldn't cut that cost, but believe me - I asked!

Here's what else happened:

$9.50 FEE FOR DOWNGRADING

They charged me for saving money. Can you believe that?!

I was penalized for getting rid of a service I didn't need. I don't know if this service fee was applied and explained when Linda changed her plan, but this type of stuff is something we should all be aware of as consumers. 

No matter what's happening with the economy and job market, companies are going to ensure they continue to get paid. One way or another. This is a prime example. 

It didn't cost AT&T one red cent to process the change in my plan. And likewise, had I called to upgrade my service, thus putting more money in their pockets, they would've thanked me for being a loyal customer and sent me on my merry way. 

Eliminating my landline all together isn't an option right now. It's still a necessity. Just because I have to have it, that doesn't mean I want to pay an arm and a leg for it. 

Thanks, AT&T, for the awesome customer experience. 

I owe you. No really. I owe you for this one. 

Judging By How Often I Do It

I've been going to the same hairstylist for the past five years. There have been a few times where I've had one night stands with other stylists. For good reasons. 

When she relocated to Houston for a while, I had to find someone else. And then I ran across a mobile stylist and that seemed like a dream come true. Problem: this person would show up late to Headquarters for my appointments...like really late. Getting my hair done at home was convenient, but not at the expense of my time. 

Ok...so I go get a haircut last week and before I leave, my stylist makes the comment that she won't see me for another six months. The person who works at the station next to her said, "Bye friend...we'll see you in October". 

Let's get something straight. I'm not a "get my hair did every week" kinda woman. 

In the past, yep. That was me. Every week I was sitting my happy ass down in my then-stylist's chair dishing out money like nobody's business. That money didn't include buying the hair! 

Would I do that today? Hell to the no. I value my money AND my time ever so differently. 

Now, I get my hair done when I need it. When it's getting too long and/or the color is fading (it's dyed a dark-dark-brown-almost-black color). The exception: when I have a paid appearance I need to show up to and I want to look the part of a polished professional worth the client/organization's investment. 

Anytime else - I'm in the bathroom doing my own hair. 

Here's the reason I'm bitching about this in the first place: for some reason, my stylist (and her nosey ass booth neighbor!) seem to think I'm a less valuable customer because of the frequency in which I visit the salon. That's so not true. 

One thing they're failing to realize is that I'm a loyal customer. 

The only stylist I get in bed with is Felice. That's it. The mobile stylist chick was giving her a run for her money though...I actually liked Mobile Girl's work and she used really good products on my hair. I just couldn't deal with the unprofessional tardiness. 

Sidenote: lack of professionalism among black hairstylists shall become an entirely different post...just wait. 

Here's what it all boils down to: I don't care if I only buy your product or service once a year - that one time - treat me like you care. 

'We The Customer' have choices. 

'We The Customer' can change our minds at any given moment and choose to do business elsewhere. 

The experience itself could be the reason our purchases are so few and far in between. 

p.s. - I love Felice. She and I have a heartwarmingly dysfunctional relationship. This is by no means an attack on her personally, but intended to shed light on the obstructed mentality some business owners have when it comes to customer appreciation.