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Across the Fence:  A Great Attitude Pays  |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 6:52:29 PM
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Bet I made you think on that one for a minute.....
I went out today with my hubby because we needed a few items. He stopped by Michaels because I had said I would like a little bit of Christmas crafting paper. Twice today I got complimented. On what you ask? Beleive it or not, I was thanked for having a wonderful smile and a happy attitude. Now to me that is just normal, but to cashiers on this weekend, it was needed. They needed a great attitude, my pay was in making some one elses day easier.
So smile at those cashiers when you are at there, compliment them, make their day in a very busy and crazy season!!!!!
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
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bbteacher
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Bonnie
BALTIMORE
Maryland
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 7:14:49 PM
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Carol Sue,
Along with your bright smile and pleasant attitude try this. For the past 18 years-this all started with the generosity of our 21-year old son when he was three-give a candy cane to any person in the service industry that helps you. I buy between 10 and 12 boxes of Bob's candy canes-usually I can find them for $1.50 to $2.00 for 2 boxes. Take a little curling ribbon and make a bow around the cane. After a sale at the grocery store or in the post office or where ever-reward someone's service with a "present." You would not believe how this makes someone's day. As I said, when our son was three-we were in the Hecht's Dept. store on Black Friday, with his mom-mom buying Daddy a robe. The customer in front of us was let's just say not in the holiday spirit at all! She was so rude and nasty to the young salesgirl. After the woman made her purchase and left the young lady just looked like she was going to cry. My son reached into his pocket and pulled out a little wrapped candy cane. He asked me if he could share it with the lady cause she looked so sad. I told him that would be a very special present he could give her. And wouldn't you know, when he handed that candy to her-well, I don't think there was a dry eye in the line! The poor salesgirl started bawling. And-not that he did it for any other reason than pure love from a 3-year old's heart but, a lady behind us insisted that she pay for my husband's robe! We do this candy cane present every year now from Black Friday up through Jan 2. I love to see how it puts a smile on some tired face!
Blessings,
Bonnie
Farmgirl sister #333 |
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barnagainkristin
True Blue Farmgirl
465 Posts
Kristin
Utah
USA
465 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 7:31:43 PM
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Bonnie,
I love your story. Mary Janes Farm Connection shares the good news and stories we are all looking for. Maybe I will have to go out and purchase some candy canes.
barnagainkristin |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 7:39:04 PM
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Wow Bonnie! Now that is the true meaning of Christmas. Doing a little extra or thinking of something loving to do for our fellows. I love that story! What a sweet sweet son!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Alee on Nov 30 2008 7:39:21 PM |
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Mother Hen
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Cindy
Peck
ID
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 8:02:56 PM
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Carol Sue & Bonnie, both great stories! It doesn't cost a thing to make someone's day. Spread God's love, it's the season (which never ends).
When I find someone competent at their service job (which is getting harder and harder to find), after we are done, I ask them to please send the manager over. I tell the manager how well their employee does their job and how I would like my praise to be recorded in their employee performance review when raise time comes.
I've had people give compliments to my bosses in the past (when I had a paying job) and it resulted in a raise at review time. That's always nice!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 8:09:41 PM
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Carol Sue, you have got me thinking. I needed to read this. I have noticed that if I don't say anything to the cashier, they don't say anything. But if I start talking or just smile and ask how they are, it gets them going. We do need to be extra nice these days. And a smile costs nothing but gives something back every time.
And I am going to do the candy cane idea myself. That is such a good idea. I am actually exited to do this. Sure do wish I'd done this Friday! And it would be nice to have some for impatient people standing in line, too.
Thanks, ya'll. Kris |
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 01:18:06 AM
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OH I so agree with this! After being in retail for many many years, I always "dreaded " the Pre-Christmas sales.
Many customers (NOT all ofcourse) were grumpy and even unkind. I smiled at them, helped with what they were looking for, talked happy things and wished them a Merry Christmas. Most left with a smile :)
And I decided for myself to ALWAYS smile and be kind to sales people and bus drivers etc.
And it works too!! Both ways I might add :)
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Again new creations added, too cute lol. Come and check it out!!
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - dutchy on Dec 01 2008 01:22:14 AM |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 04:51:41 AM
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Oh my goodness you girls certainly put the Christmas spirit back into this lovely time of year. My son and I have started a "new tradition" where we buy the bell ringers for the Salvation army a cup of hot chocolate. My son loves to do this and it always puts a smile on other peoples faces.
Let's dance in the rain and play in the puddles under the rainbows.
