We all get the men's fashion trend to sport the 5 o'clock shadow. Unfortunately, what we're also seeing is some guys taking this as license to show-up to work looking slovenly. You may think your appearance at work is your business. That would be true if it wasn't for the fact that your co-workers and customers are the ones who have to look at you. If you're getting less respect, authority, or consideration from customers than you think you deserve, start by looking in the mirror. Does it look like you put some effort into getting ready for work? Seriously, do you look well-groomed? If not, it tells the world you lack attention to detail, and you focus on your own needs while being oblivious to others. If someone forwarded this tip to you, take the hint.

Client Corner: 

"I had the opportunity to listen to Jeff speak at our recent corporate event - focusing his talk on retail and customer service. I was skeptical about learning anything new. In only 90 minutes Jeff gave our team a fun, informative and motivating presentation. I was reminded of things that are important and I learned a number a new things I didn't expect! By the end of the session, I had literally filled the handout page top to bottom with notes and comments. Well worth the time and money. Thanks Jeff!"  
     Jason Wordie, VP Retail Operations and Purchasing, Pet Planet  

Behind the Scenes  

Five days later and my thighs are s till sore! Last weekend Nicole and I went to Fernie, BC for a father daughter outing. Lydia had taken our younger daughter, Haley for an out of town baton workshop, so Nicole, the dog and I headed to the mountains. Nicole was eager to do an extended hike, so we headed-out on what I figured was a reasonable scramble up Mount Baldy. The trail is rated moderate. Who knew trails were rated by mountain goats? We... Just... Kept... Climbing. By the time we reached the summit I was calculating how much it would cost to return to our vehicle via helicopter. Nicole nixed that idea and we... Just... Kept... Descending... I believe the Yiddish term that sums up my feelings about that hike is oy vay. 

 

Today's Chuckle: 

When your first child eats some earth, a bit of grass or a worm, you take it to the doctor. When your second child eats some earth, a bit of grass or a worm, you spit on a hankie and clean it. When your third child eats some earth, a bit of grass or a worm, you wonder whether it still needs lunch. 

 

Announcing my new Customer Communications E-Learning Course! 

I'm thrilled to announce my brand new e-learning course to enhance your team's ability to earn and keep trust with customers and coworkers - even when things go wrong. To build-in learner accountability I've incorporated a participant quiz and certificate. The comprehensive 14 hour course is self-paced and can be downloaded onto any desktop or mobile device, anywhere, anytime. One course trains your entire team.

Details at Customer Communications E-Learning Course 

Register today for my seminar, "Leading a Customer-Focused Team"

Some people claim that to motivate and engage employees, you need to pay higher wages, offer promotions, and pricy perks. Jeff Mowatt disagrees. Working with business owners and leaders for over 20 years, he has found that by making minor adjustments to your customer service culture, you'll achieve significant results:

 

- Become an employer of choice, when team members feel a sense of purpose

- Your service brand becomes your key differentiator, where price becomes less relevant

- Your team adapts to changing customer needs, so you capitalize on trends

Kelowna, BC - October 13 - Advance rate ends midnight tonight! 

Register now and save 22%, click here for seminar and registration details

Save on Expenses in these Cities

To save on travel expenses when bringing me in for your organization, consider scheduling your session when I'm speaking for other clients in your area. Check out these locations:

ALBERTA
Calgary - Home base (no travel charges)
             - Nov 14 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                            For details contact Elaine Pederson

Edmonton - Nov 15 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                                For details contact Elaine Pederson
                 - Dec 3-6 - Attending convention of Canadian Assoc. of Professional Speakers

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kelowna - Oct 13 - Open to the business community.
                              For details click Leading a Customer Focused Team

Vancouver - Nov 29 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc.
                                 For details contact Elaine Pederson

Victoria - Nov 28 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                           For details contact Elaine Pederson

MANITOBA
Winnipeg - Nov 7 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                              For details contact Elaine Pederson

NEW BRUNSWICK
Moncton - Nov 2 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                            For details contact Elaine Pederson

NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax - Nov 1 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                          For details contact Elaine Pederson

ONTARIO
Ajax - Nov 23 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc.
                       For details contact Elaine Pederson

Mississauga - Nov 22 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                                  For details contact Elaine Pederson

Ottawa - Nov 21 - Open for members of Optometric Services Inc
                          For details contact Elaine Pederson  

Click here if this week's Training Tip has been forwarded to you and if you'd like to receive your own complimentary subscription .  I would also love to hear from you if you have a tip or comment you'd like to share.

What makes us different?  

Typical customer service training programs focus on being friendly and upbeat. That makes sense if you're dealing with customers who enjoy spending the time and money to do business with you.

But what if you have customers who are frustrated or making a grudge purchase? In that case, employee perkiness will likely be perceived by customers as annoying. That's why Jeff Mowatt's training goes beyond friendliness to focus on how to earn and retain trust.

Even when your customers are rushed or frustrated.

To inquire about engaging Jeff for your team or conference, visit  www.jeffmowatt.com or call toll free 1-800JMowatt (566-9288).