I could have easily got mad. I waited 31 minutes on hold while three different people tried to answer my question. But instead I got in the car and drove to the store.
If you have shopped in person lately you may have felt the effects of not enough people working, busy stores, and longer than usual waiting times. Never mind the out of stock situations on so many products. (We are oven-less until Christmas I think!!)
Which is exactly why it is time to be kind.
Add some extra patience.
Ask those serving you how their day is going and really listen to their answer.
Thank those who are taking your restaurant order, checking you into your hotel, serving your coffee, cleaning your office if you are back at work…
Tip well—- no tip REALLY well. — did you know every delivery driver/ taxi driver/ gardener /concierge. ALL accept electronic payment for tips. — so even if you don’t have cash on you — ask if they have Venmo, Zelle, PayPal because chances are they do.
ChoiceLunch CEO Justin Gagnon sent an email to every customer l this week asking for patience and kindness as their school meal delivery business hit its peak trading times.
As for my 31 minute wait time on a call…. It was to The Container Store and when I arrived at the store I looked out for one of the three associates that I had spoken to on the phone. I found Paula and asked her how her weekend was going. She told me they had their busiest afternoon for a long time time with queues around the store as everyone used the Labor Day weekend to get organized. She then did a brilliant job finding most of the pieces for our new closet.
Take a moment to say thank you or be kind to those serving you. As my mum always tells me… kindness costs nothing.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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