Why Do People Pursue Retail Management?

Why do people pursue retail management?

For me, my retail entry point was desperation.  From there it was like most other retail store managers, it is by default.  When young, most retail managers do not dream about growing up to be a store manager.  It is not a high school or college goal or ambition.  Well, sometimes a business major in college might be recruited, but they usually do not last long.

Ask any person in retail store management what they wanted to be when they were growing up.  Ask about aspirations in high school or why they went to college?  Did they achieve their goal?  Most likely you will find that their current placement in management was more by default then by design.

Is default bad?  Retail management has been good to me.  I appreciate the default aspect of the scheme of things.  Without it, my life would not have been as fruitful.  

I am looking forward to hearing from anybody that has management retail experience or having worked in retail, may now be considering a management position.  Share with us how you got to this point and why did you pursue retail (or considering) it as a career.

There are also those that may have recently taken a management retail position.  How do you feel about it?  How did you get to that point and why?

So, retail management may be by default; but what do I mean by default?  Come back soon and we’ll explore the subject together.

Just to be clear; I base this assessment on my retail and sales experience which has spanned over 30 years.  I have not extensively researched the subject nor interviewed thousands of managers to amass my conclusions.  I am just expressing my opinion based on my experience.

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Hey, thanks for checking in!

I am spending time on my new book and will only be posting here a couple times a week.  My plan is to focus on my own experience in the retail world, the ups, as well as the downs.  I will reveal a few more secrets as well

I invite you to check out the archive on the right hand side; it has a lot of good stuff you may have missed, as well as the YouTube videos that are worth checking out.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

How Do I Reset My PC?

Oh my!  How do I reset my computer?

To recover your PC back to factory settings is a simple process.  However, you must understand that programs and settings installed after you opened the box will no longer be available.  Most people understand.  However, there are those that do not get it.  For example, a woman that had her PC recovered returned to the store wanting to know why she could not connect to her network at home.  She did not realize she needed to reinstall her network settings.

This is what your retail store will do, so to save $120 read on.

If the malware infestation is too much and your PC needs a recovery, you may be able to do it yourself.  First, determine if you have recovery discs that came with the computer or ones the manufacture encourages every customer to make.

Most people skip making recovery discs because they think they will never need them.

If you have the recovery discs, insert number one into the DVD slot, restart your computer and follow the prompts.  If you do not have recovery discs contact your computer manufacturer and buy the recover discs for your particular machine.  Currently the price is about $30 plus shipping.  Do not embarrass yourself by going back to the retail store to ask for these discs.  Contact your manufacturer.

If two or three weeks to receive your discs seems long then try this.

Your newer model PC may have a recovery partition that will take your computer back to factory settings.  Click on Computer (Click on Start and look to the right) and locate a D partition that is not a device.

I have an HP so my D partition reads HP_RECOVERY (D:)  under this heading it reads 1.77 free of 8.28 GB.

Not every PC brand is the same so you must find out how to access your own.  HP is one of the easiest.  On restarting just keep tapping on F11 and the prompts will show up.  Follow the prompts and in less than an hour your computer is as good as new.  With older model Toshiba’s, restart and hold down on the zero until the Toshiba logo appears, then follow the prompts.

There are too many PC brands to list the directions on how to access each recovery partition.

To find out how your brand and model accesses the recovery partition, either go to their website and click on support or Google your brand, model number followed by “how to make a recovery disc without CD’s.”  If that does not work check out the free tech support I told you about in an earlier post.  Here is that link.  http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-to-get-free-tech-support.html

Whatever you choose, at least you now know ‘all’ your options, which is something you will not get at your local retail “We Fix Computers” store!

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Ready for a new laptop?  Search Amazon.com for laptop computer

How Can I Fix a Badly Infected PC?

Malware Infestation!

If the malware infestation in your PC is so bad that it is beyond repair, please carefully consider your next option.  What your retail repair store will want to do is charge you $120 to recover the hard drive back to factory settings.  This will wipe out all programs, files and information you have added since you got your computer.  If you have a backup of your important files and know how to reinstall them this may be a good option.

If you want to save money and try to fix it yourself, read on.

Recovering a hard drive is something you may be able to do yourself.  But before you take this drastic measure try these simple steps.  Your repair store may or may not have tried this already.

First, try to enter your computer through the Safe Mode.  Restart your PC and continue pressing F8 until it starts booting up in Safe Mode.  You will know this by the different sequence it goes through.

