The Service Economy

The other night, my wife Martha and I were looking for a place to eat on a rare night out. The first question I offered was, "What do you feel like eating tonight?".
It wasn't long before Martha answered my question with a question.
"What kind of service do you want tonight?" she asked.

That brought to mind a whole other set of variables and eliminated 80% of the options I had rolling through my mind. Off the list were the many neon lit chain restaurants and to my delight as I reflected on her question, to mind came a number of small, intimate, locally run establishments that have over the years provided me with not just a culinary experience, but an engaging enjoyable level of service that is refreshing.

Often, I'm too hungry to make a decision and the advertising and bright lights of the chains often draw me in with the unfulfilled promise of a fulfilling culinary fantasy.

We ate at a small local Italian restaurant and had an evening I won't soon forget. In fact, that night changed my dining decision making process forever.
Regardless of my feeling of hunger I will pause and reflect on the type of service I want as the primary motivator in choosing a dining experience.

Just think about it: Is your business just a commodity or is it much more? How do you encourage your staff to provide a level of service that makes purchasing from you second nature.
Just do it: The next time you are in the marketplace for just about anything, look beyond the commodity you are purchasing and take stock of the level of service you are being offered. And over time, if you are getting great service, don't let the price point sway you away to Walmart or some big box store unless the service level inspires you to exchange some of your hard earned cash.