I find that when I tell people what I do -- speak and train on business etiquette and customer service -- I often receive a response along the lines of "Oh, that is so needed in our world today!"  

With the invention of cell phones, email, and texting, we are communicating more electronically and less face to face. In our rush to get where we are going, we don't always pay attention to those around us. Customer service could definitely use improvement -- on both sides of the counter. It all comes down to how we interact with each other.  

The thing is, every one of us can make a difference. Every one of us can have impact, in some way or another. One of my favorite quotes is by Gandhi ... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  

It doesn't have to be a big deal. Can you make more of an effort to hold the door for the person entering behind you -- whether that person acknowledges you or not? What about offering a greeting to the person when you order your coffee, instead of just saying what you want? Why not stop and listen to the answer when you ask someone how they are doing, rather than using it as a fly-by greeting?  

There are many little things you can do as you go about your day that may make a tremendous difference to others.  

Be the change.

There is another quote that has had tremendous impact on me, both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, I do not know to whom the credit should go.

Every drop of water shapes a stone.

We all have influence, one way or another.