Author: louis

This past weekend, I had to go to a new pharmacy because the one I had been using no longer accepted my insurance. I was not upset about leaving the pharmacy I had been using because the customer service was so bad I had actually completed an online survey (which I never do)!  I walked into the new pharmacy right when the sign said the pharmacy part of the store opened. Ten minutes later….they finally opened the windows. Then, the pharmacist and a pharmacy technician went about their business putting up inventory and answering the phones never once acknowledging that I was standing only a few feet away. When they finally came and talked to me, I explained that I needed to transfer a prescription and that I would be back later. I was so livid at this point that I had to leave. When I came back, the same scenario replayed out again. The technician got on the phone and the pharmacist typed away at her computer. I started to wonder if I had invisibility powers….after all the technician was wearing a shirt that said “we love our customers” wasn’t she? Needless to say, my husband starts a new job in April and I hope our insurance will allow me to go to elsewhere….hopefully somewhere where they truly do love their customers.
My first job was working at a pharmacy with a drive-thru window. I was terribly shy but my uncle, the pharmacist, stressed to me that when a customer came in the door or through the drive-thru window that I was to immediately acknowledge them. Not only did I overcome my shyness but I also learned the importance of an acknowledgement. It doesn’t take much; a simple “I will be with you shortly” will do. It makes the customer feel welcome and important.  So, even on busy days or when you are having a bad day, just remember a simple acknowledgement can make a significant difference.

Rachel

Here is a little daily inspiration for you.

Teamwork…one word that will define success in any company or athletic group. But if you had to pick the ultimate team, how could you not pick the world-renowned flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels?

Today, you’re about to enjoy a 3 minute inspirational movie about the Blue Angels that truly captures the essence of The Power of Teamwork.

So turn up the speakers, sit back and enjoy! And just one more thing – don’t forget to PAY IT FORWARD by sharing it with friends, co-workers and especially…your team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mR0_SK1K8xY

Enjoy!

Meredith

This past Thursday a customer at our home office had an issue with his breaks as he was pulling into the parking lot. He jumped the sidewalk, hit the brick, and went through the glass beside Luke’s office. Luckily Luke was out of his office and no one was hurt. Have a great Monday!

Louis

Twelve facts that relate to happiness-

1.            Happy people live an average of 9 years longer than unhappy people

2.            Happy people earn an average of $25,000 more per year than unhappy people

3.            Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better. Even “faking” a smile can lead to feeling happier.

4.            If you fake laugh long enough you’ll start to really laugh, really, really hard.

5.            Despite high infant mortality rates and lower life expectancies, not one of your direct ancestors died childless.

6.            For someone, somewhere in the world, today is the most amazing day of their life.

7.            We now have less crime, a lower death rate and longer life expectancy than at any other time in human history.

8.            It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.

9.            Neurologically speaking, seeing somebody else smile actually makes you happier.

10.          Happiness has a fragrance.

                Clinical experiments on body odor have proved your scent changes between when you are stressed or happy

11.          A mere 20 minutes of exercise, three days each week will increase your happiness by 10 to 20 percent after six months.

12.          Happiness is a skill. You can learn it and it’s not hard.

Have a happy and productive day! -WILL

Have a happy and productive day! -WILL

I recently had the great opportunity to spend several days at our Starkville Money Matters location.   While I was there, I noticed that Julie and Mattie were sending out birthday cards to our customers.  I was curious as to whether this was something that the company required, or whether it was just something they were doing on their own. As it turns out, it was something that they were doing to let our customers know that they were being remembered on their birthday.  I was very impressed by this.  They were literally going beyond the required and going the extra mile to make our customers feel special. While it may seem like such a small simple act, it is a shining example of world class customer service.  If we can make a connection with our customers, they will not only continue to do business with us, they will recommend us to their family and friends.  What a great way to advertise and grow our business!  Let us all challenge ourselves each day to go that extra mile and shine brighter than the day before.

Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!

LaTessa

This past Saturday marked our 120th Auction. We had a near record crowd with over 400 registered bidders.  I would like to give a big “thank you” to all of the auction workers.  Teamwork is very crucial in ensuring all runs well on auction day.  The guys and gals on the hill consistently prove that they are a dynamic team!  Thanks again for making each auction a success.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. “~ Henry Ford

Luke

Suc-cess – \sək-ses’\ noun

1.The achievement of something desired,

planned, or attempted.

2. Favorable or desired outcome.

What is the definition of success? The dictionary states it is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted.

We all want to be successful, but it takes more than just words. Each day you must set yourself up to be successful. Each day you must have a plan and a goal and work to execute that plan. Success does not come without hard work. With the many distractions we all have in our lives, our plans and goals at times get pushed aside. The key is to be able to refocus on those plans and goals you have set for yourself.

 Can you see success?

Are we too busy to notice?

Does anyone really care?

Does it even matter?

Ask yourself these questions. If you model the correct behavior you will get the correct results.

Success Builds Success:

Everyday look for Success

Recognize Success

Help others to be Successful

I challenge myself everyday to look for success no matter how large or small. I challenge each of you to do the same. Success is contagious, catch it.

 Tommy

This past Friday afternoon I noticed Amanda and Alise standing over their desk writing something down. When I walked past them I noticed they were writing Tiffany, the new employee at Fulton, a welcome note. I thought to myself, what a great way to be welcomed on your first day at work. Not only did they write her a note, Amanda and Alise stocked Tiffany’s desk with supplies and had a little happy waiting for her. They were making sure Tiffany’s first day would be great and she would feel welcomed! Awesome job on going above and beyond!

Welcome aboard Tiffany. We hope your first day is great!

“Doing what’s expected of you can make you good, but it’s the time you spend going above and beyond what’s required that makes you great!” — Josh S. Hinds

Have a great Monday!

Meredith

We all remember the stress we deal with when we begin a new job. Onboarding, also known as organizational socialization, refers to how a company brings along new employees. From the moment our new employees walk through our doors they will be evaluating our company and formulating their opinions.  Research has demonstrated that positive onboarding leads to positive outcomes for new employees such as higher job satisfaction, better job performance, greater organizational commitment, reduction in stress and intent to quit. Let’s all work hard to make a good first impression with our new employees by welcoming them to the team. – Will

 “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford

One of the most common blog topics centers around the importance of having goals.  Today I want to recognize a group of guys who accomplished their goals for the month of January.  Randy, Joe, Andrew, and Zack at M&M Garage are responsible for processing new inventory and taking care of the warranty work for Approved Auto.  They were able to accomplished their goal last month of the number of cars processed through the shop.  As with any worthy goal, the guys were not able to achieve it without a little adversity.  We experienced abnormally cold weather in the month of January which led to an increase in the number of warranty issues they were having to turn their attention to.  By being able to take care of these issues as well as keep the inventory full on our lots we are able to use our capital to replace inventory instead of paying outside mechanics to work on our warranty issues.  Congrats on a very successful month!

Aim high!  It is no harder on your gun to shoot the feathers off an eagle than to shoot the fur off a skunk.  -Troy Moore

Have a Great Day….Louis