New York City cabdriver Oleg Roitman says his nickname is “The Human Computer.” He asks his passengers – “Tell me the date of your birth and in less than a second I will tell you which day of the week you were born.” To prove that his answers are correct, he carries a book with calendars from 1900 to 2020. He says passengers often pay him double what the meter reads.
Studies show that waiters can boost their tips from 10 to 100 percent by doing any of the following:
- Lightly touching the customer
- Smiling at the customer
- Squatting next to the table
- Introducing themselves by name
- Thanking them for dining there
- Forecasting good weather
- Drawing a smiley face on the check
Joanne and I invite my Eagles Club coaching clients to stay at our Sanctuary (pictured) as part of the coaching experience. We share our morning tea and muffins with them and take them to dinner at some of our favorite restaurants. It’s enjoyable for us to include them in our lives as the next season of that client’s career is being developed – and that little difference creates a memorable and often life-changing experience.
What are you doing to create that “little difference” in your work and life? An advanced degree may do nothing to separate you from the crowd. But what could you do today to engage your customers, clients or co-workers in a way that they will never forget?
November 24, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Hey Dan!
My idea actually comes from your website. I recently completed a course in massage therapy and my “little difference” is that, like your massage therapist, I travel to my client’s home. I receive as much as a 50% tip!
Oh, and by the way, I love what I do! I get to help people feel better! I have worked in the banking industry for twenty plus years, dreading going to work most of the time. This is such a wonderful change! I’m still amazed that I can get paid to do something I enjoy!
Thank you for all you do Dan. You have inspired me to make a profound change in my life. God bless you!
November 24, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Being a dog lover helps – especially when delivering food. Giving a sincere compliment about someone’s dog has always led to a larger tip and repeat business.
I never knew this until I helped out as a driver’s assistant for UPS: their drivers carry dog treats. I always wondered my roommate’s chocolate lab always became excited whenever the big brown truck came by!
November 24, 2009 at 8:43 pm
It is all about the people – we all want to be treated as we are important. We forget that – but those who make it part of their business seem to prosper. Go against the normal corporate thinking of limiting the time and attention paid to the customer.
November 24, 2009 at 9:42 pm
This is so true, Dan. I run a Pizza Hut restaurant, and we are all about connecting with the customer. We start with an “Extraordinary Greeting” and then move to making a connection with the customer by asking them how they are doing today. Without fail, 98 out of every 100 respond with a positive answer and the same connection (“I’m doing great, thank you. How about yourself?). Our carryout captains who deal with our walk-in customers make great tips in a business where customers seldom tip the person working the cash register.
November 25, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Daer Dave…and Kevin.
I have been reciepient for maybe 2 years now of your Newsletter 48 days, maybe it is time to change name for Always on Tuesdeday.
Your 48 days letter is vey enlighting, I am 72 now in good health an in a very confortable live environment so what should I be concerned with starting 48 days to change it? Besides there is a language barrier since I am a mexican person not 100% fluent in yours.
However you did it… this particular issue on giving myself a raise is really touching so, to be brief I think I am going to take it seriously and will look forward for a change in my life, and also in my economic status of course.
So I will continue be in touch to get your support and Kevin’s for my 1 USD back and receive both of you my best wishes for Thanksgiving (I do not want to be the turkey) and Christmas.
Alfonso.
November 25, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Alfonso – thanks for your note. It’s inspiring to hear from a 72-yr-old who is going to “give himself a raise” by making some positive changes. Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
November 25, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Great info that we all need to hear. Dan your “common sense wisdom” is what folks young and old need to hear. People will do business with people they like.
Hope your & you’re family have a happy Thanksgiving.
December 3, 2009 at 3:04 pm
“HAVE FUN!”
I am most widely known as the positive happy woman in the office. I always tell people to have fun. When they go to meetings, leave for the day; go to lunch, and even when they go to the restroom – LOL! I tell them to have fun. I am a firm believer that if you make whatever you do as fun as you can you can get through just about anything. I had one executive I started working for gradually improve her attitude when she needed to leave for a meeting. Then when I saw her in a new position she said she was “Having Fun!” That was the first thing she said to me after not seeing me for months! I love it! I walk around with a smile and a song because at some point of the day I MADE it fun!!!!!!!!!!
HAVE FUN TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 15, 2012 at 1:00 pm
[…] the end of May this year I sat in a converted barn known as The Sanctuary in Franklin, Tennessee. I was just winding down an intense, but very enjoyable, two-day training […]
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