“How can I make you smile today?” That’s the way the phone was answered. Well, that was what the first real person I got said…you know, after the recording that answered the phone, told me that my call might be recorded and monitored for quality control. So I gave my name to the chick that wants to make me smile, said I was returning a call from Mr. XYZ and asked to be transferred. That happened 9 minutes and 12 seconds ago and I’m still on hold. No, I’m not smiling.
As I type this post, I’m listening to music I can’t turn off. It’s some wild piano crap that is making me even more agitated and it’s a loop. How do I know? Easy. Same crap I’ve heard for the last (now) 12 minutes and 4 seconds. I need a coffee refill…
I’ve got my coffee now and I’m still on hold. It’s been almost 16 minutes since the happy little receptionist pushed me off into the void. Oh wait!! The chick that wants me to smile just came on the line!! It took 16 minutes and 26 seconds for her to come back and let me know that she’s sorry, but Mr. XYZ is still on the phone. She asked if I would like to continue holding.
Ummm…. NO!!
So seriously, why would you call someone, ask for a return phone call, and not leave an alternate method of contact when you’re not going to be available to talk to them when they do get back with you?
Mr. XYZ isn’t happy because he didn’t get a call-back. Y’all know why I’m not happy. From a professional business perspective, I have to respectfully ask, “Hey Dude — have you ever heard of this nifty little thing called email? And where’s that flipping smile I was promised???”
(It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!)