When business is not as robust as it could be, it is extremely important that we stay consistent with what made us successful. Remember the things that you have done in the past that moved you toward success.
Too many of us have a tendency to get lazy when we don’t have enough to do. If you have been to a restaurant or retail store lately, you have seen employees standing around talking to each other or on the phone – not to be found to give help to the customer. This is a day when we need to stay focused and a time when we need to go beyond the call of duty in serving each person that walks in the door.
While having dinner at a restaurant not too long ago, I had to step outside to get acceptable phone reception on a call I received. After completing the call, I walked inside and found five wait staff, a hostess and the assistant manager having a good time at the front reception area. I gently reminded them that, more than ever, this is the time to serve the customers to the best of their ability since we can get lackadaisical in our presentation when we are not busy enough. I reminded them that times are slower and we need to give extra service with great attentiveness. I mentioned that tips were down due to a lack of customers and gave them each $5 and encouraged them to stay in a position to serve their customers, not each other.
When we do not have enough to do, we can end up not doing enough.
Treat each customer as if he or she is your only customer. Make sure that they go away feeling special, knowing that they are important.
Doing this will cause your current customers to stay with you and tell others of your good service. This will increase your customer base and add to your bottom line.
This is not the time in history to get caught standing around watching the paint dry. This is the time to be applying the paint, looking for any spots you missed and tending to your customers. A satisfied customer is still the absolute best way to obtain more satisfied customers. Take good care of what you have and more will be added to you.