Nathan Exposed » A lasting impression

A lasting impression

The company I work for has a customer service department. During the holiday season, we usually hire temps, but that is a difficult process. It costs money, takes up time, and then people are out of a job again.

So our company decided to try something different for Christmas 2006. All company employees were trained and assigned to work 2 hours a day with customers.

In a very weird way, I had more fun doing that than I’ve had doing any job in years. I loved getting just a tiny glimpse into their lives. I also loved the satisfaction I felt when I knew they had been treated with respect.

I know how awful it is to experience rude customer service. So when I talked to a customer, I did everything I could to treat them like kings and queens. I liked for them to feel important, because they are.

So the holidays are over and I no longer help with the Customer Service. But the other day, a woman called in wanting to place and order and she asked to speak with me. She told one of our reps that I was so nice and helpful when she had talked to me.

That was one of the best compliments ever. I know that I left a lasting impression, just by being nice to her. And she took note of it.

Thu, Jan 11, 2007 @ 10:24 pm | Filed in Life | Permalink

5 Comments

That’s a cool solution your company chose. I’ll bet they started respecting the front desk people more, too.
Are you feeling better? I hope so. Cheddar has her bus ticket ready, so she can bring you that pot of chicken noodle soup. Just give the word.
And the truth is, she’s desperate to get away for a while. She’s sick of being forced to watch Kitty porn with me.

Posted by DEL on Fri, Jan 12, 2007 @ 12:02 am

You da man, Nate! I knew you’d enjoy it

Posted by cindy on Fri, Jan 12, 2007 @ 9:44 am

Why do I suspect no one will say the same about Mike? ; )

Posted by Jon on Fri, Jan 12, 2007 @ 9:58 am

I think putting current employees in those positions was a great idea. Coming from a retail management background and owning my own business for many years, I realize how much I miss it. And I miss contact with customers. For as bad as working customer service can be somedays, overall it is what you make it.

Posted by purpletwinkie on Sat, Jan 13, 2007 @ 10:10 am

I have no doubt that you were a perfect gentleman! What a great way to understand what it feels like on the other side of the fence. Now, if we could only get GW Bush to be homeless, living under a bridge, no $$$….or, better, yet, send him off to the front lines in Iraq. That’d ensure that he knows how it feels on the other side of the fence.

Posted by Lewis on Sat, Jan 13, 2007 @ 9:20 pm