I’m sure we have all heard it in various forms, “Treat others as you would like others to treat you.” It’s called the golden rule for a reason, there is so much value in it. But how many of us actually live by it? Better yet, how many companies actually conduct business by it?
Well, I certainly try to, both in my life and in my business, Off Your Rocker Pottery, where I make and sell handmade dinnerware.
I remember a situation a few years back, and I was recently retelling this story when I was told that now that my business has grown that I can’t conduct business like that anymore. I beg to differ!!! I plan to always conduct business like this.
What happened was a customer ordered a coffee mug as a Christmas gift and it was showing delivered by the post office, but she never received it. The customer explained that they do have an issue with packages from the post office in her apartment building. She really needed this mug for a special gift, and time was running out. We email back and forth, and I called her and spoke to her. So, I took a leap of faith and simply shipped her out a new one the next day (UPS this time), before being able to sort out the mess with the post office.
Friends questioned me, “What if it’s a scam?” Here’s the thing, our intuition will always tell us right from wrong, the key is taking the time to actually listen to it. I spoke to this woman and my intuition told me she was telling the truth. From there, I simply thought about if I was on the other end how would I love for this situation to be handled? See, when you work with a small business this is how situations can be handled. Not by some corporate policy written in stone with everyone stating their hands are tied, no it can be handled on a human level.
She received her mug in time for Christmas and was so happy and blown away on the customer service she received. I had much more to gain from doing the right thing than I had to lose. The only thing I could lose would be one mug, but what I had to gain was a lifelong customer, referrals from that customer, and best of all, just knowing I did the right thing.
You don’t have to run a small business in order to give people great “customer service” you can apply this to your everyday life. Maybe what we should call it is human service, we are all humans trying to make the best life we can. Let’s treat each other with compassion and fairness.
It’s amazing how small shifts can make such a big difference, it’s the ripple effect, the butterfly effect, and so on. Be the change, treat strangers as new friends and together we can start to shift this world into and more loving and peaceful place.
If you enjoyed this, or if this resonated with you at all, I ask that you pop on over and take a look at my handmade dinnerware. If you see something you like, or a great gift, please pick it up.
I so appreciate you support, thank you. And for reading this blog save 10% OFF your order by using checkout code: Journey
Until next time, keep the sunshine in your heart and the pottery on your table.
Lindsay Klix
Artist and Owner of Off Your Rocker Pottery