Medical Services @ The Mall

I was reading my local newspaper this morning and came across a facinating article about changes in the Health Care Industry. It seems that health care companies are now introducing "stripped-down" clinics inside malls and large retail stores. These new clinics provide affordable basic services provided by advanced practice nurses. Health care companies report that this trend is exploding across the nation as health insurance deductibles and co-pays increase. So, it may be easier to go to your favorite mall, do some shopping at your favorite bookstore, sit down and have mocha latte, and then visit the medical clinic kiosk to deal with your cold. This is very consumer focused and will change the way medical care is provided. Keep your eye on this trend.

Just For Fun

I feel like having fun today. Enjoy this post. It takes a minute or two to post depending upon your connection. Computer programers are so creative!!!

Enjoy a little blue ball fixation!!!

The Cat's Meow

The past two weeks have gone by soooo fast that I am amazed. I spent time correcting final exams and essays from all of my students. I spent time shopping for the the family dinners during Christmas. But nothing really caught my attention (for this blog) until I went to purchase another bag of cat food from my veteraniarian. My cat, Taz, is on a special prescription diet so once a month I have to go and buy a bag of food. But what caught my eye and ear was the greeting I received when I called and when I showed up for the food. I have to say that this clinic has great customer service. Wendy always seems to know who I am...the owner of Taz...and always seems so happy to talk with me. And I'm just a once-in-a-while customer. But every month it's the same.

There are so many business experts that talk about great customer service...and yet there are so many businesses that seem to miss the point...or don't go far enough to talk about it. Some companies can't see the importance of hiring people with important "people skills" but rather focus on the bottomline results...sales. Where would you rather shop...a place where you feel welcomed, or a place that only recognizes that you have a creditcard.

So, here is my holiday shout-out to Wendy and all the Staff at Animal Medical Center in Menomonee Falls, WI. Taz and I are both very happy.

A Facinating and Creative Website

I've been busy for the past week , catching up on all sorts of projects, and didn't have the time to post and anything interesting about creativity in the workplace. That was until yesterday when I came across an article about a website that is truly unique in its approach. Now, once in a while I love a little sarcasm, which is why two of my favorite shows on TV are Boston Legal and House. This site is exceptionally good at it. Their theme is clear and their products are funny. And they know it. Here is a brief clipping from their site answering the question why you want to join their newsletter:

"Be the first person in your miserable company, disaffected dormitory or dysfunctional relationship to:

• Know when new products are released that might further exacerbate your frustrations
• Be informed of upcoming pricing specials
• Learn when Despair makes news, and makes it up
• Provide thoughtful feedback to us and have it completely ignored"

Very creative site that is getting a lot of notice and making a profit too....so take a look at Dispair Inc for yourself.

Searching For A Red Cup

My friends know that I am constantly reading something, looking for new knowledge and wisdom, or just looking to read quietly and dream about far away places and events. It helps me to be more creative, to dream bigger, and to love life more. I also love to find people and businesses that are really creative and can develop something fun and "magical." I get up this morning, pour myself a cup of hot coffee and sit down to read my emails, newsletters, and blogs...and there I find something fun. It seems that Starbucks, the coffee people, have created a new website that focuses on the holiday season. My first thought was "what's the big deal." Starbucks is everywhere and I find it easy to get tired of seeing them. I have friends and business colleagues that also own coffeeshops...and I their shops are better designed and cater to a different group of coffee lovers -- Me!!! But this was THE STARBUCKS...so I clicked over to their new site, The Red Cup, and found a very fun, creative site. I enjoyed watching todays movie on men decorating the house. There were stories, and cooking ideas, and ...well why don't you check it out for yourself. As for me, it's time to grab another cup of my favorite (not starbucks) coffee and read the local newspapers.