When in Safe Mode access the Internet and scan your computer with Malwarebytes.  Click on the link for directions on how to download and use Malwarebytes.  http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-do-i-get-rid-of-malware.html

If you cannot access the Internet and you are using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, try loading a different browser such as Mozilla Firefox.  You will have to get access to a working computer to download the program on to a flash drive.  After loading Firefox or Chrome on to your PC try to access the Internet to download Marlwarebytes and scan your computer.  This link is about the value of other browsers.  http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-to-avoid-computer-virus.html

This may clear up the problem, but chances are there is more work to do.  I would leave the rest to a professional because the program HackThis is a specialized program used by someone in the ‘know.’  Click here for a recommendation on where to get free Tech Support that will walk you through stubborn malware removal.   http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-to-get-free-tech-support.html

When all else fails you can most likely recover your own computer.  If you are unsure how, come back tomorrow to learn how.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Ready for a new computer?  Search Amazon.com for computers

How To Avoid a Computer Virus

To decrease the chance of contracting a computer virus, avoid probable places of contamination.  Where is that?  Ask any Mac owner “on a scale of 1 – 10 how worried are you about contacting a computer virus?”  Chances are, the answer will be between 1 – 3.  Why?  There is not much hostility toward Steve Jobs and Apple.  That emotion goes to Bill Gates and Microsoft.  The culprits that create malicious software, such as viruses, hate Microsoft!

Mozilla Firefox

If you are like me and have not made the switch to Apple here is a tip to help decrease the chance of catching a virus.  If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, sample another one.  Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera are three popular choices. If you desire a Mac feel then download Safari for PC.  If you like to fine tune and customize your browser, Mozilla Firefox may be for you.  If you are like me, and like speed, then download and install Google Chrome.

If you want to explore the reviews on each browser go to http://reviews.cnet.com/?tag=hdr;brandnav and insert the browser of choice in the search bar.

If you just want to jump in and try one, go to http://download.cnet.com/windows/?tag=hdr;brandnav and scroll down until you find the browser you want to try.

Google Chrome

I recommend downloading from cnet.com because of its safe reputation.  Downloading from unknown sites can be unsafe.

Once you download and install your new browser, you can transfer over your current links and try it out.  This does not replace your current browser such as Internet Explorer, it just gives you another browsing option.

Sometimes customers came into the store with such badly infected machines it was impossible to get on the internet using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser.  When Safe Mode did not work we had to download a copy of Firefox Mozilla on to the computer to access the Internet and remote with our tech to get the machine cleaned up.

Opera

It is a good idea to have more than one browser installed on your computer in case one goes down.  If you do not want to install a second browser I recommend saving two or more browser programs on an external hard drive or flash drive.  This may come in handy someday soon.  Search Amazon.com for portable hard drive.

If you do this simple and free preventative step, you reduce the chances of a virus molestation.

Tomorrow, how to fix an infected computer that is beyond normal repair.  A retailer wants to charge over $120 but you can do it for Free!

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Why Is It Called a Virus?

Why are some malicious programs called a virus?  What is a malicious program?  So many customers have asked me this one, “Why do people create viruses?”

Viruses are malicious programs that can reproduce themselves.  They spread through a network or, more rapidly, over the Internet.  They also transfer themselves with portable media like CD’s, DVD’s and Flash Drives.  Most hide in attachments that innocent victims send by email when they continue the ‘cute’ forward to friends and family.  I say innocent because the individual that sends you a funny or thought provoking attachment has no idea a virus is hiding inside.

If you insist on opening attachments sent by friends of family, I recommend a good Internet Security Antivirus program like Kaspersky.  If you spend most of your time surfing the Internet, this one is worth the extra expense.  Here is a link to get a 3-user Kaspersky Internet Security.  Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 3-User

A malicious program is an unwelcomed program that causes major irritation to the user.  It can slow your computer down to a crawl, cause your computer to restart itself, or freeze and cause you to lose important work.

Just a note.  This is not the time to go looking for a good antivirus program.  Antivirus programs are not designed to remove a stubborn virus.  They only prevent a virus!  Obviously, some perform better than others do.

I share a good analogy from Tam, a salesperson at Office Depot in my area.  “Antivirus programs are like a seat belt; they protect you during an accident but do no good to undo the accident!”

Why do people create viruses?  I will resist the annoying answer ‘because they can’ and focus on another reason.  There is no monetary value to the culprit.  There is only national notoriety, a sense of malicious accomplishment and chance for revenge.  Revenge?  Yes, revenge.

Most of the major viruses aim themselves toward Microsoft!  For whatever reason, big money, success, or the conniving way success may have been achieved, Microsoft remains the target.

When your computer operating system seems too far-gone to repair, retailers have an answer that will cost you money.

Return tomorrow for a tip on how to avoid these viruses and how you can undo a virus that is wrecking havoc on your machine.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

How Do I Get Rid of Malware?

