We usually love our Apple (s aapl) products. They work well, are easy to understand and when we have a problem, Apple works quickly to resolve it. Most of the time. What happens when Apple simply won’t play ball? Read on and find out how to work Apple’s system.

Step 1: AASP and Geniuses

For many people, their first interaction is with the Apple store, however some will go to an Apple Authorized Service provider (AASP). AASP determinations can be overridden by an Apple store, so going to the Apple store would be your first escalation if you are not satisfied by the AASP. Typically a Genius determines you have a problem, but alas, you may be out of warranty. Maybe they are claiming the item was abused or tampered with and you disagree. Often you are just barely out of warranty or fall right outside a Repair Extension. Be sure to keep careful notes of the dates and times of your conversations and with whom you’ve spoken. All is not lost.

Step 2: The CS Code

Your next step can be to call the general number for Apple technical support (800-275-2273).  Explain your situation and ask for an accommodation; usually you want a repair at no charge to you. Your ultimate goal is to get a “CS code.” A CS code acts like a coupon. Give the CS code to the AASP and the cost of the repair will be discounted by the amount the CS Code authorizes. Apple tech support is based in North America, so you’ll unlikely have the communication barriers you face with other brands. Again, keep careful notes.

Step 3: Customer Relations

What if tech support won’t play ball? Your next step is to call technical support, or pretty much any Apple number, and ask for “Customer Relations.” That’s the magic phrasing that gets you talking with people who can override the decisions of any AASP. They’ll usually be the one to issue a CS code.

When talking with Customer Relations, always be polite, fair and accommodating. These are human beings who will often rise or fall to the level of politeness and aggressiveness they receive. Having learned from others’ success with Customer Relations, it’s best to focus on the fact that you are a loyal Mac user. Briefly tell them about your love of all things Apple. Be enthusiastic and authentic.

Next, tell them about your problem and your frustration that Apple didn’t cover it but you think they should. It may be that your Mac or iPod is just barely out of warranty, or maybe it’s been in for similar problems before and Apple didn’t fix it right the first time. Often it’s related to a known defect that Apple hasn’t quite admitted yet. Mention places you’ve read about others having the same problem you have.

In a previous article, I talked about reading Apple’s Annual Report to determine what issues Apple could be facing lawsuits about. Focus on the fact that you want to be an Apple supporter, but its actions in this particular matter that have shaken your confidence. You might playfully mention some of the ads you’ve seen and how much you are a believer.

Ask the Apple representative for something reasonable and fair — usually the repair of the item under warranty. Frequently Apple will meet you half-way by agreeing to cover the parts, but not the labor. Consider that a win. If you don’t get the answer you want the first time, don’t be afraid to call back and speak with another rep. Don’t get into an argument. Thank them for their time and try again.

Step 4: Bring in The Steve

What if even Customer Relations isn’t appearing to be fair with you? Now it’s time to bring in Steve. No, not the Woz, but rather Mr. Steve Jobs. Write him at steve@apple.com or sjobs@apple.com. Your email will be read by a member of his staff (and even Steve himself on occasion). Make the same case you made to Customer Relations in the same fair, accommodating and professional way. They’ll often find you a solution. Maybe it’s not a CS code, but usually a fair deal that protects Apple’s financial interest, yet goes the extra mile to keep you as a Mac user.

Alternatively, and in addition to contacting Steve, if you are an Apple investor, contact investor relations (408-974-3123). You can mention all the things you mentioned to Customer Relations, but add the fact that this experience has tainted not just your technology buying experience but your confidence in Apple as an investor. If you’ve posted your woes on Twitter, stock boards, or on your blog, you can mention that. Be honest and direct. These people will get you in contact with people in the “Exec” team, who are usually the same people who handle the steve@apple.com email.

Still no dice? Well, I think you are out of luck. Sometimes it just happens. At least now you know the escalation methods and at least have a fighting chance with Apple.

Do you have a successful Apple war story?

Blue Fridays.     

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the ’silent majority’.  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.  Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday — and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV — let’s make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once ’silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is ‘We need your support and your prayers.’ Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Blue Fridays.            

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the ’silent majority’.  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.  Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday — and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV — let’s make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once ’silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is ‘We need your support and your prayers.’ Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Margaret Thatcher on Socialism

I hope the President sees this…

Americans Say “NO” to ObamaCare

Support drops to 38% !!!!

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform

Another Party

Obama plans yet another lavish party for the only people who still think he’s cool,  Hollywood libs

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/obama-thanks-hollywood-with-coveted-invites-to-his-first-white-house-state-dinner/

Blue Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the ’silent majority’.  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.  Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday — and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV — let’s make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once ’silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is ‘We need your support and your prayers.’ Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

If there’s something India needs it is theez. Indiapreneurs!

