Customer Service is Key

I just walked out of Così with a wasabi, ginger roast beef sandwich and a gigantic "Arctic Mocha" for $6.92. The sandwich is delicious -- the coffee drink -- not amazing, but I got it for free on my Così card, thanks to Karen, a Così employee who sees to it that I never forget to swipe my card for points. What the hell is my point here?

My point is that I would not have been in Così today (for the second time - no less) were it not for Karen. She brings me the smile and friendly dose of conversation I need each morning that make my day that much better. There are about 20 other places a stone's throw away from where work where I could go for food, and yet I opt for Così most of the time because I need more than a cheap sandwich and fast service, I want a human experience.

These days businesses out there may claim to offer service with a smile, but truly friendly service is scarce in these times when fast service is king. Still, we can't place all the blame on the businesses, perhaps there's just a lack of personable people. Ugh! I'm depressing myself. I just can't see how so many lame people are getting jobs in customer service.

Let's take some positive examples, shall we...
(1) The Eggroll Cafe in Lowell. The customer service at this place is phenomenal. The owners are extremely personable and dedicated to a quality product. At first their service was very slow, but the people there made me feel so welcome that I would take the extra time out of my day for this positive experience.

(2) Whole Foods. I've recently dedicated myself to doing my grocery shopping here as opposed to the many cheaper alternatives. The employees in their Swampscott location are all so helpful and seem so genuinely happy. They mustn't know that they're working right? --but that's the point, work doesn't have to be a chore!

(3) The 99 in Seabrook. When my parents go out to eat, they choose this particular location because their favorite server there has become a good friend. In fact, it turns out a lot of people that go to this location ask to be seated in her section, which has caused tension with the manager. If this woman was paid on commission, she'd be making a killing. Instead she doesn't fit in because she's providing better-than-mundane service.

I worked at Dairy Queen for 4 years, and during that time I learned that every customer comes with the chance of lifting you up or bringing you down. Of course, this works in both directions, so the host and server effectively amplify each-other's moods during a transaction. Regardless of which side of the window you are on, being friendly and outgoing can only make your day better.