“What is Malware and why does it wreck havoc on my machine?”  It is malicious software that infiltrates your computer without your consent.  Why?  Because it can!  It can be part of a prank or an intricate scheme to extort money.  Malware can spy on all your Internet movements or extract information to steal your identity.  The fact that it does this secretly should send chills up and down your spine.  It is like a stranger hiding in your closet!

This infliction comes in many ways of deception.  It may show up in the form of a virus, worm or a Trojan horse.  Malware may be spyware, crimeware or the more innocent, adware.  If it shows up in the form of a rootkit, you have major problems.  I will spend more time discussing each one in future blog posts.

For now, the question remains, “what can I do to get rid of malware?”  Retailers will tell you to leave your computer with them and they will take care of it.  Of course, they will charge you a minimum of $169.99!  This may be a convenience for you.  If so, let the ‘professionals’ do it for you.

If you cannot afford the money right now then begin here.  Click on the link to download Malwarebytes, the best and simplest free malware removal tool in the business.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=rb_content;main

Once there, avoid the ‘Recommeded Downloads.’  These are advertisements that I do not recommend.  Click on the ‘Download Now’ and follow the prompts.  Once installed on your computer you can scan your C drive for Malware.

The first time you scan your computer I recommend the ‘full scan.’  This may take an hour or more depending on the size of your C drive.  Once completed, the total number of ‘malicious critters’ become ready for disposal.  On badly infected computers, the ones that crawl, I have seen over 200 infectious bytes of malware.

Here is the kicker.  The retailer that you give $169.99 to clean your machine of malware, uses this same program.  That's right, they use this same free program.

If you use this program and get good results, please share your results.  How many ‘malware bytes’ did the program find and did it improve the performance of your machine?

Tomorrow, more about what kinds of malware secretly hides in your computer.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Has Your Computer Been Compromised?

Your computer has been compromised, now what?  Take it to a store where you see the sign “We Fix Computers” or do it yourself.  If doing it yourself seems a little scary, read on.

Can it get any worse?

What do I mean by compromised?  When you start your computer and a pop-up, from an unidentifiable source, declares you are in danger because of viruses that need fixing now, you have been violated!  Upon start up a scan begins racking up all the infections on your computer and when completed, prompts you to ‘click here to fix’ and away you go to another site, you have been violated.

The unidentifiable site not only wants your money but also wants complete access to your computer files.  If you ever 'click' this far, do not pay and allow access into your computer.  I repeat, do not pay and allow access into your computer.  If you do, it is like giving a thief permission to ransack your home.

When your computer slows down to a crawl and each click takes an eternity to load, you may have an accumulation of Malware!

What is Malware?  Retail will not reveal this information because there is too much money at stake.

Malware is a ‘malicious’ intrusion that may be the culprit to many problems on your computer.

Come back tomorrow to find out more about Malware and the steps you can take to remove it.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

An Overview of the Dilapidated Accidental Plan

Here is a recap of why a Laptop Accidental Plan has little value.

(This list is compiled from a brochure from a nationwide office supply chain.)

Current Features:

~~ Toll Free 24/7 Technical Support and Trouble Shooting

If you do not mind communicating by the Internet, free tech support is available to anyone.

Here is a quote from a previous blog post: “Check out the many websites that offer free tech support through forums, blogs, archives, e-mail and chat rooms.  I will give you three to try out.”

Click on the link to access three websites that offer free tech support.

http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-to-get-free-tech-support.html

~~ No Lemon Policy

If you get a lemon you want service right away!  Here is a quote from another blog post:

“This feature is the most frustrating because of the hassle one goes through when they get a ‘lemon.’”

Click on the link to find out some secrets to speed up the process.

http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/secret-behind-no-lemon-policy.html

~~ Power Surge Protection

If you live under constant storm warnings or unstable power supply then click on the link for some tips on protecting your laptop.  Otherwise, this feature is weak.

http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/what-about-laptop-surge-protection.html

~~ Covers Cost of Shipping or Onsite Service.

Do not be fooled.  Your laptop will never receive onsite service.  Repairs must happen in a pristine environment.  Onsite service refers to a desktop computer and is part of the standard plan as is all the above.  However, the cost of shipping a laptop does average $40.

The following two features are unique to an accidental plan.

~~ Accidental Damage from Handling Coverage

Here is a quote from yesterday’s blog post, “If you are accident-prone, this might be a benefit.  If you are not, this plan is an expensive gamble.”


If you missed this post click here.

http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/whats-trouble-with-accidental-plans.html

~~ One-time Laptop Battery Coverage

You will find the secret to ensure long battery life in this blog post so you will not need this feature. 

http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/how-to-make-your-laptop-battery-last.html

What is missing?  At one time Wear and Tear was a part of this plan.  Any problem that happened between any manufacture's defect and an accident.  In other words, the entire computer was covered during the plan.  Now, the high percentage laptop failure, wear and tear, no longer exists.

