Customers are some of the most sensitive people in the world. When the product they are considering is a bit out of their normal sphere of knowledge, customers can be almost defensive because they may feel intimidated by the salesperson or what they consider to be the “expert” about the subject. Whether a person is buying a new tech gadget like a phone or a service such as rehabilitation exercises and classes, the customer should be treated as an intelligent person rather than as a child to be taught or as a negligent student to be scolded.
Recently we met up with an excellent sales person who rolled her eyes, growled, shouted, and otherwise showed her irritation with the phone service connection which was needed to activate our new phone. Never once did she show any indication that her displeasure had been caused by our inability to complete the same communication with that company. When she finished and gave us the paperwork, indicating the pieces of information that were essential to save, she made the comment that these companies who made products that required a call to a foreign country or to an automated system should have to spend their days shouting into a fuzzy call system in order to obtain a pay check. We thanked her for her patience on our behalf, and she went on about her business with a cheery demeanor. We were very glad to have had her help since she obviously knew what to do and what to expect.
Not every situation is so pleasant. Lifestyle changes involving foods meet those criteria. Recently published articles concerning genetic tendencies and a body’s ability to switch on or off certain enzymes have changed the way nutritionists have to look at foods and how their substances are absorbed within the body. Furthermore, scientists have observed that certain food combinations can change the body’s ability to convert foods into energy. Basically, changing one’s eating habits may help considerably when attempting to reduce cholesterol levels along with the use of drugs, but even certain changes or stresses on the body may change its ability to use nutrients.
No one minds putting forth his or her best efforts, but whether it is lifting weights, going to nutrition classes, or losing weight, the customer should be encouraged and appreciated rather than scolded or treated like a red-headed step child. Customers don’t come back when they expect negative feedback. Even teachers have to learn to cheerfully help students realize that the full load can be nibbled away one spoonful at a time. A nutritionist must learn to load her students with piles of good things they can choose rather than focus on the necessary restrictions. No one is so foolish as to expect to eat as much or any type of foods available, but it is nice to hear suggestions for healthy changes rather than doom and gloom about cholesterol, blood sugars, and weight loss. If you want customers to return, be positive!
