Bi-Polar Customer Service

What has happened to customer service? I'm a supporter of big box stores, franchise opportunities, and the rest, but I also carry this candy-coated idea that there is still room for mom & pop businesses to thrive.

But, honestly, I shop according to customer experience THEN price...for most things anyway. I am willing to drive my car an extra 10 kilometers if I know that when I leave that particular business I will have a smile on my face.

What really puts it there though?
Is it free stuff? Nope.
Is it the fancy or hip music playing? Nope.
Is it the dancing mascot outside the door? Definitely not...

It is the CONSISTENT customer service I receive NO MATTER WHO I SPEAK WITH. Have you ever had that? Let's reflect for a moment. Think back on your emotional attachment to the businesses you give your personal or professional funds to. How do they make you feel? Okay, enough Tony Robbins...

What I'm trying to say is smarten up people! If you own a business, the BEST thing you can do for your customers comes completely free. Be pleasant, have fun, and most of all evangelize your employees! As a consumer, do I honestly care if your stocks are down or you shrunk your pants in the dryer this morning? No, I care how you make me feel. A bit selfish you say? Yes, but that is the consumer - deal with it.

The amazing thing with this process? It's reciprocating. If you start your day off faking it, by the end of the day you'll actually feel it and mean it. Your consumers, co-workers, and the rest of the public will be infected by your enthusiasm, love for life, and business ethics that your disease will spread. A disease of awesomeness. Oh, yeah... ;) It's Monday and I haven't filled my corny bucket yet this week.

And here is some free promotion for outstanding businesses I have dealt with and LOVE!

Heritage Meats - They always smile, laugh and educate their customers. I pass many butchers on my way to this place and will continue to purchase from them until I move or they do. Along with their high quality, decent price meats they also offer organic products, specialty grain items and spices.
2-6131 200 Street, Langley, BC V2Y 1A2 Canada Telephone : 604-532-5235

Starbucks - I've been to many Starbucks up and down the West Coast (USA and Canada). No matter where I am, my experience ranges from nice to outstanding. This corporation has a great business model and I am surprised how they've managed to maintain their level of integrity while expanding in mass quantities. Bravo, Starbucks!
www.starbucks.com Worldwide

Royal Caribbean Cruiseline - Wow, best vacation ever! I truly did feel like royalty and didn't worry about anything except my dog back home in daycare. From the cleaning staff all the way to the cruise captain, everyone had a winning attitude and funny personality. I even had a food allergy back then and they flawlessly cared for me without making me feel handicapped. www.royalcaribbean.com Worldwide

Blue Teapot - I'm a tea addict - I'll admit it, but I'm not going to rehab. I have about 20 different kinds of loose leaf teas. There are a few tea dealers in my area and Blue Teapot is 40 minutes away. Their service is so outstanding that I will either drive or order by email. Again, no matter which location or employee that I am speaking to, they mirror the Blue Teapot experience.
www.blueteapot.com Canada

How old am I? 28. Yes, I drink tea and go to the butcher. I'm all growed up.

Recommended Reading!

Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell
www.hugyourcustomers.com