This morning, the barista at Starbucks handed me a gift card with my coffee and said,
This is for you because you were so sweet yesterday. Most people aren't that nice in the mornings.
I was very very surprised. You see, this particular location happens to be closest to my daughter's school -- and also the BUSIEST location in our area. They are literally slammed with customers in the morning and there are at least 8 folks behind the counter working, within a fairly small space. Yet they are killing it in getting people what they want in the store, in the long drive-thru line and also via mobile orders. It's high stress and there is no way I could do what they do.
I'm constantly impressed with how well they work together so, yesterday I told this same barista as she handed me my coffee (with eye contact), "Thank you. I really appreciate it and I hope you have a great day."
That's it. That's all I said.
Was it the eye contact she remembered from the day before? I'm not sure.
I've had thoughts of pulling the manager aside and ask what I can do for her team because I am impressed by them every time I come in to pick up my mobile order and/or pop open my computer to work. A yelp review just doesn't seem enough.
After the gift card and a quick mention to her at how impressed I am with how hard they work, I hopped into my car to head home. Did I just score a new friend?
What I know for sure is that I'm working every day to give respect to everyone I run into, in work and life. It's not easy and some days I fail. My brain is full of business and parenting worries, tasks & to-do's, and I know I'm not the only one. Yet, one little 'thank you' can get you an unexpected free coffee, as well as a new friend!
It's the little details that make the difference.
From my brand kit design process to my money-managing system, streamlining the details are helping to make my business run smoothly. Because of this, it's easier to have real conversations with my clients. Getting to know them is one of the best parts of my job. What are they thinking? What do they love? What's their story? I want to know so that I can better create for their businesses.
Have you had an experience where you did something simple and received way more than you expected? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
Because you read this, go ahead and grab this FREE mini Thank You graphic to download and text out or email to a friend (or barista if you have their info).
Cheers!