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Services for Real Estate Pros with Midamerica Referral Network

MAY I, PLEASE, and THANK YOU

Two errands took me away from Shell Knob, MO yesterday.  I needed to renew my Driver's License, and buy a new cell phone.  Neither of these transactions left me impressed with the people I encountered.  They did however stir me to ponder how professional was  I to my real estate clients.?

Of course, I know I'm old school on business practices (women could not wear slacks when Century 21 was first started), but any high school grad was taught to look neat, dress appropriately, take it easy on make-up, and to be polite and courteous to customers.

 

                                                        cAT 

At the Motor Vehicle License office there were two young women taking care of business (small town).  One seemed to be ignoring the woman sitting at her desk, and kept putting her comments into my conversation with the gal taking care of my needs.  She spoke her opinions across the room, while getting up, walking around and eating and drinking.   The young woman helping me chomped away on her gum.

The cell phone store was worse.  A television on the wall blared away on full volume.  The two young adults manning the facility were bored and unsmiling, seemingly busy on a computer, ignoring customers who were standing at the counter.  When they did acknowledge customers, they were barely helpful, and not  friendly.

The cell phone company apparently had a dress code, both clerks dressed nicely,  but neglected to advise their sales people of the basic words: May I, Please and Thank You.  No wonder people are turning more and more to internet shopping.

Sign of the Times?  Maybe common courtesy isn't so common anymore.

Comments(5)

Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
AHWD
Cute cat!!! You know, many places no longer have a dress code and it is indeed sometimes amazing what people wear!!!
Sep 08, 2007 01:24 PM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO
Dress code?  What's a dress code?
Sep 09, 2007 04:04 PM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

I am a nut about "please" and "thank you." My children, ages 10 and 7 will tell you we won't stop at a local ice cream stand "because they don't say thank you."

Being polite seems to be a lost art...


Thank you, Joan, for a great post!

Sep 12, 2007 03:00 PM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO
Checked out your profile and love your slogan: Find Your Freedom in Missouri!  I do understand what you mean about living here.  We moved here 18 years ago from Indianapolis.
Sep 13, 2007 03:35 AM
Tiffany Wilson
Compass Properties - THE Costa Rica Real Estate Expert - Manhattan Beach, CA
The Costa Rica Real Estate Expert
My youngest was saying "please" and "thank you" at 9 months old - no kidding!  Manners are very important to me simply because it shows respect.  Being friendly has definitely "gone out of fashion" around here when you venture into retail shops.  In fact, I'm often surprised when I do get good service and a smile.  And I can tell you that when I do, I stay loyal to those shops. 
Sep 19, 2007 02:05 AM