Want to hear better?
Technology
with the
HUMAN
TOUCH
Dear Friend of Avalon,
I spent four hours with my friend and business coach last weekend updating Avalon’s business plan for the remainder of the year. Even though I know this, and am committed to this, I want you to know that Avalon is a RELATIONSHIP-based hearing care practice.
Do you ever get frustrated with all this technology?
I don’t know about you but sometimes I get frustrated doing business with a company. More and more, businesses want you to order online or make an inquiry online. Or worse, they want you to download an app. What happened to human touch?
Just for the heck of it, I called Starkey last week and spoke to a real live human being…
to place a hearing aid order, instead of doing it online. I told the man who helped me that I just wanted to SPEAK to a real, live HUMAN and how much I appreciated this simple interaction. He, in turn, thanked me for calling because that is his job…to talk to other humans and be in service to them.
Then, I came across this story written by an unknown author…
I had just spent an entire hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn’t resist myself and asked…
“Dad, why don’t we activate your internet banking?”
“Why would I do that”’ he asked.
“Well, then you won’t have to spend an hour here for things like transfers. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so much more convenient!”
I was excited about introducing him to the world of online banking.
He replied, “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of my house.”
“Yes. Exactly,” I said. I told him how even groceries can be delivered to the door now and how Amazon delivers just about everything.
His answer left me tongue-tied.
He said, “Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends. I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now. You know I am often alone…this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time; it is the physical touch and interaction that I crave.
Two years ago, when I got sick, my barber came to see me, sat by bedside and cried.
When your mom fell down a few weeks back while on her morning walk, our neighbor from around the corner saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where we live.
Would I have that ‘human’ touch if everything was handled online?
Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to just interact with my computer?
I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not just the ‘seller’. It creates bonds and relationships. Does Amazon deliver all this as well?”
The moral of the story is to spend time with people, not devices.
Technology isn’t life.
On that note, Avalon started using TEXT MESSAGING on July 30th
For those of you who want us to contact you on your cell phone, you will receive a reminder message 48 hours before your appointment. You just type in CONFIRM or another message if you want a human being to reach out to you!
I have such mixed feelings about this and so does Angel, our Patient Care Coordinator
Angel will still be reaching out to you because that is what she does. She is part of ‘your village’ that keeps you hearing the best you can for life…your life, right now and for years to come. Some of you are fine with your reminder coming as a text message because you are busy and appreciate the convenience of this form of communication. Some of you are like Angel and me and are cautious about this change. Please know that no matter what, your team at Avalon, and your Avalon Family still know the importance of human touch in this complex world of hearing healthcare.
We have the capability to do TELEHEALTH
If you have a smartphone and are smart enough or brave enough to use an app, we can set up a TELEHEALTH appointment. Personally, I have only done a few of these appointments. All of the patients we used this with lived out of state.
Michael, a younger client, just asked me if we do TELEHEALTH to which I replied, ‘Yes, but…”. He nodded and said, “It really is much better when we can sit together and talk. So much more happens between us than you cleaning and adjusting my hearing aids. I appreciate that Avalon is not like my other healthcare services who want me to make a video appointment. I like being part of the Avalon Family! I look forward to seeing you in four months.”
I’ll end this very long email with a quote that we live by at Avalon
I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.~ Rabindranath Tagore
Please pick up the phone and call us at (916) 235-9771…
…if you need help hearing the best you can for life! A human being will answer the phone and another human being will be honored to serve you at your next appointment…all while taking full advantage of some amazing new hearing technology that is changing the way people feel about hearing loss and hearing aids!
Betty Vosters Kemp, BC-HIS
The Hearing Lady with Heart
Owner, Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist
Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
1260 Fulton Avenue, Ste B,
Sacramento, CA 95825
Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
8146 Greenback Lane, Ste 100,
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Avalon Hearing Aids Center, Inc.
You have received this email as someone who has shown interest in hearing loss solutions.