Things not to do when talking to an older person. Particularly if the older person is your customer.

  • Ignore them.
  • Talk over their words. (Instead, shut up and listen.)
  • Disrespect them. (See above.)
  • Immediately tell them that you aren’t to blame for anything.
  • Assume it’s their fault, and it’s because they are older.

See kids, the customer is the CUSTOMER. The customer is the reason you have a  job. The customer may not always be right, but at least for the first few moments, assume they are. If they are having a problem, complaining, or just venting, listen to them. That means SHUT UP.

Why?

 Because they are THE CUSTOMER. 

Not sure when the lesson of courtesy and respect got dropped from the curriculum, but it seems it did. Not sure where this crop of disinterested, rude and totally clueless “customer service” staff came from, but there are here.

And they aren’t going anywhere.

Sure, an older person can just smile and take it. But excuse me, why should we? Would a younger person remain silent while an older salesperson, clerk, or receptionist acted like they were doing them a favor by even acknowledging their presence? 

    Not likely.

    When in doubt, always be kind. Absolutely. And guess what:  when you’re talking to a customer, be EXTRA kind. Because they may not come back. And if enough of them don’t come back, guess what? 

    You’re out of a job. Which maybe you don’t care about. At least that’s what it looks like.

    The ironic part is if more people had a good old-fashioned (yep) work ethic, their jobs would actually be fun. Or at least pleasant. They might discover that doing something well feels good. Helping a person gives them satisfaction. There are actual physical health benefits to being of service to someone.

    Sighing heavily, not making eye contact, and turning off your brain isn’t good for you. Trust me.

    It’s not helping.

    “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop