"Etiquette is not about being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy to others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!"
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I help individuals and businesses polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
Visit my website to see what I can do for you!
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Have you made your foray into the world of holiday shopping yet? It can be quite the experience, depending on the day and time you venture out, as well as your destination.
For the second year in a row, my husband and I actually participated in the melee known as Black Friday. We had a lot of fun, in part because we seemed to be traveling in opposite direction of the crowds, and also because we weren't taking ourselves too seriously. This was a chance to spend some time together, choosing gifts for our family, at an odd hour of the day. It works for us.
And as we might have anticipated, we did encounter a wide variety of interactions, everything from a total of eight sales clerks asking if we needed assistance (in one store) to being wished "Happy Holidays ... please come again, we really appreciate you" in such a bored, insincere monotone that we had to laugh as we walked away from the counter in another establishment.
However, when I found myself muttering (not so quietly) "Hang up and MOVE" to those people who insisted on blocking aisle ways as they talked on their cell phones or stood, oblivious to anyone else, chatting away with friends, I realized it was time to go home. My people skills were simply not available anymore and it wasn't fair to anyone, including myself, to continue imposing my less than friendly, polite and patient self on those around me.
The human body is capable of over 700,000 movements, most of which we cannot control. Body language accounts for 55% of our communication; what are you really saying? Be aware of your posture, facial expression, eye contact, fidgeting. A genuine smile is one of the most powerful things you can give another person.
Words are powerful and can help to make or break your experience. Offer a friendly greeting and a "Thank You!" to that sales clerk, keeping in mind that you are just one of many people he/she has had to help that day ... and most aren't nearly as courteous as you.
The words "Excuse me" or "Pardon me" are disappearing. Instead, people seem to expect you to simply understand their unspoken intention to pass by you, even when your back is to them. Let's bring them back -- offer them, along with a smile, when you need to move along.
Above all, know -- and accept -- your limitations. Being kind to yourself will aid you in your courtesy to others.
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Remember...
As individuals, we are stewards of customer service every day, regardless of which side of the counter we are on. Positive conduct and interactions stand out -- the day goes by faster, people are more fun to be around and it makes for a more positive environment.
Friendly is not difficult but it does require awareness. Your mindset makes a difference.
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Please feel free to send me any of your
etiquette or customer service questions or stories!
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Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912
www.jodiblackwood.com
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