Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

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Negotiating for Results

24, Dec 2009

One of the great things about working at The Heritage Foundation is the training courses for employees. Seminars that you might typically find as part of an MBA program are regularly offered to staff. As a relatively young manager, I’ve made it a point to take advantage as much as possible.
Last week, for instance, I [...]

I’d Buy My Next Car From Mark Muller

18, Jul 2009

This interview on CNN with Carol Costello is one of the best clips I’ve seen on TV in recent memory. Costello interviews Max Motors car dealer Mark Muller of Missouri about a promotion he’s running that offers a free AK-47 to anyone who buys a new truck. Muller’s motto is “God, guns, guts and American [...]

Support Your Local Hardware Store

16, May 2009

I love the Home Depot. Each and every Thursday, I flip through its ad in The Washington Post in search of specials and good deals.
The same was true this week when I spotted a sale on Toro mowers. My old Bolens mower — it’s actually my brother-in-law’s mower on loan — has turned out to [...]

Landmark Honda Shows Me Some Love

19, Mar 2009

Honda (My CR-V), originally uploaded by Prince Turtle.
Two weeks ago I told my salesman at Landmark Honda never to contact me again. I was frustrated and angry about my experience at the dealership. So when my caller ID showed “Landmark Honda” this afternoon, I contemplated whether to answer the phone. Something told me that I [...]

The Case of the Exploding OJ Container

5, Mar 2009

 
Can I have my 210ml back?, originally uploaded by cleber.
I’m a big fan of Tropicana orange juice. I can’t start my day without a glass. But after an unfortunate explosion yesterday morning, I’m no fan of the new packaging.
At the grocery store over the weekend I decided to get the 89 ounce bottle (pictured above) [...]

Another Landmark Honda Horror Story

4, Mar 2009

It has been 10 days since I last set foot in Rosenthal Landmark Honda. Over that time period, I’ve had five calls from my salesman. My wife has had four. Add in a couple of email messages, and Landmark has contacted me an average of once a day.
I stopped answering Landmark’s phone calls on Feb. [...]

Landmark Honda Loses Loyal Customer

27, Feb 2009

My frustration with Landmark Honda earlier this week has yet to subside. Despite a couple of pleas from my salesman to return, I’ve decided I will no longer do business at the dealership, joining my friend Danny Glover and others who have walked away. I would encourage you to avoid the place as well.
Reflecting on [...]

Harsh Words About Landmark Honda

23, Feb 2009

Just as I suspected, a day after walking out of Landmark Honda without a deal on a new CR-V, the finance team was eager for my return. This afternoon I took a call asking me to come in tomorrow night to hash out an agreement.
I’m undecided if I’ll actually return. During our brief conversation today, [...]

Driving a Hard Bargain at Honda Dealer

22, Feb 2009

Honda CR-V, originally uploaded by labnol.
I tried to do my part to stimulate the economy today by leasing a new car. But after more than four hours of negotiating for a Honda CR-V, I walked away unsatisfied with the offer. The whole experience was revealing and educational.
It was the first time I had been on [...]

Ithaca College Copes With Credit Crisis

3, Oct 2008

The financial crisis isn’t isolated to Wall Street and Main Street. It’s also having an impact on academia. Today I received a letter from Ithaca College President Tom Rochon explaining my alma mater’s attempt to grapple with these challenging times and dwindling endowments. At Ithaca, the problem is complicated by a lower-than-expected enrollment this year.
The [...]


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