ASHLEY'S LIST

Customer service is really important these days. I have to say it is now more than ever when I appreicate walking into a small business where I know the person that owns it or I recognize them because they are usually there. While experiencing a GI-normous computer break down in the last week I have been on the phone with customer service reps from Hewlett Packard all over the world.  And the customer service - just sucks. It is awful.  There are language barriers and misunderstandings. I think confusing and frustrating for both parties- the customer service reps and the callers.  I was sold a printer this week that I didn't even need.  Was this a mistake or someone trying to get extra commission on an upgrade? I will never know- but I have a hunch.

It is frustrating that when I call customer service - most likely I will be re-routed to someone that is not living in the United States of America. Though this could get political, it doesn't need to- the fact of the matter is - why are our calls be routed to foriegn countries?  How did this happen?  What happened to the call centers in America where we could shoot the shit about the weather? "Oh, is it raining in Seattle?"  "Yeah, it's snowing in Denver today... I am going skiing!"  I miss that.  The world seems to big for it's briches right now.

So, I am just getting older and the smaller things like someone BEING NICE and HONEST are more important... I am thankful for the small business out there. THANK YOU... for keeping your doors open - for the great customer service - Doctor Jon Shick, Mona Lucero, MUDD, Rich Luna, UnCommon Scents, Meade Street Station, Three Margarita's, Chicago's, Sally Clark's of the world,  Desi and Micha at Bikram's Yoga in Highland, The Guy's at the Coral Room, The Staff at Red Tango... you are all what makes the world a better place... Your kindness... above and beyond care... your smile.

You know... ASHLEY'S LIST was me, not able to sleep one night.  And now... I cannot even tell you how amazing it is to meet  and surround myself with people who are so supportive of this 'creative endeavor' and well, lack of sleep.  Throughout the last six weeks I have had the good fortune to meet and really talk with some of Denver's best. And when I say best... I mean the people that put their blood, sweat and tears into their business and do not have ONE complaint about being "tired" or overworked. It is the passion in people's eyes... they are doing what they LOVE. How rare and beauitful.

So many people get lost in what they "should" be doing... or are scared to take that leap to follow their heart.  I have seen more leapers and gutsy people out there in the last six weeks than I have in my entire life.  Through ASHLEY'S LIST... I get to reach my hand out, offer a "service" and I get to hear people's stories... and each one of them is unique and strong... and so very cool.

I want to thank the "connectors" of Denver.  You know who you are... you know you love it (ME TOO) and there is something very gratifying about being able to connect people who can benefit from just meeting eachother... there is so much power in that. I want to thank the people that are signing up to get the e-newsletter... if you haven't you can sign up on the site. I won't spam you... I don't have time. 

I want to thank the people out there who have said "what a great idea..." and supported me.  ASHLEY'S LIST was never, ever intended to grow like this... though I am not complaining. I am energized and pleased.  The more the merrier... and I am just so thankful that I can do my part in uncovering the businesses out there that don't have the budgets to dump $10k into advertising campaigns. I am glad that I can walk into places of business and just hear people's stories. I am inspired every day by this.

So, the night I lost sleep and created ASHLEY'S LIST could have very well been the night that I started down a new path... a bright, exciting path where I get to really surround myself with the best, the bold...the wild.. and the driven.  I am so lucky.

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