Customer Service

I wanted to share an experience I don't often come by anymore.  I was on vacation in Arkansas over the Thanksgiving weekend and came across a wonder person working at Burger King.  We were looking for a place to eat breakfast and sort of just settled on the first thing we saw open.  Walking in I first noticed this interesting looking lady behind the counter.  She was normal height and weight.  Beautiful long salt and pepper colored hair tucked under her employee cap.  After her nice appearance I noticed that she was talking to this older couple like she knew them.  I thought to myself at first that she must know these people.  They are retirement age and probably come here all the time.  The couple moved aside after ordering and we were greeted with the same smile and she talked to us like she knew us for years.  It was refreshing and reminded me of what I used to experience more often a long time ago in most places I went to.  She not only took our order, but realized we don't normally go to Burger King for breakfast.  She took the time to explain the menu in greater detail and the portion size.  She noticed we were from out of town and asked about our stay in her nature filled home town.  By the way it was Hot Springs, Arkansas we spent Thanksgiving this year.  I ordered a java drink, or whatever they call it and she not only picked up that I've never had one there, but also said that if I didn't like it she can change it or make me a new one.  To that my response was WOW!  That was it.  She didn't dwell on asking us anymore questions, nor did she need to explain anymore about the breakfast menu.  I named this blog Customer Service, but what it really should have been named is perfect customer service.  I remember a day not so long ago when you could find close to this kind of customer service in a lot of places you go.  Not everywhere, but places where you go into that treat you like a real human being.  It's sad that this is refreshing today.  It should be a common place sort of thing.  Having taught customer service at The Gap, Sprint Corporate, and the YMCA I feel like I know what customer service should be.   It's actually different depending on which business you go to.  However, it should be a feeling at every business that you get treated with respect and not just a number.  I hear all the time....welcome to blah, blah, blah.....is there anything I can help you find?....thank you for coming into blah, blah, blah.....but do we really feel like we are welcome?  Do we really feel like that person wants to help us?  And do we really feel that "thank you" for coming in when we leave?  I have to answer no to most of the places I go into today. 

I know times are tough...jobs are not plentiful, but if you feel stuck somewhere or in a dead end job, make what you do enjoyable and friendly no matter what the economy is and no matter what the job entails.  Life is too short not take life too serious.  Everyone of us has to do what we need to do...but lets try to have some fun while maintain professionalism.  It's just a small part of what makes life worth living and an unbelievable gift.