Being Nice To People... It's Cheap!

[Joko the Clown]

The topic of being nice to people can be a touchy subject. Many of us think that if we are nice to people, we instantly assume the role of being a doormat or that folks will consider us soft and try to "put over" on us. As a professional in the customer service industry, I have found that the contrary is true. In fact, it is my opinion that being nice is really what any service work is really about. It is as simple as being a gentleman (or a lady), showing a little empathy for others, and just being yourself. None of these tactics cost much, if anything, and they can all pay dividends by creating fans out of your clients, strengthening customer loyalty and simply making the world a little bit... nicer.
The act of being a gentleman (or a lady) is sometimes considered a lost art in our fast-paced, results-driven world. While I do not think that we could (or even should) go back to the era of Victorian-style ettiquette, bowing and curtsying our way to the parlor for a tea party, there is really nothing wrong with being polite! Wipe your feet before you enter someone's home. If someone is entering a door, hold it open, whether or not they have armloads of packages. Smile and extend a greeting or a warm handshake when somebody arrives. Say things like "Please" and "Thank You." Have some manners! These little things can go a long way towards making people think that you are a decent person, someone they would be proud to be acquainted with, somebody whose parents raised them right. They did, didn't they?
In this age of instant information, cell phones, email, text messaging, teleconferencing and multi-tasking, many people in this world are feeling more alone now than ever before. In spite of all our interconnectivity, it is rare for any of us to relate to each other as individuals, or to treat each other with empathy. It is important to remember that all of us are more similar than different, and as Haim Ginott wrote, "What pains one man pains mankind." If someone is distressed about something, even if it has nothing to do with you, take a moment to listen to his or her problems and let them know that you can relate. For some people, just having an impartial person listen to their woes for a moment can be incredibly valuable, and perhaps you may be able to give them the insight or perspective that they need. We are all often blind to the forest because of the trees.
Most of us consider ourselves to basically be nice and interesting people. It is a rare individual who would describe themselves as cantankerous, grouchy, boring or mean, or who would pride oneself on being so. It is very common, however, for many of us to consider that the ways in which we are unique and exciting might be thought of as "odd" or "dumb" to others who do not know us. Balderdash! We are all blessed with a plethora of rare talents, unusual experiences and lucky flaws. Share these with people and they will become your allies and friends, for they will no longer see you as merely another nameless, faceless person doing some kind of work for them, but as somebody who is just as special and valuable as they are. Rejoice in your own journey through life and others will be proud to know you for being you. Be the best "you" that you can be and those who are fortunate enough to interact with you will consider you a grand part of their life, a part of themselves and they would be sore to miss you.
These are just a few simple examples of how being nice can change other people's perceptions of us. By being polite, showing some empathy and not being afraid of being yourself, you may touch people in ways that few ever do. You might inspire someone to continue to use your service, frequent your business more often or be a little bit kinder themselves. And that might make the world a little bit... nicer!

[saphireSue]

well said [or should I say well written?]
8)

[tim]

This ought to be posted in the articles section.

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

You're right Tim. May I, Joko?

[Joko the Clown]

Sure! I wasn't sure where to post it, and I don't want to step on any toes!

I originally wrote this article for my guys at the pest control company I work for in real life, and it was published simultaneously in the newsletters for the New Mexico Pest Management Association and International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 90.

[tim]

Originally Posted by Joko the Clown

....and I don't want to step on any toes!

That's difficult among a group of clowns.