If I recall correctly Robin , you ran your own company, worked very long hours and enjoyed limited leisure time prior to retiring.
I am assuming you have more leisure time now so have you found your tollerance / expectation of service different to perhaps when you were working under pressure and very busy? I'm just wondering if this has a significant impact on expectations?
....You recall correctly. Had my own limited company with a member of the Royal Family on the board, worked 24/7 from a studio next door to my home in Chelsea. I treated everybody, no matter who they were, in the same way I wished to be treated myself (exactly as maxitrol says). Customer service was always important and sometimes I was good at it and other times I wasn't but I was always honest about it.
I think it's the whole of life's experiences which forms someone's expectations but also mixed with upbringing and personal character. I really don't approve of the cut-throat business world and what it can instill in people, but what goes around comes around.
I've always been fairly laid back (drugs helped!) but have always enjoyed excellent relationships with people and companies - Afterall, all my clients were companies (including Horrids, Steve) and I worked with top management and workers.
I'm not much different now except what I view as more important in life.
I can't believe some people's posts on this thread, some very harsh. I lurk quit a bit on this forum but as I don't mod (oem freak 
), I have less to contribute on some posts than many of you guys probably do. Why are people assuming that Robin is on some kind of a personal mission for starting a new thread for this? Surely it's something which affects us all most of the time. Nowhere in this thread has Robin tried to defend any company, instead suggesting the issue of service is debated.
....Well, that is how I saw it too, although I anticipated some people might unfortunately take umbrage (tee hee
). I do stand accused of "defending" a couple of companies in particular but I have no vested interests (contrary to what others insist on believing) and only seek fairness and balance.
Still, I'm old enough and ugly enough not to be too bothered by others - We all have our differing views - Who the feck cares anyway! It's actually quite funny at times and healthy to stir it up.
