I recently purchased a new computer. The gentleman who was selling it to me was a little less than enthusiastic about me making the purchase. Here I was in the store thinking I’m saving his job by making this “big purchase.” I mean who buys a computer in the middle of this economic disaster? Why does he not seem thrilled, I thought to myself? So, I started to chat and ask him questions.
“So, business must be bad, huh? I bet no one is buying things like computers‚Ķ”
“Not really,” he says.
“Well, I guess overall, your store must be less busy, huh? At least you don’t have to work as hard.”
“Not really,” he says.
“So, I guess your store is cutting prices to keep customers coming, huh?” This is the point at which he realized that he is dealing with someone who has the persistence to keep spitting out questions at the rate of an overly outgoing six-year-old.
Patiently, the salesman turned to me and explained, “I think a lot of people in Canada have job security, some don’t, but a lot do. Our stores have been working hard to give value to customers in a time where every penny counts. Our customers are recognizing that we are doing this for them, and are choosing to take advantage of the great deals. I see a recession on T.V., but in my daily life, I haven’t felt it at all. I’m not an investor. I know this sounds obscene, but I’m not seeing a recession. You are my eighth customer today, and you won’t be my last. I’m simply doing great!”
I would love to be this salesman. My conversation with him was exceptionally refreshing. Unfortunately, I can’t force myself to be blind to the facts. But, as you’ve heard me say before, I can choose to look at the brighter side.
This past month we held the Graphic Communications Management job fair. This is a yearly event that is held to help third-year students find summer internship placements and graduating students find permanent positions. While, I think it will be more difficult for our graduates to find permanent placements this year than the last, I’m glad to report that our internship prospects look great!
I toyed with this idea in my brain for awhile. What I came to see is a general trend toward less permanent employment. Companies need people, but they are worried about committing during tough times. As a result, lots of people are working on contract. In fact, the way we do business in general is changing. I invite you to read John Zarwan’s article “The little guy vs. the behemoth: who has it better?” to investigate how.
So, if we’re staying with the positive attitude, I say, good thing our friendly computer salesman is not an investor because his store’s stock is a third the price it was last year. Lucky guy!