A discussion about the process, steps and options of starting a new business

I had to call AT&T today with a question about my office phone bill.

First, the automated voice assured me that they valued my time, and then proceeded to run through four time-consuming options that didn't apply to me.

Then, they asked my to enter in my phone number.  I did.

That sent me to another part of the automated maze that asked me to enter in my phone number.  Which I did, again.

One more time...I was asked to enter in my telephone number.  Again, I did.

Finally, a full six minutes after running through the automated maze so that I could finally talk to a real person, I reached "Teresa". 

We started to talk, and I asked her, "You have the phone number I'm calling about on your screen, right?"

"No, I don't.  Can you give that to me?"

Are you kidding me, AT&T????

Stupid.

If you're in business, make sure you're not doing things like this to your customers.  Seriously.  Look for things that drive your customers crazy and eliminate them.