What do Linda Lusardi and Bruce Willis have in common?

Any idea as to what Bruce and Linda have in common?

Yes I know they are both famous and they can act but they have at least one other thing in common.

The answer is me!!!  My first name is Lynda (as in Lusardi) and my surname is Willis (as in Bruce).  By associating my name with two celebrities, hopefully you will stand a better chance of remembering my name.

Remembering names is a real challenge for most people but it is so important to remember the names of your regular customers.  It builds rapport with them and helps to break down barriers.  It shows that you care about them as an individual and not just as a £ sign!

You may know the food or product which your customers buy regularly but make the effort to find out the names of your regular customers and develop a clue as to how you will remember their name.  But please don't tell the customer your clue!

There are other very good methods to remember names but you will have to come on a WorldHost course to find out. There are a few spaces left on open courses happening soon in Antrim and Moira but drop me a line to if you would like to find out more or check my website for more details
http://customersensetraining.co.uk/worldhost/

Floating your boat

Have you ever been to a restaurant and you've come away saying that it was just ok?  The surroundings may be lovely and the food was good but you just didn't feel terribly positive about the experience.  Perhaps it's hard to put your finger on what was wrong.

I was in a restaurant last weekend and it just didn't "float my boat".  And you've guessed it, the staff did not make me feel terribly welcome.  Yes, they were polite but they just were completed disinterested in me and my booking.  It wasn't particularly busy either.

Good food simply isn't enough.  Being polite isn't enough either.  Businesses need to love their customers and give them such a positive experience that customers will pick them when next in the locality.  I wasn't expecting a red carpet but I did expect some personality and interest especially when I tried to engage staff members in conversation.

By contrast, I was in another restaurant a few weeks ago.  Staff were really helpful and aimed to sort out all our requirements.  There was a bit of banter too and I gave a generous tip at the end.  I know that not every customer wants to be your best friend but a warm welcome is required for every customer.  A smile and genuine interest in people will go a very long way,  

Please try to be excellent and not just ok in how you deal with your customers this weekend.  Try to "float your customers' boats"!

Lesser Spotted Ulster

Do you remember the UTV programme called "Lesser Spotted Ulster?" where Joe Mahon takes a look at places and events "on the wild side"?  Well, I'm thinking of renaming my WorldHost courses as "Lesser Spotted Ulster" too as there are so many hidden gems on our doorstep that we don't even know exist.

Last week, I was in Newry with a great group from Seaview Guest House, Formula Karting, the Fun House, Sugar Supper Club, Heart and Home and Thee 1 Beauty Salon.  As part of our familiarisation trip, we stopped off at Flagstaff Adventures http://www.flagstaffadventures.co.uk/ which is just off the main Belfast -Dublin road before you come to the border.  Jason Cromie (who was also on the course) set up this business recently and gave us the opportunity to do some paintballing and off-road driving in 4x4s.

It was both scary and exhilarating as we were driven around the course on Flagstaff Mountain with breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.  The other course participants live in the area and didn't know that the business existed.  Everyone really enjoyed the experience and promised to spread the word to their friends and family.  We also were able to evaluate the customer service which we experienced there - it was excellent, by the way.

When we go away on holiday, we take time to explore the various tourist attractions in the locality but when we are at home, we simply never get around to it.  We need to get out more and visit the many hidden gems which are on our doorstep.  Then we can recommend them to our visitors and hopefully they will stay longer in our area.

As Spring has sprung (I hope!), take the opportunity to get out and about this weekend to visit some of your local tourist attractions in "lesser spotted Ulster".

Take care

Lynda

PS I know some of you will be disappointed if I don't tell you when my next courses are happening so here they are for you.

Lisburn - 11th and 18th March
Lurgan - 24th and 31st March
Armagh - 27th March and 3rd April

Click here for more details  http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/customer-sense-training-and-consultancy-983509711