"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
- Thomas Jefferson,Founding Father and 3rd US President (1743 - 1826)
Regardless of trends or the season, think about consistently embracing your AAA Style of:
Appearance - what do you want people to see in addition to what you say and do
Attitude - what are you anticipating, sharing and encouraging before and during interactions
After-effect - how do people feel about you, and yes, even talk about you, after you speak, write or visit a meeting or event
Your AAA Style can be A+ if you are mindful of your look and your looks you give, stay open, and share ideas and approaches that encourage. Your appearance, attitude and after-effect all work for or against all you do. While it may be our accomplishments that we strive to achieve, often it is our style that has a longer impact!
"It is not the employer who pays the wages.
Employers only handle the money. It is the customer who pays the wages."
- Henry Ford, American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company & sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. (1863 - 1947)
While there have been many ideas regarding how to treat each other, especially when it comes to customers and clients, it seems there are far more theories than true application! Whether it is the "Golden Rule", or the rule of "The Customer is always right", please consider embracing the approach of connection in addition to satisfaction.
What I mean by that is:
-Clients and customers have many options
-Clients and customers minimally want to be satisfied
-Clients and customers like great service
-Clients and customers really appreciate a connection (and I don't just mean free Wi-fi!)
So, if you are striving to make a difference, be relevant, especially customers and clients, please consider:
-Telling & showing clients and customers you appreciate them sincerely
-Asking clients and customers what they expect (instead of assuming)
-Offering clients and customers ways and times to connect
-Honoring what was discussed
In our world of speed and social media, looking someone in the eye, asking them a couple of things to enhance their experience, providing what they want, and then thanking them for their time and business, can not only go a long way that day, it can connect you to them in a way a post, blog, survey or coupon may never be able to do on its own...and yet it may create a connection to you and your business that opens them up to those additional things as well. With connection, true connection, instead of chasing the next deal, you are consistently engaging in a way that is lasting and real!
