BamaE4U

By: Glenn Yenulis - Super Engineer (I have been called that, probably in a cynical way, now that I think about it )

I am surprised at how sometimes we as business people, without thinking, make condescending remarks about our customers.

I have been guilty and I know many of you have too. Somewhere along the way, we have let a little comment here and a little comment there become a habit. You know the customer I am talking about. The one who calls at 4:45 and forgot a birthday.
“Oh sure, we can run across town. . . . . . RIGHT NOW!” (after we have told them “sorry, it’s really too late to get that out” and hung up)

We don’t really mean to be that way, but if it continues, it becomes habit, if it becomes habit, it becomes the way we are. It becomes obvious to others that you are not a positive, happy person.

If this is you, you had better. . . . .

Do something about it! You can adopt what I call "Engineered Enthusiasm" -- Plan ahead and convince yourself and your staff to consciously and conspicuously pretend to be enthusiastic about your customers, ALL of them.

You need to realize that cynicism is destructive. It can not only damage your business, but friendships as well. “A little cynical humor is okay, though right?”
Demeaning your customers is not funny. It is damaging to them because it will eventually manifest itself in your customer service. And when that happens, it will be damaging to you because they will take their business elsewhere."

Give Engineered Enthusiasm a try. Plan to be enthusiastic.

Speaking "positively" about customers may feel awkward at first, but soon it will become second nature. Soon, there will be a new energy in the shop, others will begin to jump to solve problems and customer service will be a joy.

For long term success and a happy life . . . . love your customer. Start by swearing off cynicism. Ban the condescending jokes. Stop using derogatory language.

Then start to think about what your job is... what it really is. And maybe it will dawn on you that selling flowers can be one of the greatest thrills for you and your very loved customer.

The theme of this article is really a basic principle of life!

Brought to you by Especially For You Florist, Hoover, Alamaba