I think we’ve waited long enough. I was at an event organised by the students of NIT Trichy early September and was pleasantly surprised to see how clued in this generation is. The problem is that our academia is still stuck in a time-warp. These kids need active mentoring and incubation support from professionals who have been there, done that. We need to move incubation facilities out of educational campuses and transplant them firmly into the ‘real’ world of business. A few friends and I are working on providing space and infrastructure as well as functional support (HR, Admin, IT etc.) and plan to pilot this in Delhi, Coimbatore and Hyderabad, starting 2010.

Ideas, suggestions, support and comments please.

Wonder what you would find if you frisked the latest numbers from the Rasmussen Reports on health care reform?

Answer: The support for Obama-Care is at an all time low.

Hmm… So why is the House and Senate trying so desperately to force this down the American people’s throats?

Rasmussen’s latest:

Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

Half the survey was conducted before the Senate voted late Saturday to begin debate on its version of the legislation. Support for the plan was slightly lower in the half of the survey conducted after the Senate vote.

Prior to this, support for the plan had never fallen below 41%. Last week, support for the plan was at 47%. Two weeks ago, the effort was supported by 45% of voters.

It doesn’t help when the Democrat’s health-care reform bills keep getting larger and larger by the week. After all, Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-NV) 2,074 page version of the bill was hardly out long enough for ANY normal American to read it. It just goes to show why the left needs to pass this monstrosity in the dead of night over the weekend… Something I find very unsettling.

Here is some more interesting numbers to soak in:

Only 16% now believe passage of the plan will lead to lower health care costs. Nearly four times as many (60%) believe the plan will increase health care costs. Most (54%) also believe passage of the plan will hurt the quality of care.

That’s funny… Why is the left preaching the exact opposite? But like most of Obama, Reid, and Pelosi’s loyal liberals, they are more elite and know what’s best for everyone else (not at all).

And how about these numbers:

Majorities of both men (61%) and women (52%) among likely voters now oppose ObamaCare.  Every age demographic except 18-29 year olds oppose it by majorities ranging from 58% to 65%. Every income demographic except the under-$20K group opposes it by a majority, even the heretofore sympathetic $100K+ demo, which opposes it 58/41 — with 50% strongly opposed.

Side-Note: We all better start working extra hard because if Obama-Care passes our money will be going towards poor people and college student’s prison sentences for not purchasing health-care. Yippy!

Oh yeah, did I ever mention that most college students are misinformed? Haha.

Two incidents prompted this post, the first incident occurred directly to me, the second was a conversation with strategist and researcher Esteban Kolsky that started via twitter when he was stranded in an absolutely wild  number of airports on an attempted flight home. That conversation continued into several blog posts.  For the background to this, read Mr. Kolsky’s full article here.

Esteban’s Story;

After the twitter conversation and blogging about his trip from hell, (if you have not read that full story yet, follow that link!) some social media monitoring staffer at the airline concerned actually responded. The response included some token gesture, but no ability to go further to drive change within the organization.

My Story;

Mine was much simpler, via a social media channel, someone broadcast a request that basically stated; Hey I need this…”

I responded that; “hey, we do that…let me get one of our sales folks to give you a call ” (ok that was the shortened version, we actually connected via the phone)

In Esteban’s case, the ’social media’ responder was powerless to do anything about the root cause of his problem, in mine, I don’t have the position to enforce a response either. So no one bothered.

Here is the thing.

What we loosely call the marketing (or reputation) side of social media can provide another channel for both raising awareness of your brand (or business) or to assist in defending that brand. (ie support / customer service)

But there is absolutely zero reason to go through this effort, if you have no intention of acting on what you have learned!

If you do a mystery call with your support or customer service team, and they state that for your particular problem, that the corporate policy is something along the lines of; we don’t give a damn. Do you think that the same response via a social media platform is going to make any difference?

Ummmm no

In Esteban’s story, the social media monitor actually offered a token gesture for his very long issue. Which in  my opinion is a company that has a t least started to try to improve. (Can you imagine how many hours the legal teams at a mega-corporation would argue about some front end staffer being able to give even the smallest token gesture?)

Now I really don’t like the word empowerment. It reminds me too much about Dilbert cartoons.

But like it or not, it fits into the theme of this post.

In their Harvard Business Press book IT Savvy authors Peter Weill and  Jeanne W. Ross state;

every employee who interacts with customers can be armed with information on the customer and the firm’s products to ensure a quality interaction.

So go ahead and talk about it

Sure, monitor it.

But if your staff can’t do anything about it – If they can’t make a change. Even if that change is simple acknowledgment that a voice has been heard and recorded,

What good is it?

