Learn from the old.

Welcome to the secret shopping blog, where we look at customer service and sales trends as they impact mystery shopping and secret shopping efforts.

Over the weekend I watched the award winning movie, Aviator. The timeframe of the movie was set 40 or 50 years ago. Throughout the movie I felt like I was looking into a different world. American culture was totally different; everything from dating, to the press, to congress worked at a different pace, and with a different set of rules. What is considered socially acceptable now would have been taboo 40 years ago.

The one thing that stood out most to me was that even if you despised some one, you were still expected to be respectful to them. People addressed each other as ma’am and sir, and said please and thank you.

I wondered how our culture would change if we all said “yes ma’am”, or “thank you sir”. It would definitely impact our personal lives. But on an even bigger scale, it could improve the opinion of businesses as well. If your employees treated every customer like they were truly concerned, or at least respectful, that customer would leave feeling appreciated.

In a world of drive through food, drive through pharmacies, ATM’s, and automated voice systems for just about every company you can think of, the impact of a fellow human being taking a moment to appreciate you could make your day. Think of how many times the opposite has been true. You went to get a quick burger and when you pulled up to the drive through you sit for a while and then you’re greeted by, “Ya, what can I get for you?”. You give them your order and then proceed to the window. There, the employee snatches your money and slams the window. They return by shoving a cup in your face and then throw you a paper bag with your lunch in it. So for a few minutes, or maybe longer, you are not in a very forgiving mood- to say the least.

While using good etiquette can definitely impact the reputation of your business, it can also improve the working environment. If your employees treated each other with kindness and respect they would feel more motivated to work. They will feel like a team and as a result you will see more productivity.

I believe that there is a lot we can all learn from our past. We all try to avoid making mistakes we have seen in the past, but how often do we look for something we can instill in our present?

Ta Ta for now…
Sarah

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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