TEN TIPS FOR THE MINDFUL CONSUMER
by Joan Kulmala, Image Coach
Totally-U Image Communications
Many individuals experience a certain level of stress when shopping for a product or service. As human beings, we often find ourselves doing things at the last moment (gift or food shopping, house cleaning, renovations, food preparations etc.), doing more than is necessary. Panic often sets in during special holidays for this is usually a time for out of town visitors. Special preparations are always a must.
As you go about your shopping it is very important to remember to be a mindful consumer. In your haste, you may be tempted to forget your manners and become a little short tempered if you are not served as efficiently or as politely as you would like. Take a short breath, stop and think, and be respectful of the person who is serving you. With a little patience and consideration you may be able to turn someones day around by passing on your positive attitude and smile. Please consider these
TEN TIPS FOR THE MINDFUL CONSUMER
- TREAT THE SERVER AS YOU WOULD EXPECT TO BE TREATED YOURSELF
Greet the server with respect and cordialness. Keep in tune and in control of your feelings and those of others.
- SPEAK CLEARLY, CALMLY, AND POLITELY
Should you have an issue that needs addressing, you will have more success by using tact. By clearly, calmly, and politely stating your case, you will be able to open the dialogue and start your dealing. Make sure you are
talking to the right person....e.g. manager, owner. You want to speak with the person who has the power to settle your concerns. This will save time and energy.
- COME TO THE POINT IN A TIMELY FASHION
Always remember time is a very important commodity...to you and to the
business you are dealing with.
- LISTEN AND HEAR
Once you have let the server know your needs - be prepared to listen and
hear what is being said. It may be something as simple as the clerk
explaining a return policy. If you do not listen or hear the terms, it may
just come back to haunt you in the future.
- NEVER ASSUME - ASK QUESTIONS AND FOR ASSISTANCE
How many times do you assume things and often times it is just not so? Never be afraid to ask questions that is how we learn. I often say that I am president of the dummy's club. This has afforded me the opportunity to learn much while tapping into a little humour.
- BE AWARE OF BODY LANGUAGE, VOICE, AND FACIAL/ARM EXPRESSIONS
People are very intelligent...they are able to read how you are feeling, just by your posture and tone of voice. You can tell if someone is upset, happy or indifferent. This can be a valuable observations when dealing with people.
- BE FLEXIBLE AND UNDERSTANDING - HUMAN FACTOR
As humans we are not perfect! Therefore, don't expect others to be. Often there is an explanation why things are not as they should be. Be prepared to listen and hear.
- NEVER BE CONFRONTATIONAL OR RUDE - CALM DOWN AND PRESENT IN A
RESPONSIBLE WAY
By being confrontational or rude you will set the tone for a defensive reaction from the server and yourself. More will be accomplished if you make your point calmly, clearly and concisely.
- BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SPACE (EAR DISTANCE)
Other people do not want to hear your business. They have business of their own to conduct.
- REMEMBER TO SAY THANK YOU, PLEASE, and COMPLEMENT ETC.
It's always nice to conclude a transaction on a positive note. People enjoy positive experiences instead of negative ones.
These tips are useful any time...Practise makes perfect and will assist you in being totally-you.
�2002 by Joan Kulmala. All rights reserved.
TOTALLY-U IMAGE COMMUNICATIONS
Joan Kulmala - Image Communicator
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.totally-u.com
Tel/Fax/ 1-807-683-8855
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