Simple gestures

Those of you who've been overseas and experienced customer service there might relate to this. Your first thought would likely be, "Yeap, it's great over there. In Malaysia, it's non-existent". While on the surface I stand by that thought, I'm beginning to believe that perhaps it's us as customers who might need to 'give' first, in order to 'receive'.

I think that customer service work can be a real bitch (I've a fair share of experience working with people/strangers). More often than not, here in Malaysia, as a trooper on duty, you'll probably be regarded as highly as the cobbler in front of a LV store. (no offense to any reading this)

Admit it. We've all done our fair share of jumping to conclusions that 'customer service personnel' are of no help at all. Fair enough in some situations.

However, when you're actually in need of some service, here's what i find helpful. Since these poor souls receive the amount of attention dedicated to a fly, giving them anything more sometimes makes their day a little bit brighter. Look them straight in the eye, smile and say hello. Then throw in a "How are you?". This usually stuns them for a few seconds. Smile again, and ask politely about whatever it is you're looking for. Still stunned, they're likely to stammer their way through an answer, hopefully one that's relevant to your question. Finish off with a simple "Thanks. Have a good day." If you're feeling particularly generous, ask their name.

So far, this seems to work for me. They look more interested in trying to help and some go out of their way to do it. Plus the stunned look and occasional smile makes it worth it.

Present for a friend - RM50.00
Wrapping paper - RM2.00
The "I exist" look on their faces - Priceless.

He said she said

I was watching a little bit of the Ellen Degeneres show this morning (I got timeee) and there's her usual intro ad libbing. 2 minutes into saying hi, she goes on to ask "Are you all having fun!?" What do you think happened? Pat yourself on the back if you thought, "They cheered lah".

Of course. That's what happens when you're in a nice fancy talk show, ready to be given freebies. (which i'm sure is worth more than the ticket price they paid to be on that episode) However, what struck me was the power of suggestion. I know this might be a bad analogy to start with; Ellen being a celebrity and all that, but think about it! By her 'telling you' that you're having fun, and you agreeing to it, you're effectively signing a personal contract with yourself to say "Yeah, i'm having fun alright! Who cares if her ad libbing sucks!". After the show, i wonder how many of them go home and tell their friends, "Nyeh.. it was alright". (my guess is little to none)

My question is, if you convince someone to agree to your point (maybe you don't give all the information) early on in the game, would you have an easier time of 'maintaining' that perception?

Now to find a situation where i can test this. Hmmm..

Aren't you having fun reading this?!? =D

The unbearable weight of being

I stumbled on this poor creature in Mid Valley Megamall. I'm sure the shopkeeper just wants the toy to be free from the molesting hands of eager (but grubby) kids. Maybe a few adults too.

Isn't it a little sad if you had a sign like that taped (nay, clipped!) to you. Especially if your very purpose of existence was to be hugged/cuddled!

I brought that up to D, a friend that was with me at this sighting. She made an interesting comment though. What if the poor toy didn't want all that attention anyway? It could've wished it was made of rocks instead! Sharp ones preferably.

A haptophobic soft-toy. There's a thought.

(..or the owner of the store is REALLY good, and that sign was INTENDED to inspire pity. Some other person might have already liberated it for all i know!)