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
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palmettogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
571 Posts
sue
camden
south carolina
USA
571 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 06:06:32 AM
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| i'm also usually a more smiley and patient person and will wish the cashiers a good day/weekend/holiday season as well as tell them not to worry if the people ahead of us are nasty or rude. but i love the candy cane idea....that is so cute and what a surprise for the one who receives it. they should publish that idea in maryjanes magazine! |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 06:28:31 AM
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| That attitude works both ways too. I worked in retail for a long time, ending about 5 years ago. This may sound crazy, but I always enjoyed the Christmas shopping season. It was more fun working in a busy store than a slow one. And it always made me enjoy the day more when I knew that I had really helped someone out, not just rung up their purchase. So I looked for ways to make shopping more pleasant for people whenever I could. Just offering any extra help or service that might apply, and taking seriously their dilemmas of finding and choosing the right present. I loved wrapping packages and carrying things out to the car for elderly people or mothers with small kids. I liked feeling that Christmas shopping was a sort of battle that we all had to get through together. I don't remember very many nasty Christmas customers, but I do remember a number of people who tried to tip me! We weren't allowed to accept money, of course, but I would have loved it if any of you who give out candy had come to my store...excellent idea! |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 06:32:20 AM
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| Like Amie, I've been on both ends...I don't shop (major retailers) the day after Thanksgiving, simply because we always go out of town and I end up in small antique stores and what not, but I agree that working these large sales were MUCH more fun when I felt like I was contributing, and like Amie mentioned, felt like we were on the same team! I worked in a small, high end gift shop, and we did complimentary gift wrapping as well. Loved to see that ribbon fly on those busy days!!! There are always nasty folks--always, but I don't seem to remember them after the day is over. Many years later, I still remember the kindness I was shown. |
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abbysshadow
True Blue Farmgirl
224 Posts
Sherry
Dayton
Nevada
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 07:55:13 AM
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I'm a cashier at Dollar Tree and the smiles and nice small talk really do make a difference, I make sure and greet each customer with a smile and a little chit chat...I get told many times that I have made someone's day, and many times a customer makes MY day...I just love serving people and trying to make them smile...OHHHH, by the way, as of tonight I am an assistant manager, NOT a cashier...I am nervous about being in charge. I have been training one night a week for weeks now...please wish me luck! I feel fairly confident, but haven't actually been in charge yet. hugs to all, sherry
...I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do... |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 08:08:56 AM
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Carol Sue, you are a ray of sunshine! I always try to be cheerful when shopping, especially when battling crowds, but I've never received any compliments...which is fine, it just makes shopping tolerable for me. I also always compliment someone when they are wearing something that looks great. The other day I was at the food c0o-op in town, wearing my favorite brown wool hat, which has a big brim and a satin something around the top, and someone said to me " Great hat!" and as I thanked them and walked off I heard her say "That really is one great hat." It made my day.
It's really cold and overcast here today, snowed last night, rained this morning and it is really gloomy out there, hope you are will and warm!
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 09:25:01 AM
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This thread has made my day.. Thank you farmgirls!
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
Enjoy the little things in life....someday you'll look back and realize they were the big things. |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 10:29:48 AM
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What an inspiring thread! When things look bleak and everyone so rushed and alot of them grumpy..what a blessing it is to share the holiday spirit and smiles to someone else.
HUGS
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 11:59:04 AM
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Sherry Congratulations on your promotion. Girlfriend, you will do great and you worked hard to get there. Good for you!!!!
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
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abbysshadow
True Blue Farmgirl
224 Posts
Sherry
Dayton
Nevada
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 1:00:10 PM
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thank you! I'm excited :)
...I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do... |
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abbysshadow
True Blue Farmgirl
224 Posts
Sherry
Dayton
Nevada
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 1:05:30 PM
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....also, as you all probably have thought of already, it's a great example of 'Even if you think you have nothing to give, you can give part of yourself' It can make a HUGE difference to someone at just the right moment. It's happened to me lots of times in my life, where a kind word, a smile, a wink, the touch of a hand on my arm really lifted me.
...I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do... |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 2:37:57 PM
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Thank you all for this thread. I loved the idea of the candy cane. I worked one year on Black Friday and that was 1 year too many for this gal! I'm going to go out and buy some candy canes and pass them out liberally along with the smile I've tried to practice the last couple of years. HO HO HO!
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 3:36:04 PM
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I agree Carol. When you pass someone, smile. They most always smile back.
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: A Great Attitude Pays |
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A Great Attitude Pays
