Starting Over

The other night I went to one of my favorite restaurants, Tony’s. I was talking with Vince Bommarito, the owner, about delivering great service. My comment was that Tony’s is so good, and has such an incredible reputation, with guest expectations that are so high, that all Tony’s has to do to exceed expectations is to simply meet them. The unbelievably delicious food coupled with extraordinary service is the recipe for an AMAZING experience.

Vince said that he appreciated the comment. He said they get phone calls and letters about the restaurant, the food and even some of the employees. Every night just before Tony’s opens they have the all-employee meeting where he loves to share these accolades. Then he tells everyone, “This is great and we should all be proud. Guess what? In five minutes we start over!”

In The Cult of the Customer I write about how easy it is for a company who has the reputation of operating at level of “amazement” to fall back into a cult or phase of “uncertainty.” The best companies understand that they are only as good as the last sale – or as Tony’s would say, their last meal. Companies who enjoy amazing reputations must work hard to stay on top, and that means starting over, every day, reestablishing their reputation. It is the consistent effort toward amazement that keeps them at the top.

Cult Update: It’s official. The Cult of the Customer hit the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-seller lists. Thanks for those who have joined the Cult (bought the book). You are on your way to starting your own Amazement Revolution. If you haven’t already joined, go to www.CultOfTheCustomer.com and order your copy today.

Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).

Gratitude Cookies

In almost every speech I deliver, one of the customer service strategies I always include is showing your customers appreciation. Customers want it, it is expected, and more than anything, it is the right thing to do.

This is the “Cool Product” of the month and is all about appreciation. Lori Saitz is the president of Zen Rabbit Baking Company and the creator of Gratitude Cookies. These cookies can be given to your favorite customers and clients as a wonderful and delicious thank you gift. Or, get a box or two for yourself. Enjoying one of these cookies as an afternoon snack will make you appreciate how great life really is!

I love sending edible gifts for special occasions. Fairy Tale Brownies are always a hit. Clients like “Fruit of the Month.” Yet, what I love about these cookies, besides that they are delicious, is the box. The word “Gratitude” comes through loud and clear. And, it has the Gratitude Cookie history, which is all about giving and showing appreciation.

For more information, go to www.GratitudeCookie.com.

Speaking of Gratitude…

Again I want to thank all of the people who supported the new book, “The Cult of the Customer.” Your confidence in me and the book helped make it the success that has become. Thank you!!!

Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).