Tag: travel

Categories
Writing and Publishing

I’m Back!

A few months ago, in my post “The Work of Publishing Periodicals” I explained why I hadn’t blogged for awhile — for 21 days to be exact. (Prior to that, the dubious record was 14 days — see “The AWOL Blogger is Back .”)

In my entry, I blamed my absence from the blogosphere on attending a convention.  First I was busy trying to work ahead in anticipation of being gone, then I was gone, and then I was catching up from being gone.

So what’s my excuse this time for an embarrassingly long, record-setting, four week absence?  Another convention!  This time it was the ATA (American Teleservices Association) convention in Orlando.  It was a great event and time well spent, but once again, the ramifications of attending precluded time to blog.

It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, I do.  I just haven’t carved out the time to do so.

Perhaps this blog will jump start that process — and if not, expect another long delay between posts!

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Categories
Call Center

A Trip to the ATA Convention

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD

Tomorrow afternoon, I’m heading off to the ATA (American Teleservices Association Meeting) in San Antonio, Texas.  It should be a great meeting and I’m excited about it (all except for the traveling part).

I won’t likely be blogging while I’m gone, but do plan to submit some convention reports on the Connections Magazine newsfeed, so if you’re in the call center industry, check that out next week (October 5-8).  I also hope to record some interviews as well.

In an unrelated issue, Detroit is currently playing San Antonio for the WNBA finals.  Ironically, I will not be in state where any of the five scheduled games will be played (not that I have any interest in going).

The first two were in San Antonio this week, while I was in Michigan.  The next two will be in Michigan, while I am in San Antonio.  The final game, if necessary, will be in San Antonio, after I return to Michigan.

I doubt, however, we will ever get to game five, as Detroit took the first two and only needs to win one more.  They should accomplish that on Sunday — unless they get overconfident.

So, when I return, I may have something to blog about traveling (airlines and hotels), share about my latest saga with the post office… or maybe something completely different.

In any event, I will try to keep it interesting.

Read more in Peter’s Sticky Series books: Sticky Leadership and Management, Sticky Sales and Marketing, and Sticky Customer Service featuring his compelling story-driven insights and tips.

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Connections Magazine, covering the call center teleservices industry. Read his latest book, Healthcare Call Center Essentials.

Categories
Writing and Publishing

Travel Tidbits

I have returned from a phenomenal conference.  ATA knows how to put on a first-class event.  I was able to hear several great speakers (CNN’s Paul Begala, for one — he gave some cogent and compelling insight into the US Presidential race).  I saw old friends and made new ones.  I recorded three podcasts — the first one is already online.  Plus, I took over 400 pictures for Connections Magazine.  I am still processing everything — as well as trying to catch up — and will have more to share tomorrow, but first, I have a few sundry items to get off my mind:

Both airports (Grand Rapids and Washington-Reagan National) had constructions projects underway.  Am I imagining things or are airports more likely to be undergoing construction than not?

I struck out again with airplane food.  I think they’re trying to kill me.  The trail mix I ingested on the way there had 18% of my recommended daily allowance of fat — per serving.  The 4 oz bag contained 4 servings!  On the return flight I fared only slightly better with the Pringles (but they did taste good!)

The hotel was great; friendly and professional staff (who used my name whenever possible — and mostly pronounced it correctly, which is not common when I get away from SW Michigan) and smartly decorated and furnished rooms.  But how come the more you pay for a hotel, the more likely they tack on extra charges?  For a $70 for a room, there is free Internet and local calls (sometimes even long distance), the workout room is included and often a continental breakfast.  The room includes a coffee maker (not that I use it), a mini-frig, and sometimes a microwave.  However, when I pay 3 to 4 times as much, they charge for Internet and local calls (I heard of one hotel charging for room-to-room calls), there is no coffee maker, mini-frig, or microwave.  Breakfast is on your own — and expensive — while one visit to their exercise room is often more than the introductory rate for a month at the gym.  I don’t get it.

On the issue of the linens, they crossed the line.  A note card informed me that to “conserve water” they would not be changing the bedding — unless I called the front desk.

Lastly, I am perplexed.  What name do you use when the maid is a guy?  “Male maid” rolls off the tongue, but it’s certainly not politically correct.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Categories
Healthcare Call Centers

A Tale of Two ATAs

This weekend I’m headed out to the ATA meeting in Washington.

Author Peter Lyle DeHaan

You may be wondering, “Didn’t you just return from the ATA meeting in Washington?”

