6/27/2012
Technology is wonderful in some ways, and horribly daunting in other ways. I’m from the old school, where a live body answered the company phone and quickly routed my call to the party I needed to speak with. That seldom happens in today’s world. Many companies can be proud of themselves for saving the cost of a year-round, full-time receptionist. But, I wonder how much those companies have lost in business from frustrated people like me who get sick and tired of the round-robin tape – “Press 1 for this, Press 2 for that, Press 3 if you want this department, Press 4 if you want that department, Press 5 if you don’t know which department you need.” After pressing the appropriate number, then one gets – “If you know the extension of the person you are trying to reach, please enter it now. If you don’t know the extension of the person you are trying to reach, Press 6 for a company directory by last name. If you don’t know the last name of the person you are trying to reach – so sorry, you’re just plain out of luck!” Disconnect.