Go South I Say!

Going south was really going west for my husband and I:

 You may be familiar with Leavenworth, WA.. A Bavarian town, population 2000    nestled at the foothill of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State.  Among the sausage and bratwurst vendors and nutcracker stores is a new restaurant, South.  I heard about it during spin class at the gym.  Here’s what was said:  “healthy food with great flavor, fun atmosphere, something different”.  

In helping business run efficiently and effectively I am always interested in how other businesses work so on a date we went!  Here is what I observed: 

Wait staff having fun with each other, owner ( I assumed at the time) mingling with the crowd and helping where needed, observing him move silverware, greet people, get someone a drink and the like.  He did what was necessary for guests to have a full experience.  The wait staff was excited about the food, made valuable recommendations, checked in to see how we were doing, and anticipated our needs. There was no Bavarian theme, they stood out as unique and were confident about the south of the border menu.  Appropriate music was playing; staff was dressed for the environment (casual yet professional).

 Here’s what totally blew me away:  Upon departing the restaurant the owner came outside to personally thank us for dining with him.  He cared we were there and showed it!  Will I go back?  Absoultely! Will I take friends?  Absoultely!  

How do you show your clients you appreciate them or do you take them for granted?  Is your team excited about what they do and do they transfer that enthusiasm?  Does your office stand out in some way?  Are you unafraid to be different?  I encourage you to visit South for a dining experience.  Ask for Pierce….or maybe you won’t have to!  He’s there waiting doing what ever he can to make sure his business successful!

What's in a Water Bottle?

 

What’s in the water bottle doesn’t really matter! It’s about the customer service!

I have a workout partner who I meet at the gym most mornings at 5AM! Yes, that’s the correct time. One day I left my favorite water bottle at the gym and wouldn’t return for two days due to my travel schedule. Upon returning I checked with lost and found to discover all contents of lost and found had been gathered and sent away. To my dismay, I responded to Doug at the front desk “You need a new system on how long you hold on to lost items” to which he replied, “I understand your frustration”. Please know, it’s not as much about the water bottle but the system. What if it had been my iPod or something of greater value?

Next day: Email from Jenny, manager! “Sorry about the water bottle, we’ll look at the system”.

Next day: All front desk personnel at the gym are talking about my water bottle and acknowledging its loss.

One week later: Lisa, exercise manager and without being asked, has been through all gathered lost and found from Gold’s Gyms in the area to find my water bottle.

Morale of the story: When was the last time you changed a system due to important feedback you received? When was the last time you told someone you understood how they felt and REALLY listened? When was the last time you had courage to talk to your supervisor about an issue and helped make a difference? Doug, Jenny and Lisa did just that! I’m a East Wenatchee Gold’s Gym Fan and committed to their success.

Shari hangs out with Ciscoe Morris

What is Ciscoe an expert at? If you’ve heard of him you know. Exactly! He LOVES plants and has made plant and gardening his life’s work. How about you? What do people think when they hear your name? Are you living your life with passion? Are you having fun? I had fun with Ciscoe! I’m a member of the Cracked Pots and Bloomin’ Idiots. Can you tell from the picture??? Yes, it’s fun! So is Ciscoe.

Remember a “sale” takes place when there is a transfer of enthusiasm. What’s your enthusiasm level today? What are you doing in your practice or life to transfer enthusiasm? Play. Make work fun. Life is short.