Service. With a Smile.

Imagine with me for a moment.

Restaurant personnel arrive at work - some eager to serve, others hoping it will be an easy shift. The new employee wants to establish a reputation of excellent customer service, has a goal of making at least one person at each table smile, and happily accepts a table of six business people, clearly engrossed in their discussion. Despite best efforts to smile and speak with a pleasant tone and attitude, not one of the customers seems to notice. 

At this point, a decision must be made.    Stay the course, despite no apparent results?  Or be discouraged and let it show?

Undaunted, the server maintains a positive attitude, despite the absence of obvious results. While wondering whether this group will provide a seriously needed gratuity (the bulk of income for food and beverage service professionals), one person accepts the check. A range of emotions wash over the server's face as another diner at the table quietly remarks how pleasant their meal was due to the attentive server with the professional demeanor. Relief. Pride. Satisfaction in a job well done. Goal reached. 

This story ended with smiles all around, sincere appreciation by the diners and server, resulting in a gratuity equal to nearly two-thirds of the total bill. Need met abundantly.

No matter where you serve, whether for tips, hourly wage, salary or volunteer,

• Choose to smile.
• Be pleasant.
• Set your primary focus on the people you serve and the products you represent.

Customers do notice. Good will is created. Your business is successful. Occasionally, the payoff is even more than you imagine.

For information regarding About Face Models, contact Debbie Nelson [email protected]