Opening Ceremonies

The Olympics are steeped in tradition.

Consider the opening ceremonies with the fireworks, the speeches, the parade of nations, the lighting of the torch… did you tune in to watch?  Did you get what you were expecting? 

We are creatures of habit and knowing what to expect makes us feel comfortable, it puts us at ease.

Every time you deliver on a ritual or expectation, you create a memory in the customer’s mind and have the opportunity to put them at ease. 

I expect:

·      Netflix, Hulu and Mailchimp to welcome me back when I log in.

·      Amazon to tell me what other people also purchased.

·      Sundance to wag her tail when I walk in the door.

What rituals do you have in your office that make your customers feel welcome?

Perfect posture?

Quick, check your shoulders!  Are they crumpled and down and is your back curled in?

 Now straighten your back, stand up tall and breathe.

Which feels more powerful?

Standing tall will make you feel more powerful and will help you look more confident, which will encourage your co-workers to treat you with more respect.

It’s a win–win.  Strike a victory pose and have an awesome day!

People Don’t Remember What Was Said – They Remember How They Felt

Think about the last time you called a business (cell phone, health insurance or power company) or you went into a store (Stop’n Shop, Apple store, Macy’s). 

Do you remember what they said?  Probably not. 

Do you remember whether you felt good when you left?  Probably.

Today, think about making your customers feel good.  Try to make them laugh.

Idea 1:  If they mention a vacation - ask to come along!

Idea 2:  If you are in front of clients and need to get something behind the counter, pretend you are walking down the stairs.

Share your stories, what did you say that got your customer to chuckle?

Smile and the World Smiles with You

Smiling, like yawning, is contagious. 

When someone comes into your office, your cube or the company kitchen, look up and smile at them. 

Bet they smile back, betcha it goes viral faster than Pokemon Go!

Tip:  If they don’t, be extra kind.  They might be having a tough day and need a little extra care.

What you see is what they get...

Did you know that how you feel influences how you act? 

If you’re feeling blue, you’re more likely to slouch and speak in a monotone way.

If you’re feeling awesome, you sit a little taller and smile, and that makes your tone sound more friendly.

If you want to be perceived as successful and professional, then you should aim to feel successful and professional. 

But how?

Dress to impress….yourself!

If you dress well, you’ll feel better and more professional - giving off the confidence you want. If your office dress code is business casual, try dressing up a bit and see if you don’t feel more empowered.

New research points that the old adage of dressing for the job you want may have truth to it. Watch WSJ style reporter Ray Smith and Tanya Rivero discuss. 

Happy Independence Day!

Enjoy this Independence Day with parades, fireworks, music and dance.
Have a fun filled 4th of July!

You’re making me crazy!

I’m often asked how to deal with a co-worker that drives you bonkers.

Well… You can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your co-workers.  It’s a job.  Some people will annoy you.

If, on the other hand, you decide to deal with it (which by the way would make me very proud!) here’s some advice.

• Start with a positive
• Be specific
• Get their perspective

Here's what it might sound like.

"Our working relationship matters to me, we work so closely here at Awesome Co, I’d like us to get along better.  When you and I work on X, Y seems to happen.  What’s your take on it?"

The goal is to change behavior and people won't be open to change if they are feeling defensive.  This conversation builds bridges not fences.

Another tip: If the thought of this makes your nervous, practice it on a friend - or your dog - first.