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THE TWO MOST POWERFUL WORDS IN BUSINESS!
By
Ed Heffington, Sr.
The old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is NOT TRUE! Words are powerful. Just stop and think for a moment how words affect you
For example, if you don't ask a question properly, you'll get a much different answer than expected. At lunch today you thought you told the waitress you wanted extra onions on your hamburger. Instead, you said “extra pickles.” Not what your taste buds were expecting.
Yesterday, you said something to your receptionist she misunderstood. It resulted in an unexpected negative reaction. I could continue with many more examples. In business, the wrong word at the wrong time could result in losing a valued customer.
When customers enter your place of business, they should be greeted and made to feel welcome. One store recently was requiring their cashiers to “welcome” customers as they entered. Many times the so called “welcome” was shouted in an irritating tone of voice.
At check out the customer should be your one and ONLY focus. Keep your attention on the customer and check them out quickly and pleasantly. DO NOT carry on a conversation with the cashier in the next aisle. Keep your eyes on the customer and make them feel important. If anyone comes to your check out to speak to you, ask the customer to excuse you and conclude the conversation as quickly as possible.
And the last thing you must do is to look the customer in the eye, hand them their receipt and speak the two most powerful words in business. Do NOT tell them to “Have a nice day.” The phrase is so overused and insincere. The quality of your customer's day is none of your concern. What you want to do is leave the customer with a good impression of your business. Another “No-No” is to shove the receipt in their hand while uttering “Here you go.” None of these trite phrases will give the customer a fuzzy feeling. Instead, speak the two most powerful words in business, which are simply...
THANK YOU!
Ed Heffington, Sr.
Freelance Commercial Writer
Email: Ed.Heffington@usa.com
Website: www.edheffington.com
©2011-EdHeffington.com
Elevator Etiquette
by
Ed Heffington, Sr.
Have you ever been knocked off your feet by someone charging into the elevator as soon as the door opens? I've had a quite a few close calls. One of my pet peeves is the lack of what I call “Elevator Etiquette” in today's society.
Everybody seems to so self-absorbed today, they give little or no regard to anyone else. It's the “me” attitude where one thinks the universe revolves around them. This is especially evident regarding proper etiquette for entering and exiting an elevator. I want to share some guidelines for proper behavior when using an elevator.
First, if you're entering the elevator, you should not stand with your nose near the door opening ready to charge in when it opens. Instead, stand back and allow the door to fully open. Position yourself on either side of the elevator doorway and wait to see if anyone is coming out. If there are people on board trying to exit, you should allow them to leave before you enter. Once they have exited, then you may enter.
If there are others waiting with you, allow them to enter ahead of you. This is most important if you are a male and there are females waiting to board. Allow the women to enter first. Another courtesy is to place your hand in front of the open doors to prevent them from closing on anyone entering.
Secondly, if you are on the elevator preparing to exit, allow the women to go ahead of you. Once again, hold your hand in front of the open doors to prevent them from closing on anyone leaving. Another courtesy would be to allow anyone older than you to exit first. Here's a my modified version of a command used to evacuate sinking ships: “Women, Children and Seniors” first!
I think we can all give serious thought to our actions when in public. A few extra seconds to extend courtesy to others is not going to ruin your day. But, it may make someone else's day just a little brighter.
Ed Heffington, Sr.
Freelance Commercial Writer
Email: Ed.Heffington@usa.com
Website: www.edheffington.com
©2011-EdHeffington.com
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