The cell phone encounter
As I stood in line at Wal-Mart yesterday, I overhead the conversation between two individuals. They were discussing the cool tricks that they could perform on their cell phones. They bragged about the music that they could download on their phone and the text messaging options that they had. These two friends also talked about their $800+ cell phone bills. I know that it is wrong to judge a book by its cover, but I could not help but wonder if these individuals had asked about the best calling plans for their cell phone habits. After debating to myself for several minutes, I decided to approach them and ask them who their cell phone carrier was. Well, after a 10-minute conversation, my two new friends realized that they could enroll with Verizon Wireless and pay less than a quarter of their current bill in order to obtain all the services that they were using on their pay as you go accounts. My new friends understood that, even if they did not qualify for the cellular phones due to possible credit issues, they had the option of paying a security deposit for the Verizon (or other) phone service. I found out that these two individuals did not know the alternative phone options available to them, thus, them spending $800+ on their individual cell phone bills. Thus, again I say…we need to promote literacy in our communities. Knowledge is power.
Categories: Literacy
Tags: Literacy Cell phone bills
I'm always happy when I approach someone to inform them of news that will help and they are thankfully receptive! I agree, it does not happen often enough between people/strangers.
Nicely written.
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ThanksVictoria
There are always exceptions to the rule. However, I think people tend to be more receptive to your suggestions when you show them respect. In lieu of making the world a better place, it is important for us to find alternate ways of spreading the benefits of literacy.
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As individuals, it is good for us to be each other's keeper. However, I believe that the sellers could be involved in the education process by providing the customers with relevant information regarding the product being purchased. Don't sell a product just because you want to sell it, but rather you should sell the product to the customer, based on the customer's needs. If the customer wants to purchase a phone plan, explain the available options to that customer. Help the customer to make an informed decision. Don't just sell a product because you want to make money. You may end up losing your repeat customers with that attitude.
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Your blog makes me think, I especially liked your cell phone reeducation experience.
Very nice!
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Glad to engage your thoughts!
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