Connecting with and Serving Customers Start with Us

When we are at work, do we often get the results and outcomes we want? Do we expect our satisfaction or happiness to be coming from an external source? If this [fill in the blank happens], then I will be happy and peaceful [fill the “feel-good” emotion].

Day-to-day, we will run into some glitches (or are they?), customers who get anxious, behavior that affect us negatively. This stuff happens. The outcome is out of our control, but the beauty is in us. Things we identify or label as "bad." But does it have to affect us or be "bad?" Do we think that waiting for people to change their behavior will change the way we are feeling? We can feel great one moment and then feel agitated by something else. How do we stay fresh? 

It starts with the fundamental relationship with yourself. How do you do it? Do you play sports? Do you dance? Do you listen to music? How do you enjoy and reach your innermost bliss and ecstasy, reaching your deepest deep? It is much more apparent.

So when we are in a role that is customer-facing, realize that you have the power to respond, not be caught up in the thoughts and emotions of others and expressing kindness to yourself and in turn to everyone around you. Our breath is a gift. You are brilliant.

Here's an exercise to try and see how it feels for you: (Remember no expectations.)

Each in-breath and each out-breath. Watch it come and go. 

Watch the emotions that arise. Watch the thoughts that come. 

Note that the feelings and thoughts are there; let go and go back to watching your breath. (Letting go is just not following the thought or emotion. That’s all there is to it.)

Note it. (Thoughts and emotions will come.)

If you are curious to learn more, check out a cool app called “Headspace."

While you are at it, I found this tune to pause in the day. Look out the window and take a walk. Self-care loves.

On Building Rapport and Trust

When I was attending The Ohio State University, to help pay for my daily living expenses, school supplies, and textbooks, I worked for The Gap. There I learned the pure art of selling. Even to this day, I often refer to what I learned working there as I relate to people who I work with to guide me on how to build rapport. I am forever grateful for that experience of becoming a Denim Expert. I will write more about this later, but I want to share the video “5 Rules on How to Run Your Next Sales Call” because it expands on the idea of building relationships when on-boarding. Self-respect: both self and for our clients plays an impact on how we build trust as we work with people. I have been following a great group of guys in The Futur. The ideas they share resonate deeply. I get pretty excited when I listen to their talks. One of the most important things is fostering the relationship with our client. It is simple. People are important. Building rapport is a practice and a frame of mind where we can cultivate trust and respect, and it centers on people. It is focusing on our client's needs. It is important to ask our clients’ pain point and challenges in order to figure out what product they will need. It is like building a house, using nuts and bolts to strengthen the foundation. This is the connection. A connection is being upfront and honest of your intention. I'll be delving on this some more in later posts.

The Futur is a valuable resource. I am super grateful to founder Chris Doh for sharing and educating so many who are pursuing their dream to launch their own business.

Takeaway gems that I got from this video: Price early. Build rapport. Show don’t tell. Ask more questions. Build trust.