We are all out doing our Christmas shopping.  I would be interested to find out if anyone has received “WOW” customer service.  You know, as a retailer, many of the customers that visit our stores are there for the first time, picking up a specific gift.  That would mean then, that they are making a first impression for us.  So, if you are a service provider, I hope that you will remember you have just three seconds to make that first impression.  I know, you are busy, tons of people, etc., but your moment in time with that particular customer is what they will remember.

We are so pleased that Santa has arrived safety in Troy, Illinois.  If you are in the area, remember Santa and his (live) reindeer would love to see you.  The hours begin on 12/12 and run through 12/23.  On the weekends, you can visit from 12-3 p.m. and during the week from 5-7:30.  Be sure to bring your list so you can give it to Santa.  All visits are free.

By popular demand, I have posted my “Top 25 Things Before I Die” list on my website www.customerserviceandbeyond.com.  In addition to the things I have not accomplished as of this time, you will find those which I have and those which unfortunately, I can never accomplish.  I encourage you to write your own list and get started today.  What have you always wanted to do?

I had the pleasure of being the guest speaker on WMEL 1300 in Cocoa, Florida this afternoon.  They were great interviewers and I sure enjoyed my time on the air.  I think people are really interested in customer service and how they can be better customer service providers and also better customers.

My thanks to Peter and Teresa for a great interview!

All I can say is “WOW”.  I was able to finally take “See Tony Orlando” off my “Top 25 Things Before I Die List”.  Last Saturday, Mom and I left for Branson at 7:45 a.m. and actually was back in Granite City by 10:30 p.m.  The trip was great.  We drove straight through then had lunch at Dick Clark’s Restaurant (very good).  From there, we went to the theater.  We spent some time in the gift shop so of course, I came home looking like a tourist.  Mom bought me some early Christmas presents, including a Lawrence Welk purse.  (Yes, I said Lawrence Welk purse.)  It is actually made out of one of his albums.  My comment to the clerk was “I can’t believe they took a perfectly good Lawrence Welk album and made it into a purse.”  Yes, she thought I was a bit out there.

 The first performers of the show — the Lennon Sisters.  Man, can they harmonize!  They also had the next generation of Lennon sisters with them and we have a lot of good music coming out of that next generation.  Next, we our guy, Tony Orlando.  He has not lost a thing.  Of course, I knew every single song that he sang (I know, scary).  He came down into the audience and just gave it everything he had.  I mean, really, how many times do you think this guy has sang “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” but each time he sings it, he sings it as if it were his first.  But really, isn’t that what his customers (the audience) expects.

Thanks to Mom for trucking me to Branson in one day.  I think she really enjoyed the show too.  Be sure to keep working on your “Top 25″ list!