December 4, 2004
RESULTS - 2004 JINGLE BELL RUN & MORE
Two results to share this morning:
2004 Jingle Bell Run: I ran in a road race this morning called the Jingle Bell Run. The 5k (3.1 mile) race looped around the IUPUI campus, and ended with a dash around part of the college's outdoor track. For the first time ever in a race of this distance, I ran the entire length of the course. Not once did I stop, nor did I walk. Not that amazing of a feat for 3.1 miles/5k, but for this newbie, well, I feel it's an accomplishment worth noting. My time--34 minutes and 51 seconds, which placed me 610th out of 734 runners--will surely be bettered as I myself become more proficient and relaxed in road races in the months and years to come.
And The Secret Shopper Says... As I mentioned last year while working the Santa Photo gig at the Fashion Mall, our company pays a 'secret shopping' service to go to all of the malls where its has contracts, and to report back on how the staff did their job. Last Friday, the 26th of November, we were 'secretly shopped' by one of IPI's secret shoppers. The following is directly from a report the secret shopper filed with our home office:
- How long did it take from the time you entered the line until it was your turn to have photos taken? 00:04:05
- Was the associate greeting everyone in a sincere, friendly manner? Yes. Score: 2/2
- Were you greeted in a sincere, friendly manner? Yes. Score: 3/3
- Name of Associate who assisted you: Mikal B.
...Gender: Male
...Race: Caucasian
...Age: 31-40 years-old
...Height: 6 ft 1 in
...Hair Color: Brown
...Other distinguishing characteristics: Glasses
- Did the greeter clearly explain the price banner to you? Yes. Score: 5/5
- When you inquired about a 5x7 photo package, did the associate make you aware of a package with more photos in it? Yes. Score: 10/10
- On a scale of 0-5, with 5 being "the best", please rate the associate's product knowledge: 5. Score: 5/5
- Comments: Greet Experience! Mikal B., an Assistant Manager assisted us as we entered the photo line. He greeted us with a warm "Hello" and did an excellent job of engaging the child that was with me. He asked her name and told her she looked very nice today. He even talked with her about her visit with Santa Claus, which made her feel very comfortable. His level of engagement with us was exemplary. Mikal presented the package options and add-ons using the envelope. He suggested a frame or an add-on of two 3 1/2 x 5 photos. He seemed very knowledgeable about the packaging options and attempted to up-sell, but was very respectful of our decision only to purchase the 5 x 7 print.
So, there you have it folks. If I ever lose my day job as an Acquisitions Editor, I can always become a full-time greeter at Wal-Mart.
I'm now off in search of a cheap-o used car (I think my Land Rover will be sold by the end of the day this coming Wednesday... woo-hoo!). Happy Saturday :o)
Posted by Mikal at December 4, 2004 11:28 AM
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