What you call ‘em matters! Have you ever met Taco Bell Tina?

#CatalystBusinessNewsletter

So, a couple times a month, I treat myself to some Taco Bell. Nothing fancy…just the regular taco meal…with a Dr. Pepper.

In my most recent visit, I was not in a bad mood or anything.

There was nothing special about the day.  It was just a generic day.  Nothing wrong.  Nothing amazing.  I was just trudging through.

As I got to the drive thru menu and microphone, this effervescent voice flew forward: “Hi hon.  Welcome to Taco Bell.  You just tell me what you want, when you’re ready!”

The combination of the positive tone and being called “Hon” caught me by surprise.  A nice surprise.

I ordered, and was told: “Ok Hon, I’ll have everything for you at the window!”

I paid and as I was pulling away, Taco Bell Tina yelled after me. “Have an amazing day sweetie!”

WOW…ok, so in the span of 3-4 minutes or so…I was called “Hon” twice…and “Sweetie” once.

Driving away…I noticed my mood was up…up…up!

Now, “Tina” is a woman in her late 50’s or 60’s.  She can get away with calling someone sweetie or hon.  If an 18 year old called me Hon… different story.

If I, as a 52 year old male, called someone “sweetie” or “hon”…it just would not sit well.

BUT…the moral of Taco Bell Tina’s story is:  Positive words and effervescent tone change days.  They change moods.  “Tina” took me from an average day and mood…to an awesome, positive mood…and altered the rest of my day…in a good way.

You can do the same to customers, co-workers, employees, etc…!  Surprise them.  Impact their day in a great way.  Just watch out who you call “sweetie” or “hon”.

• TELL THEM SOMETHING GOOD…ON A REGULAR BASIS!
• MAKE IT EASY FOR PEOPLE TO DO AND KEEP DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU!
• LOOK UP…AND SURPRISE SOMEONE!

Spencer Rubin is a sales/marketing expert and a passionate advocate for the success of small, local business owners. To sign up for Spencer’s weekly Catalyst Newsletter, contact 971-732-4745. “Don’t give up, don’t EVER give up” ~Coach Jim Valvano