Where are you in the spectrum of being ready for your 2020 customer? Over the last few weeks I have heard so many people talking about "time." "Where did April go?" and "Didn't we just celebrate the arrival of 2018?" Although I feel much the same way, the speed in which time is passing panics me a little bit, but also motivates me. There are so many items on my "to do" list that I want to accomplish before we celebrate 2019's arrival and that gets me going! 

In your business world, what gets your attention, or gets you moving on your initiatives? Perhaps it will be the info graphic that I just read powered by Provide Support. Source: Customers 2020 Report by Walker Information. 

Truth: Using a structured follow-up system is a guaranteed way to grow your business and revenue.

There’s more- great follow-up processes will give your business a huge advantage over less tenacious competitors. Now here are 5 sales and follow-up stats that will surprise and also fire you up...

I was raised to care deeply about the lessons my parents instilled in me in regards to manners. They were completely inflexible about me saying "please" and "thank you."  It was expected that I would address adults with terms such as "Yes, sir," "Yes, ma'am," and "Mr." and "Mrs."  My mother also taught me how to write a proper thank you note, and to this day, I will still write three paragraphs, just like she taught me. So why do I mention all of this? Where have manners gone?  In the hospitality industry, one would hope manners matter and would get the focus it deserves with people serving people. Yet, still, we are often surprised with the poor manners displayed around us in the service industry.

"Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." Emily Post

Business is acquired through quality customer service and sales, which builds a memorable customer experience. And, this business is kept through having a great product/service that is supported by both of these. How do your skills measure up? How do those of others within your company align with them?

How customers are greeted sets the tone of any establishment. In the hospitality industry, getting too comfortable and casual with guests, too quickly, has the potential to leave a bad impression. Always remember that each guest interaction has the chance to represent or misrepresent your business or brand.