Customer Satisfaction and Empowerment

Over the past month or so, I seem to have mastered the art of passing out surveys to people.. if there is even an art to that. From roaming the steets of Mariemont to entertaining (maybe)customers at the Beechmont Izzy's, I definitely have had my share of passing out surveys. If anywhere else needs some surveys to be passed out... look no further - I'm equipped with the knowledge of utlizing this statistical analysis tool called SPSS as well. I know, I'm quite a force to be reckoned with.

Yesterday, though, required me to do a bit more with the data this time - unlike Bombay City's survey data, which I have not had to touch. But for our marketing research project on Izzy's current customers, each of us has the exciting task of entering all of the data from all seven store locations (we have 367 surveys) into the SPSS stats program. This clearly is the most exciting part of the project.

While it will be a very boring and long task, the end result will be interesting I'm sure.. or at least we hope. Either way, we have to analyze the data and make statistical and managerial recommendations from it. Call me crazy, but I am actually excited to start that whole process. Yes, I am excited about a group project. There is a first thing for everything.

So, while the school year winds down and tests become a normal part of my week, I must say there is still room for excitment about that. And not to mention excitment about my not-for-profit client, Dress for Success. Now here is an organization that I will support with no problem. An organization that focuses on empowering disadvantaged women by supplying them with the appropriate interview attire and career networking tools. An organization that encourages self-sufficiency and economic independence. An organization that will help women LIVE their life.

The overall idea of empowerment is a great one, too.. as I have learned through my fascinating management class. It is an emerging trend in businesses today, allowing lower-level employees to have more control over their work environment in general, since they are closer to potential problems/opportunites (i.e., customers). It empowers them to make their own choices and be accountable for their actions.

I realize this does not directly relate to Dress for Success, but the GENERAL idea of empowerment - giving people more freedom and control of their life, whether it be work or personal - is one we should all hold. If you really want something, go out and do it. Be empowered enough to make it happen.