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www.myspace.com/diarugirl

As many of you reading this blog will know, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a worldwide movement which sees thousands of events and activities taking place throughout the week. It’s a great opportunity for us to put the spotlight on social enterprise and inspire people to get involved. Last Thursday was Social Enterprise Day and we hope you all enjoyed promoting social enterprise and its achievements in your own way.

As it is GEW, I have given all the SEWM team a little nag to contribute to the blog by writing about one of their events.      

SEWM study visit to Marches Energy Agency (MEA) in Shropshire

Last Wednesday I went along to the first of our study visits set up as part of the Trading Knowhow project. The purpose of the visits is to transfer good practice and knowledge exchange between social enterprises and those who wish to work with them. 

The first visit was to Marches Energy Agency (MEA), a flagship social enterprise and one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy and climate change social enterprises. The visit, lead by MEA Director Richard Davies, included an overview of MEA, its background and how it operates. We were also given a tour of the property and talks from each section of the team.  

The visit was very positive and I for one feel that it’s only when you get out there and visit these social enterprises, that you get a true feel for what they do and the long term social aims they hope to achieve.  Don’t take my word for it though, asI was also lucky enough to nag my way into getting a few guest blogs from some of the attendees, some of which wished to remain anonymous…

“The study visit to MEA was a great idea. We were able to share ideas and support each other through informed discussions.”

  Anonymous

“The Masterclass from Richard (MEA Director) really gave an insight into what makes MEA tick.”

Anonymous

“An excellent insight into MEA’s philosophy and workings, as well as the building being a standard bearer for low energy working.”

A participant from Transition Shrewsbury

“The study visit to MEA was wonderful. Richard provided a fantastic insight into his world, his social enterprise and renewable energy. His enthusiasm is infectious. I look forward to building stonger partnerships with MEA over the coming years.”

 Charlotte Hollins from Fordhall Community Land Initiative

Melanie Mills blogged from the Business Insight event at Birmingham Central Library…

While sitting in Birmingham Library and waiting to give a presentation to a group of people who want to find out more about social enterprise, it occurred to me what a challenge we still have in order to demystify and simplify the words ‘social enterprise’. Most people in the room seemed to think the business model was a good idea but are yet to be able to translate all the things that they had heard previously into a WIIFM (what’s in it for me………even if in social enterprise terms it should probably be WIIFT…………what’s in it for them!).

Being in a room of potential social entrepreneurs all with a skill, a service or product and with a desire to make a difference brought home even more, how important it is that the potential social businessman or woman get’s the support from someone who really knows and gets ‘why’ it is that they thought that sharing the profits from their enterprise with an audience other than their shareholders was great idea.

Social Enterprise Day is all about raising the profile of this way of doing business. Being seated in that room made me feel excited by the will, the passion and the unselfishness of trying to add value to a bit of the world beyond your own. It also crystallised quite how much of a challenge there still is ahead to make this business model, these two words ‘social enterprise’, as familiar and as understood a household name, as say an everyday commodity such as ‘baked beans’. Everyone is familiar with baked beans, they understands that it contains exactly what it suggests on the tin. Our challenge is to un-open our particular can and get it out there for everyone to familiarise themselves with.

Melanie Mills

Well, I’ve done it.

I’ve navigated through the suffocating darkness of the wilderness that had become my most recent novel. As soon as I hit the middle… bang. All light was gone. The path had disappeared. My steps forward slowed to almost a stop. It’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and I should be typing til my fingers bleed. I pledged to finish a first draft. But for over a month, I hovered here, moving forward, sideways, in circles and even backwards, an inch at a time. I battled monsters: depression, fear, doubts, frustration. Monsters leapt out of the shadows at every step.

I considered giving up.

But this is my sixth full length manuscript and if I have learned anything it’s that I must ask for help when I am lost. Enter my gorgeous and wise writing buddy (GWWB). My GWWB has also been writing for many, many years and also knows the pain of the so-far unfulfilled dream of a published book. She lets me cry and wail and rave on about how terrible I am, how terrible the book is, and how utterly hopeless everything else is.

Then she calmly reminds me of why it is that we write–simply, because we can’t not write. She reminds me that I am not alone in the darkness. Then she sends me home with firm instructions a map to keep going.

And I did. And lo and behold, I made it out of the wilderness. I can see the pathway once more. The end is in sight, lit up by my imagination and my characters that refused to give in.

Now, NaNoWriMo is nearly at an end and I still have 20,000 words to go if I am to finish this manuscript. Can I do it? Possibly. But not without the support of my writing friends. And that’s what NaNoWriMo is all about: connecting with others and getting it done.

So off I set again. My lunch pack is full, my water flask refilled. I am energised once more.

