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Letter to the editor

On the mind

By Times Wires
Published December 14, 2007

Biz tidbits from surveys

Salespeople a necessary evil

The stereotype of the arrogant, won't-take-no-for-an-answer salesperson may still persist, says a survey by human resources company Development Dimensions International:

- 41 percent of consumers rate the quality of the sales profession below mediocre, describing salespeople as "leeches" and "rashes."

- 46 percent said they would be ashamed to call themselves a salesperson.

-One in five buyers said they think salespeople's expertise is getting worse.

- Despite their animosity, those surveyed ranked salespeople their second choice for information to make buying decisions, above friends and family and losing only to the Internet.

Large retailers decide to think green

Attention environmentally conscious shoppers: Many retail companies are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and launching various green initiatives. A snapshot of some of the largest companies going green:

- Kohl's Corp. is working to complete one of the largest rooftop solar projects in U.S. history next year, with installations at 63 of their 80 California locations.

- United Parcel Services Inc. operates the largest alternative fuel and low-emission fleet in the industry, and is streamlining delivery routes to eliminate more than 28.5-million miles of driving.

- Timberland Co. recently introduced "green" index tags on its products, which rate environmental factors such as use of solvents and organic content. The company plans to become "carbon neutral" by 2010 and changed all footwear packaging to 100 percent recycled boxes and soy inks.

- Target Corp. reduces wastes through food-donation programs, giving away nearly 7-million pounds of food last year. The company is developing solar electricity at some of its stores.

- Patagonia Inc., an outdoor apparel distributor, recycles old fleece for use in its new products.

Health care consumers want compassion

A doctor's responsibilities should go beyond checking blood pressure and writing prescriptions, according to a online poll by the Web site CarePages.com that found empathy and compassion lacking in health care systems:

- 92 percent of respondents said they would like their doctors and nurses to be more proactive in providing emotional support.

- 70 percent said they needed guidance for comforting someone close to them facing a serious health problem.

- 99 percent said they believe emotional support can have a positive effect on healing.

[Last modified December 14, 2007, 01:16:18]