Trending this Spring... NICE - because it looks good on everyone
A story about customer service and why being nice is the name of the game, in stores, business, and everywhere.
Today’s newsletter is going to be a bit shorter than usual, as I’m in the midst of gearing up for some projects and a couple of trips. Details on those coming in the form of new travel pieces and an interview series.
In the meantime, I’ve been working and running around in preparation - a process that resembles the mad race one does while balancing life and getting ready for the holidays.
You’ve got your regular to-do list, but then also throw in 10 or so additonal errands that have you mixing work, life, and shopping.
Throw in a trip to the Apple Store/Genius Bar in that mix and you’ve got yourself a party.
That was me last week, and happens to be the entry point for a story.
After spending an hour or so getting to the bottom of a computer issue, I decided to take advantage of the fact that I was at the mall and close to a couple of stores I rarely have access to. One of those was a cosmetics store, which always stresses me out because I’m sure that any product I choose will be the wrong one, and I’ll end up dropping a load of cash on something I won’t use.
Bottom line, I knew if I went into that particular store, I’d need some help. This usually isn’t a problem because normally you can’t make a move without someone hounding you. That day, however, it was as if I was wearing an invisibility cloak. The clerks didn’t even look at me. None of them. I took that as my cue that it wasn’t the day to pick up a new skincare routine and left.
By that point, it was almost lunchtime and I just wanted to get home. However, I really needed shampoo, so I stopped in the Aveda store.
From the moment I entered, it was a completely different experience.
While I was browsing, the manager, Caio, asked me if I wanted a cup of tea while I shopped.
Caio, Manager of Aveda Experience Center at Mayfair Mall
Are you kidding me? No one ever passes up an Aveda tea. It’s the best.
As I sipped my tea, Brandon, the assistant manager, asked if I had any questions. I actually did (choosing hair product can be difficult), so he helped me pick out my shampoo and product. As I was about to check out, I told him how much I loved the products, and the tea. He then pointed out the special promotion - if I just spent $27 more, I’d get a box of Aveda tea, an Aveda mug, and Aveda’s most delightful lotion.
He wasn’t being pushy or salesy, he genuinely wanted to make my experience a good one.
Brandon, the Assistant Manager of the Aveda Experience Center - Mayfair Mall
And to answer your question… of course I added a few items to my purchase. In the end- I got my products , a fabulous bonus gift (Aveda tea!), and best of all …What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
There’s a trickle down effect of being nice.
Genuinely nice. Not just nice because it’s expected of you for your job.
Or nice because you’re trying to get something out of it.
But just being nice and showing interest in the people you interact with.
Nice gets repeat customers.
Nice gets good press.
Nice makes people’s days.
Nice makes the world a better place.
And, as it turns out, when you have one nice experience, you attract more.
A few days later, I was at Atlanta’s airport, and quickly stopped in the bathroom between flights. There I found Tammy, the nicest bathroom attendant I’ve ever met. She greeted everyone with a smile, and worked hard to keep the sink area sparkling clean.
While I was at the sink, one woman came in and said, “Tammy, I’m always glad when I’m in this terminal because you have the best bathroom in the whole airport.”
Yes, because the sinks are sparkling. But also because… so is Tammy.
Hands in the air for Tammy, her awesome smile, and dedication to her job - of making people happy.
With that, I’m signing off today. I’ll be back Saturday with a new lineup of podcasts, Netflix recs, new products, recipes, and wellness, and travel tips.
Have a nice day!
See you Saturday,
Abbey