Smile ...It is Contagious

     This week I have been sitting in Mission TX as we close on a storage facility. I am actively searching for a new manager for the facility that we will be purchasing. As it is a new market to us, I am paying attention to everyone else's personnel as I visit various businesses around town. You never know where you may find that next Super Star. I have eaten this week in several chains as well as the independent proprietors. I have been extremely surprised that the personnel that has delivered the best service so far have been at the hole in the wall restaurants. Two of these establishments, Marco's Burgers and Tamales Y Mas, had two of the friendliest counter help I have experienced in the Valley. The thing that I noticed right off is that both of these people greeted me with a warm friendly hello and a big smile as I walked through the door. When each of them learned that we were first time visitors to their establishment, they took the extra time to welcome us and explain their simple menus, even making suggestions to their favorite items on the menu.
     The thing that made me feel welcome was the smile on their face. They actually looked happy to be at work and enjoyed what they were doing. Although neither of these facilities had professional trainers teaching their wait staff how to greet customers that the large franchises have, these two individuals have learned that their smiles and the fact that to treat customers the way they want to be treated, fills their tip jars.
     I have visited several large chains from P.F Chang's to Cheddars. I have been disappointed in the customer service received in all of these locations except P.F Chang's.  And that was purely due to the only waitress in the whole restaurant, who besides the floor manager filling in for lack luster wait staff, was the only one to smile as she approached each and every table.  Our waitress Loretta, was a spark of sunshine in the middle of a dark night. What was interesting, was I had asked various staff during our visit how the tips were; the answer from most was OK... the answer from our waitress was Great. It had to be the wonderful smile and positive attitude as she approached the tables that was the difference.
    One of my mantra's have been "Smile... It is contagious." When interviewing, the first thing that I look for is whether the interviewee walks in with a smile and can maintain it during the interview. I will be the first to admit, I have hired someone with less experience, due to their smile and attitude.
    So my advice is Keep Smiling....