October 13, 2009

How to Make Someone's Day and Your Own   "I need to write that person a thank you note." "I was so impressed with the service, I must thank them."   How many times have you said that to yourself and not followed through?   If too many times, then you are missing out on the opportunity to make someone's day and/or the day of that business!   Think about it.  Everyone wants to be appreciated.  When you "imagine that every person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important,' not only will you succeed in business, you will succeed in life," said Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics.   She's right.    Lea went above and beyond to help me while shopping at the Coach store recently.  I told her I was going to write a note to the store manager, and I did.   This message was left on my home phone:   Hi Stephanie!  Oh my gosh!!  I received your note and I can't tell you how much it meant to me.  You said you were going to write one, but I didn't really know if you would. I was so surprised to receive it. Everyone here at the Coach store is talking about it and my team is so proud of me. My manager is thrilled that I received such recognition.  I can't thank you enough for taking the time to write the note.  What a difference it has made for me at the store.  If you ever need anything else from the Coach store, please give me a call.  I will be happy to assist you again.   Do you think Lea at the Coach store onMichigan Ave.inChicagowas walking on air when she read the personal note I sent her?  Do you think her team members were wishing they had received a similar note?    Additionally, I was smiling from ear to ear while listening to her message.  When I returned her call I received even more gushing.   She won and I won!  We each made each other's day.  Furthermore, when I want to buy from Coach again, who do you think I will call?   Think about it: When was the last time you showed appreciation towards someone?  AND When was the last time you did something at your place of business to merit receiving a note of appreciation?   Make it a win-win for all parties by having an appreciation mentality - an appreciation for those who serve you well and an appreciation for your customers, no matter what your business is.   Go ahead and make someone's day, and your own as well.     "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."             Oscar Wilde   "Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart."             Henry Clay   "Biggest question:  Isn't it really 'customer helping' rather than customer service?  And wouldn't you deliver better service if you thought of it that way?"             Jeffrey Gitomer   "Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."             Voltaire     Customer service is sorely lacking these days in many places of business.  That's why you must not let it go unnoticed when you receive great service, or great helping, as Mr. Gitomer says.  I admit I'm not a great one at writing thank you notes; however the one to Lea was the second appreciation note I've written in recent months.  Writing a personal note does not take that much time and the rewards are well worth the effort.  My goal is to appreciate great service more often and let the other person know.   What would happen, if in your place of business, everyone gave such great service that you received notes every day?  Wow!  You would be swarmed with customers, and that is good for business!  What can you do today to improve your customer service?   Have a fantastic week and make someone's day as well as your own.   Stephanie   P.S. Hawaiiwas fabulous and I'll fill you in during next week's Balance Beam.  Stay tuned.     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com