A survey conducted in the United States by Harris Interactive, found that nine out of ten American adults believe that sending text messages or emails while driving is not only dangerous but should be outlawed. The study, which was conducted by the Mobile messaging service Pinger, Inc., also found that most drivers consider text messaging while driving to be as dangerous as driving drunk.

Even though most respondents thought texting while driving was extremely dangerous. Sixty six percent admitted to reading text messages while driving. Of those 66 percent, 57 percent said they had also sent text messages or emails while operating a car.

The survey also revealed that “64 percent of adults who admitted to sending text messages while driving were between the ages of 18 and 34, while only 6 percent were 55 or older.” As far as who is sending the most text messages while driving. The study showed that “men and women sent text messages while driving at equal rates.”

This study illustrates a very interesting point, about a hot topic. With states like Washington, New York, California and Florida considering legislation on banning texting while driving. There’s no doubt that this study will have an impact on the debate.

Another survey of computer users was attempting to find out how many used products like mozy coupon to backup there computer. This information would be huge for people who sell this service to determine how big the market for their product is.

I find surveys to be fascinating. They not only tell us about the world around us, but they also can be used as a guide. They open an avenue to peoples thoughts and opinions. It’s hard not to be drawn into an article, once you’ve noticed that it contains a poll or survey. A survey offers a snapshot into the mind of a demographic, race or any other type of group. The information gleaned from these surveys can help in every aspect of life. Politics, charities, religions, and businesses can all benefit from this type of information gathering. Surveys can be crucial in any sphere but the one I want to talk about is the business sphere.

In the business world the need for surveys is clear. Companies should utilizes surveys whether they be online, telephone or written. A company that uses surveys to understand it’s customers is a company that is striving to improve it’s business and it’s bottom line. A well structured and thought out survey or poll, can tell an institution, who is buying there products, what they think of these products and what they would like to see in terms of improvement. On top of that, satisfaction surveys can tell a company what is working and what is not. Many customers will tell you that they felt a sense contentment when they were contacted by a business and asked about they’re experience with that business. It provides the consumer with a mouth piece. With this outlet consumers can not only satisfy themselves, but grant a company a view onto the elusive consumers mindset.

Surveys are not just for consumers. Employee surveys are equally as valuable to a corporation. Knowing the attitudes of your employes can save you money by eliminating disgruntled and underperforming workers. They can also help in product development, team projects, office efficiency and worker disputes.

Happy employees not only work harder, but often times are willing to work at a business that pays less than a competitor. A recent study showed that workers were willing to stay at a job that payed less, if that job was more satisfying then a similar job that paid more. This low worker turnover rate, can be a massive blessing to a business.

Surveys can tell us interesting things about people and places. But they can be even more helpful in telling us who we are selling to, and who we have working for us.

A survey conducted in the United States by Harris Interactive, found that nine out of ten American adults believe that sending text messages or emails while driving is not only dangerous but should be outlawed. The study, which was conducted by the Mobile messaging service Pinger, Inc., also found that most drivers consider text messaging while driving to be as dangerous as driving drunk.

Even though most respondents thought texting while driving was extremely dangerous. Sixty six percent admitted to reading text messages while driving. Of those 66 percent, 57 percent said they had also sent text messages or emails while operating a car.

The survey also revealed that “64 percent of adults who admitted to sending text messages while driving were between the ages of 18 and 34, while only 6 percent were 55 or older.” As far as who is sending the most text messages while driving. The study showed that “men and women sent text messages while driving at equal rates.”

This study illustrates a very interesting point, about a hot topic. With states like Washington, New York, California and Florida considering legislation on banning texting while driving. There’s no doubt that this study will have an impact on the debate.

I find surveys to be fascinating. They not only tell us about the world around us, but they also can be used as a guide. They open an avenue to peoples thoughts and opinions. It’s hard not to be drawn into an article, once you’ve noticed that it contains a poll or survey.  Whether you are getting data about a store like Home Depot, to see how many people use the Home Depot promotion code they were sent, or seeing who likes which flavor of cola best. A survey offers a snapshot into the mind of a demographic, race or any other type of group. The information gleaned from these surveys can help in every aspect of life. Politics, charities, religions, and businesses can all benefit from this type of information gathering. Surveys can be crucial in any sphere but the one I want to talk about is the business sphere.

In the business world the need for surveys is clear. Companies should utilizes surveys whether they be online, telephone or written. A company that uses surveys to understand it’s customers is a company that is striving to improve it’s business and it’s bottom line. A well structured and thought out survey or poll, can tell an institution, who is buying there products, what they think of these products and what they would like to see in terms of improvement. On top of that, satisfaction surveys can tell a company what is working and what is not. Many customers will tell you that they felt a sense contentment when they were contacted by a business and asked about they’re experience with that business. It provides the consumer with a mouth piece. With this outlet consumers can not only satisfy themselves, but grant a company a view onto the elusive consumers mindset.

Surveys are not just for consumers. Employee surveys are equally as valuable to a corporation. Knowing the attitudes of your employes can save you money by eliminating disgruntled and underperforming workers. They can also help in product development, team projects, office efficiency and worker disputes.

Happy employees not only work harder, but often times are willing to work at a business that pays less than a competitor. A recent study showed that workers were willing to stay at a job that payed less, if that job was more satisfying then a similar job that paid more. This low worker turnover rate, can be a massive blessing to a business.

Surveys can tell us interesting things about people and places. But they can be even more helpful in telling us who we are selling to, and who we have working for us.

“Thank you for calling XYZ Company. Your call is important to us but not important enough for us to answer it. Please hold for eternity or leave a message and a representative will contact you as soon as it is convenient for us.”

If you’ve ever used the telephone to contact a business you can relate to the frustration that can result from voice mail or automated answering services. Undoubtedly, when they first became “the way to do business” it was extremely annoying; however, times are changing, folks are automating and imprudent business practices such as this are gaining acceptance (or at least tolerance).

Of course the ole’ time principles of customer services ñ such as answering the phone before the third ring, avoiding putting a customer on hold if at all possible, and providing personal service ñ are still superb solutions to customer satisfaction. But, in our automated world, it is vital to recognize the importance of responding to customers quickly and appropriately, especially if they have been forced to listen to a long recording and traipse through a jungle of push buttons in order to leave a message for you instead of being afforded the luxury of speaking to a warm-blooded human.

Whether a customer makes contact in person, via telephone or through email, businesses should strive to provide a timely, if not an immediate response. Customer satisfaction is reliant on responsiveness.

So, you may ask, “What is a timely response?”

Honestly, the definition of a timely response really depends on the customer’s perception. The urgency of their need may play into the mix or their idea of a timely response may be linked to their expectations.

For some reason there is a perception amongst business people that a 24 hour response to a customer inquiry is sufficient. From the customer’s perspective; however, having to wait 24 hours for a quick answer to a simple question or a viable solution to a serious problem is ridiculously aggravating and neglectful on the part of the business.

When customers have a bad experience, from the customers’ perspective, they are sure to seek other options for fulfilling their needs. Plain and simple – poor customer service results in lost business. Whether you want to honor that 4inkjets coupon that someone brought into your store or not, your attitude makes all the difference.

Regardless of the type of business you are in and whether you receive customer inquiries via telephone, email or a website contact form, it is absolutely critical that you get back to your customers right away. Placing responsiveness at the top of your customer service objectives is the simplest solution to gaining a competitive advantage, producing satisfied customers, maintaining your customers through repeat business, and building your market share through client referrals. Responsiveness is the single most important factor to enhancing customer satisfaction.