A temperamental business climate



I FOLLOWED my hairdresser to his final destination; no, not the grave, just his last location in Bulgaria. He changed employers three times in two years until finally he joined the legions of young people who leave for Western wages. The tale of trailing him was to become an illustration of the challenge to try to stick to a good thing - whether a brand or a service - and how difficult this is, when employees cannot maintain a standard because of their work conditions; and the consumer feels it because she cannot count on a standard service.

I first found my hairdresser, by word of mouth thanks to a British expat, at a small salon not far from the Romanian market. He had been recommended because his English was very good and he understood "Western" styles. Overworked and harassed by the owner, he was a high quality worker and the only English-speaker on staff luring in lucrative expat clients. He made his jump to freedom when another salon owner promised foreign training and a more spacious work environment near an upscale downtown locale. I was there when the dream turned to dust. He learned his new boss had not paid the rent or water bill for several months. Fortunately, my hair was already wet as I watched the Sofia Water Authority worker turn off the hot water main. With shock in his eyes, my hairdresser gave me his cell phone number this time, knowing his training and his future lie elsewhere.

I tracked him down at the next location, a spiffy little place owned by a famous Bulgarian. She offered him a premier position with an assistant, regular hours and a wealthy clientele. I met one of the clientele once when a young man needing a buzz cut removed his shirt. There peering out of his pants was a pearl-handled gun. Everyone in the shop stood silent as my hairdresser nervously asked if I would please reschedule my appointment while he took the gunslinger first. I did. Shortly thereafter, my hairdresser could not be found. With no answer to his cell, I showed up in person to ask his whereabouts. His assistant said he had gone to London. Thinking he was on one of his frequent holidays, I asked "how long?" "Five years maybe" the assistant answered.

I can fully understand why young people like my hairdresser are leaving in droves for Western employment standards and Western wages. Dictatorial bosses, empty promises and the ever-present specter of crime shadow every young person trying to achieve something. If it's that adversarial for the employees imagine what it feels like to us consumers?



- Kate Goggin





Coming to Sofia



MY wife and I, both Canadian lawyers, specialised in the travel field, speak English, French, German, Spanish and Thai . We write in several magazines including Canadian Travel Press, Tourisme Plus, Astrolabe, Thai Diver, etc.

We spend several months every year diving and making underwater videos about leopard sharks, black tip reef sharks, giant squid, barracudas, etc.

We've learned from experience that every city is so much more fascinating if some local people explain to us the sights and sounds we're observing. Our most interesting experiences and fondest memories are of those friendly people whom we met while travelling.

In January 2004 we'll be in Sofia for a few days. Would you have among your readers some who would be interested in meeting us and telling us about your country?

We hope that you'll publish this letter and our e-mail and also our postal address.



Very truly yours,



Paul Unterberg

Manirat Pitarangsi

ampur@hotmail.com



Paul Unterberg and Manirat Pitarangsi

Suite 700

1980 Sherbrooke Street west

Montreal H3H 1 E8

Canada