Earlier, Lojack Software, helped retrieve a stolen laptop, came with every Laptop Accidental Plan.  Not anymore.  This had value!

When you consider the price of these plans, almost half of the retail price for 3 years, and compare this to the value, you realize the disproportion.  If you succumbed to the pressure and bought one of these plans less than 30 days ago, you still have time to get a refund.  It is in the fine print.

If you have had a good experience with this plan, please use the comment section and contribute!

In case you missed the secrets to saving money on printer ink and how to fix computers, click on the link for a list of the current YouTube Videos on this blog.  http://www.whybeachump.com/2011/03/youtube-videos.html

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

What's The Trouble With Accidental Plans?

OMG!

A Laptop Accidental Plan covers any accidental damage from handling.  If you are accident-prone, this might be a benefit.  If you are not, this plan is an expensive gamble.  An average PC laptop costs $650.  The cost of a 3-year Accidental Plan is $299.99!  The percentage of laptop failure rises in the third year and beyond.  Do not even consider a 2-year plan.

Does it make sense to spend almost half of the retail price to ‘protect’ a laptop from accidental damage from handling?  As you know by now, retailers depend on it!

So what does an accidental plan cover?  An accidental plan will cover an accident, from handling, that makes the computer inoperable.  In other words, if you ‘accidentally’ break the hinge and the computer continues to work, you are out of luck.  If you ‘accidentally’ lose the ‘E’ laptop key, too bad.  If ink or paint ‘accidentally’ lands on your laptop and the computer continues to run, so sorry.

I have dealt with so many customers that have these problems.  Unfortunately, the plan does not fix accidents that affect the computer cosmetically.

Your plan will cover any damage from handling like drops or spills.  If you accidentally drop your laptop or spill a contaminating fluid on the keyboard, you will receive service.  This is where the complaints begin.

Your Service Provider decides how your issue will be resolved, and if it qualifies for resolution.  The first option may be a time-consuming repair.  Cross your fingers in hopes it will be fixed right.  Next, if the original laptop is beyond repair a refurbished laptop will have to do.  A new laptop is never an option.  A merchandise card for the amount you paid for your laptop is the third option.  Do not count on this one.

My experience with any plan that deals with a computer is major complaint.  The customers that came back to me were not happy.  The biggest complaint was the time it took to address the issue.  The next complaint: “it's not fixed right.”  In addition, people do not like to receive a ‘remanufactured’ laptop to replace the laptop they bought new.  I never met a customer that received a merchandise card for a damaged computer.

No matter what your salesperson tells you, most of the customers that use these plans are not happy.  Most of this discontentment stems from accepting a sales pitch as truth.  Your salesperson may say; “you’ll get your money-back,” “there is a one-week turn-around,” or this little charmer, “the plan covers “everything!”  It is not true! 

By now, I hope you realize there is not much truth in retail, just money manipulation, from your pocket to theirs.

Ready for a new laptop computer.  Check out these bargains at Amazon. 

 Search Amazon.com for laptop computer

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

Something Else Removed From An Accidental Plan

Another feature removed from an Accidental Plan is Lojack.  What is Lojack?  Lojack is a service that helps recover a stolen laptop.  How does it work?

Once you install the Lojack software, your laptop becomes traceable.  When a thief steals your laptop and logs on to the Internet, a ping tells the retrieval service the connection location.  The Internet Service Provider (ISP,) which connects the customer to the Internet, assigns a unique number to their client.  The IP address helps to locate any home or place of business  There are ways to hide your IP address but we are speaking in simple terms.

 All the owner has to do is report the stolen laptop to the police and tell the Lojack administrator.  Lojack works with the police to arrest the criminal and recover the stolen laptop.

However, here is the catch!  Lojack only works when the hard drive remains as is.  Here is the gamble.  If the thief is stupid and does not recover the hard drive, (remove all current information and take it back to factory settings,) he or she loses.  An intelligent thief will recover the hard drive and wipe out all current information, including Lojack.  Most likely, this thief wants to sell, rather than use the laptop.

 Therefore, if you think a smart thief will lift your laptop, Lojack is not for you.  However, if you think a common thief might steal your laptop to use then you can buy Lojack and install it on your computer.  If you are, or have a student, going to college, this might be for you.  If you travel, a laptop lock might be a better choice.

When the Accidental Plan included Lojack, the plan was much easier to sell!  The value of a laptop Accidental Plan continues to decrease.  However, because most people do not know the missing features, it is the job of the salesperson to highlight what remains.

Now you know!  Do not be dazzled by the highlights!

Search Amazon.com for lojack software

Search Amazon.com for laptop cable lock 

Thanks for sharing this post with your Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail friends!

The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?

 Search Amazon.com for lojack software