It has been almost 3 months since I have been downsized  from my job as a Casino Manager.  I have sent a gazillion  resumes out in cyberspace.  These resumes show my casino experience as well as my previous experience as a social service specialist.  Gone, it seems, are the days of needing a job, looking for a job, and starting work.  It used to be that when you needed a job, you looked in the newspaper or talked to people you knew.  You filled out an application and were called in for an interview.  You put on your best business attire and set-out to land a job.  People that had the ability to hire you, actually talked to you.  You were able to show your personality and your strengths.  Now it seems as if all a company cares about  is what is found in your resumé.  Resume’s are cold and impersonal.  No matter how fine-tuned you have made your resumé, it is still just a piece of paper.  A resumé doesn’t show your smile, your empathy, your social skills, your abilities to make someone comfortable.  All it shows is the facts, and even those facts are  easily manipulated.  How do you make that connection?  You know when you just click with someone.  How does a resume show that?

Companies are receiving so many resumes that they apparently do not feel the need to follow-up on them.  No one seems to realize that there is a real person sitting out there, waiting to hear something back from the company.  I recently sent a resume for a position that I am very well qualified to fill.  I waited 3 days and followed my resumé up with a phone call to check the status of my application.  The company let me know  that my resumé had been received and that it was very good and that I certainly had the qualifications that they desired.  I was also told that they had received 157 additional resumes since receiving mine.  Companies can and do take their time going through each of these resumes.  In the meantime, I am running out of resources.  I am questioning whether or not I will ever have health insurance again.  I am looking into other avenues to support myself.  I am blocked by a lack of finances when it comes to most new ventures.  I am almost 58 years old and never thought that I would find myself in this position. 

I would like to do something with my photography.  Maybe I can specialize in senior citizen portraits?  Maybe I can sell some of my photo art pieces?  Maybe I can find a publisher for the children’s book I wrote years ago?  I need to find a niche and fill it.    I’m bright, I’m funny, I’m personable, I’m adaptable, and I need a job!

p2pnet.net, a long time news provider in the p2p world is having some trouble and needs your support.

p2pnet has been working non stop for years to provide p2p news for readers, however times are tough and the site needs some help!

Without p2pnet.net and the voice of other websites like it FrostWire would never be what it is and most of you would’ve never heard of it.

Please donate if you can.

I love you, but am I in love with you?

Have you ever thought this before?  Maybe you have even asked it about a relationship you are in or a past relationship?  I was on my way home from my usual Sunday morning wellness walk counting my blessings, so grateful to be alive and for A Woman Divine.  It wasn’t always this way.  I have struggled most of my life trying to conform to others needs and wants, make money, look a certain way, always trying to find the right fit.  Most of the time a bit agitated, annoyed, restless, and always searching for something else.  At one time or another we have altered ourselves to try to please someone else only to discover, it’s just not a good fit.  So, I posed the question to myself this morning, “I love you, but am I in love with you?” and the answer was a resounding YES!  It felt amazing to realize this.  Why wouldn’t we analyze our self love the way we would any other intimate relationship?

I’m curious to know what you think.

Teresa

Some of you may have peeped this on the Daily Street already, but Soap Box Clothing have a super fresh new jumper coming very soon, and as we are building the Fashion section of the site it seemed only right to drop it your way!

The heavyweight cotton jumper will be available in White with the Green robot (below) and a black jumper with a Purple (above). Both look amazing, and as with all Soap Box products they are limited edition with only 25 created, so you know you’ll be wearing something different to stand out from the crowd.

The Soap Box crew have been awful busy, and although they aren’t revealing too much right now, there’ s somethign amazing things coming soon so stay tuned. Their website is:

www.soapboxclothing.co.uk (the new site is dropping very soon!!!) and type in ‘Soap Box Clothing’ in Facebook to join their group.

Anyway, thats enough talking, check the threads!…….

We have heard the pleas of the Generals and yet no response from the commander-in-chief. How many of our brave have to pay the ultimate price before you honor their request or you simply bring them home. They are fighting a war so different from others of our past, we once knew who the enemy were. Today they wear no uniform representing a country or an army, they are terrorist, they hate Americans and all that we represent.
The holidays are quickly approaching, please be sure and remember those off in a foreign land that are fighting for our freedoms and for our very rights that so many take for granted. Keep them and their families in prayer, take time to send a card, a package, a reminisce of home. Make a difference, let them know we support them and what they are doing isn’t in vain.~ God Bless our Military~

Für Geld- und  Sachspenden (Pflanzen, Klettergerüste, Mutterboden…) wären wir äußerst dankbar!

Aber auch bei persönlichen Anliegen, Stellen in Eurer Umgebung, die Ihr gerne verschönert sehen wollt, haben wir immer ein offenes Ohr!

Meldet Euch dazu unter gartenmiliz.support@googlemail.com!

Wir werden Euch unmittelbar kontaktieren!