Ah, yes, but that was the American Telemedicine Association (aka ATA) meeting in Seattle, Washington.  Now I am going to the American Teleservices Association (aka ATA) “Washington Summit” in Washington, DC.

I know; I get confused, too.  The first ATA was for AnswerStat magazine; coverage will be in the June/July issue.  The second ATA is for Connections Magazine; coverage of that event will be in the June issue.

This is my second year attending the ATA Washington Summit.  I’m quite excited; it’s a great association, with wonderful leadership, and the members are first-class.  In addition to preparing attendees to meet with their Congressional representatives, there will also be some PAC (Political Action Committee) events and the SRO (Self-Regulatory Organization) will be discussed.

For this trip I was fortunate to book a direct flight from Grand Rapids (about an hour north of were I live); that’s a welcome bonus.  Flying out of Kalamazoo (the closest airport to me) always requires a connection — unless my destination happens to be a hub city!  So, I will gladly drive a bit to enjoy a direct flight.  The only downside — which is minor — is less travel time to spend reading and listening to podcasts.

So, this blog will be idle for a few days, but I am sure I will have lots to share when I return.

Read more in Peter Lyle DeHaan’s Healthcare Call Center Essentials, available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of AnswerStat and Medical Call Center News covering the healthcare call center industry. Read his latest book, Sticky Customer Service.

Categories
Healthcare Call Centers

I’m Back!

I survived the rigors of air travel and have safely returned from a successful trip to the American Telemedicine Association Annual convention. My AnswerStat magazine co-sponsored a three-hour session, “The Medical Call Center’s Role in Telemedicine.” It was fun to moderate the event and meet attendees. All of my conference objectives were met, including generating interest among potential writers. I even have some ideas for new advertisers!

Author Peter Lyle DeHaan

I will share about the convention tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some of the random observations:

  • The American Telemedicine Association puts on a well-organized and professional event. I was honored to be part of it.
  • It’s always exciting to meet people you’ve only known through email and the phone.
  • After bragging about my packing expertise, I found that a shoulder bag was a bit optimistic, so I resorted to a wheelie; I had room to spare. That was good because I picked up a lot of literature at the convention.
  • Airport food is getting better, with more variety; airline food is getting worse and is even less healthy—if that is possible. In my $5 “snack” I ingested a day’s worth of saturated fat; the only semi-nutritious item was a slab of processed cheese.
  • I listened to several hours of podcasts on my iPod, which was an enjoyable diversion on the plane.
  • I also read four books—yes four! They didn’t require a great deal of focus, which was good, since there are a lot of distractions when flying.
  • I made connections at Detroit Metro, which is my favorite airport. Even if I don’t need to, I usually ride the tram just for fun and I am pleasantly awed by the animated fountain.

Tomorrow, I will tell you about my adventure in procuring breakfast.

Read more in Peter Lyle DeHaan’s Healthcare Call Center Essentials, available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of AnswerStat and Medical Call Center News covering the healthcare call center industry. Read his latest book, Sticky Customer Service.

Categories
Healthcare Call Centers

Road Trip

I wonder, if you fly can it still be called a road trip?

Author Peter Lyle DeHaan

In any event, I am headed out tomorrow for the American Telemedicine Association Annual convention. My magazine, AnswerStat, is co-sponsoring a special session entitled “The Medical Call Center’s Role in Telemedicine.” Additionally, I will be serving as the event’s moderator.  I am really looking forward to it.

Aside from that, I will be snapping pictures for a photo spread in the magazine and networking with attendees and vendors. One of my goals is to develop contacts with industry experts interested in submitting telemedicine and telehealth articles. I will also be handing out and promoting the magazine to potential subscribers. Of course, a bonus will be if I find new advertisers. As an advertiser supported magazine, ads are what makes it all work.

It should be grand fun and I am greatly looking forward to it — once I get there. Conventions are wonderful meeting places, but the travel to get there and back is the part I dread.

Air travel is even more of an ordeal after 9/11. I’ve always traveled light, but now even more so. My goal is not to check luggage and transport everything in one carry on and my laptop bag. This time, I won’t even being taking my laptop. I’ll need to fit my camera, promotion materials, and two changes of clothes in one bag. But that won’t be a problem, I can do it!

So, I won’t be blogging for a while, but not to worry, I’ll be keeping my eyes open for new stories to share.

Well, I need to go now; it’s time to pack!

Read more in Peter Lyle DeHaan’s Healthcare Call Center Essentials, available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.

Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of AnswerStat and Medical Call Center News covering the healthcare call center industry. Read his latest book, Sticky Customer Service.