With the release of Collapse of Distinction, I find myself taking a much closer look at how I’m treated as a customer. Every single time I go to buy something new or even pay for an existing service, I think more about the actions (or lack thereof) of those that I choose to do business with. With everything that’s going on insofar as the economy, you’re probably noticing it more too! It’s harder to turn lose of hard-earned dollars, and we’re all more conscious of who we give them to.
Over the past few days, I’ve collected a few experiences and thoughts that I’d like to share. Today, I am posting about two wonderful customer experiences that I’ve had recently. Stop back tomorrow for a few that are in direct contrast of these!
A few days ago, we celebrated my birthday at the Cheesecake Factory in Greenwood. Of course, we would’ve eaten at the Pines, but Scott and Tammy didn’t have time to drive to Seymour because of prior obligations that evening. The cheesecake decorated for my special day was pretty cool , but that wasn’t what really caught my attention. You know how sometimes when the food you ordered is brought to your table, they hold out the plate, say what it is, and you hold up your hand, or say, “MINE” to get handed your meal? That doesn’t happen at the Cheesecake Factory! No matter who delivers your meal or your cheesecake — they know exactly which person ordered each specialty — even if it isn’t your waiter/waitress bringing it to your table. How do they know that?? Do they make some kind of note when they take the order??
As Scott mentioned on his BLOG today, Perry had a computer problem yesterday. You would’ve thought someone chopped off his right arm when his beloved MAC refused to cooperate. We took it to L’ville to the Apple Store, and we received fabulous service from the Genius that helped with the problem. Everyone representing Apple had a smile, offered help, and made our otherwise unpleasant visit a very pleasurable event. In the process, they even cross-sold another product (or 2) to me while they were doing diagnostics on Perry’s machine. They treated us like they WANTED us there — even though we had a problem and didn’t plan on spending more money that day. How cool is that?