We have some lovely parting gifts

Don't let them leave empty handed.

Do you let your customers leave empty handed?

To some merchants, it is a huge failure to see a customer walk out the door without making a purchase.

But there's more you can give them.

• A flyer
• A business card
• A promotional magazine
• A bounce back coupon
• A free sample
• A sincere "thank you for stopping by and considering us for your needs"
• An assurance you'll research the product they were searching for

An empty bag can be filled with more than products. 

Building your brand

"ME" out of business cards.

What is your brand?

I don't mean the company you work for. I mean you.

What do you stand for? Good service, honesty, quality?

I hope so.

Because qualities like good service, honesty and quality can be infectious. They can spread to others in your organization. Which will spread your organization.

Which helps build you and your brand.

Random fact: I can recite the last names of my 7th-grade homeroom class alphabetically, on-demand.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Celebrating another milestone.

One year ago today, I made my first post. In the beginning, I wasn't looking this far down the road. I know. That was a little short-sighted on my part.

A lot has transpired in the last 365 days.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Can't wait to see what the next year holds.

Thank you everyone for reading, contributing, and inspiring.

The How instead of the Why

I believe we all can agree that one of the keys to a successful business is having great customer service. Many articles have been written about WHY you should offer great service; increased ROI, more business, happier customers, better goodwill, etc.

Some tips on the how:

• Anticipate the needs of your guests and your employees
• In spite of the limits, have a work-around that takes care of your guest when the situation warrants special attention
• Give more to your employees and guests that keep them loyal
• Become a good listener

I'll spend a few days expanding these topics and give specifics on just how we can accomplish them. 

Stay tuned for messages to follow.

The Right Audience - Can they find You?

How do you know you are reaching the right audience?

Take a look at the cover of a magazine we received recently.

Save, Drop, Beat, Make - They got 'em all!

Save Money.

Drop unwanted pounds.

Make more money.

They hit all segments.

Are you hitting your segments? What about your segment? Would you know either way? Do you even know what your target audience is? Do you know how to find them?

First off, start by making yourself accessible. Whether you are a manager, business owner, or CEO, if your customers and your employees know the door is open, they will find you.

See you again soon

As a customer was walking out, I said, "See you again soon." She stopped at the door and told me "Yes you will. You guys are always so nice to me."

That made my day.

But she made my day first by coming in. And I wanted her to know that.

Our guests/customers need to feel that they are the most special person at that moment in time. More important than sweeping the rug, or restocking the shelf, or working on that spreadsheet.

If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be . . . . period.

But you're not a customer, you're an employee

This phrase was recently overheard at a retail store. It appeared that an employee was making a purchase and was joking with the employee ringing the transaction. As soon as this phrase was uttered, a new blog post flashed before my eyes.

Would you want to work in a company where employees are valued as much as customers? If you said anything other than yes, you need help.

Southwest Airlines founder Herbert Kelleher used this response whenever he was asked about the success of the airline. "You have to treat your employees like customers."

Here is Southwest's mission statement.

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Sounds like a good company to work for.

It's been a while since I've been on a Southwest flight. As a matter of fact, it was 1992. It was a flight from Birmingham to New Orleans. I still remember it.

Random fact: Terry Bradshaw mussed my hair once. Once. (Thank you, Donna. I stole this idea from you!)