Last month we splurged and bought a new couch. And since we want to keep Macy’s in business, we went to their brick and mortal store to make our purchase and schedule the delivery. You know, old school. No drone drop off. No UPS truck.
When the delivery guys arrived, they were cheerful and courteous and dressed in crisp, clean shirts and pants. They rolled out a red carpet at our front door and put on shoe covers before coming inside. Once they’d brought in the couch and put the room back in order (lamps, tables, rug), they handed me an evaluation form.
“We hope you’ve found our service excellent,” one said. “If you could give us an excellent rating where you think we deserve it, we’d really appreciate it. Those ratings are so important for us. Thank you for your time.”
So how does any of this relate to the business of writing? Well, I’ll tell you if you haven’t already seen where I’m going.
Professionalism The delivery guys were well-groomed, and they entered my home with care, so that I felt comfortable with them in my private space. I like to approach this business of writing the same way. I want people who visit my blog, my website, my Facebook page. . .all my social media to feel comfortable when they let me into their lives with that click of a mouse. I also want them to enjoy what I write, so I edit the posts as carefully as possible. After all, I’m a writer, I should write good stuff. 🙂 Just a small joke!
Flare They made the arrival of my couch an event with that red carpet, I wasn’t just getting a piece of of furniture; I was getting THE BEST piece of furniture for my home. That’s how I want my readers to feel when I present them with my work. I want them to feel that I’m giving them the BEST I have to offer.
Source |
Honest, Straightforward Request They handed me the evaluation and asked for my rating. They did so clearly and with a reason behind their request. Then thanked me in advance. Now that’s a concept we writers understand, isn’t it? “I hope you enjoy reading my book. If so, I’d really appreciate it if you would give me a review. Those reviews are so important for writers.”
I’m glad I needed that couch. Buying it and having it delivered made this post possible and reminded me to attend to three important things while I’m in the writing business.
In Whitopolis, a gleamingly white city of the future where illness has been eradicated, shock waves run through the populace when a bedraggled, dirt-stricken boy materialises in the main street. Led by government propaganda, most citizens shun him as a demon, except for Wellesbury Noon – a high school student the same age as the boy.
Upon befriending the boy, Wellesbury feels a connection that he can’t explain – as well as discovering that his new friend comes from a land that is stricken by disease and only has two weeks to live. Why do he and a girl named Ezmerelda Dontible appear to be the only ones who want to help?
As they dig deeper, everything they know is turned on its head – and a race to save one boy becomes a struggle to redeem humanity.
Toi Thomas says
Great article. The points on professionalism, curtesy, and being upfront and honest are all valid points I try to incorporate myself.
Cool cover for Black & White.
J Lenni Dorner says
It's so true about asking nicely for the review the consumer feels is deserved. Sounds like they did a good delivery job. I'm glad you had such a nice experience.
I'm intrigued by the book. And, as you've seen my "down the TBR hole" posts, you know I'll have a reason why. It's that "most citizens shun him" except for one (or two) people. That has HAPPENED to me. I've been that outsider. And thus I'm interested.
Mike@Bit About Britain says
I would not have immediately related customer service to writing/reading – but of course, you are right. Unless we are writing (or blogging, or painting, or whatever) entirely for our own pleasure (which is possible – eg as a form of expression), we all (hopefully) want our readers to enjoy the experience and come back for more. So we try to make the presentation good, because first impressions count, and the content as engaging as we can. Very good points; given that I've been in business for years, I should have recognised the relationship – but I didn't!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Mike,
Perhaps the desperate need for something to blog about made the connection for me. I never know what's going to pop into my head by Sunday night for a Monday post! 🙂
Alexa from Summer Snowflakes says
It’s really cool how many things can relate to writing, and all of these are so important to remember, especially the professionalism. Sometimes, I think we as writers can forget that people are inviting us to be a part of their lives with our words. Yes, our words are ours and we shouldn’t completely cut out what we want to say (otherwise what's the point), but we should be careful to make sure we’re worthy of that trust.
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
C. Lee McKenzie says
So well said, Alexa!
Romance Book Haven says
Yes, I also like to see good service. Its great when people take time and treat everyone with care and courtesy.
C. Lee McKenzie says
And it just doesn't take much to do that, does it? Thanks for writing this comment.
Juneta Key says
Do like good service, lol. Great story. Congrats Nick.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
We all do, right? I'm amazed at how little it takes to give it and how often it's not given.
Mason Canyon says
It's good to know that high standards of service like that still exist and yes, we need to always show our appreciation for it. Congrats to Nick on the upcoming release of his book. Wishing him much success.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was a bit surprised!
Barbara Fisher says
I’m so impressed with those delivery guys. The last time we had furniture delivered it arrived in the back of an open truck. They dumped it in the hallway expecting us to move it from there to the sitting room, and it was chipped. Needless to say it all went right back to the shop!
I enjoyed your thoughts on the red carpet. I love blogs that give me the red-carpet treatment – as yours always does.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, thank you, Barbara. That makes me feel wonderful.
Liz A. says
Sounds like they really know how to do delivery. And it's true, all professionals should behave in like manner.
C. Lee McKenzie says
They were exactly the kind of delivery people I would appreciate. They set a high bar.
Lynda Dietz says
What terrific delivery guys! Every detail matters when interacting with customers. I once had carpet installers refuse to move furniture from the bedroom they were carpeting (after I was assured, prior to their arrival, that they would). These two guys in their mid-twenties stood and watched me, a 35-year-old eight-months-pregnant woman, push and tug a tall dresser, a crib, and a toddler bed out of the room before they would do the floor. They then ended up cutting the phone line in the room during the install, and then denied it when confronted. Needless to say, they got the feedback they earned.
I'm so glad your sofa experience got the red-carpet treatment!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Now that's inexcusable! Hope you complained to the carpet people.
Lynda Dietz says
I did, actually. The company said they were subcontractors and had gotten enough complaints that they would no longer use them. The original guys called me the next night to apologize, but it wasn't a real apology. It was enough for me to know that no one else would have to put up with them.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We have to do that or sloppy service will continue. Great job, Lynda.
Birgit says
What a great way to show how, not only a writer, but anyone should portray themselves. I think that's a great style. The book sounds quite good and somewhat creepy, to me anyway and I mean in a good, Twilight Zone, kind of way. Love that quote!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Maybe I should send this to Macy's headquarters to encourage them. Glad Nick's book tweaks your interest.
Sandra Cox says
Well said, Lee. Kudos to both you and Macy's.
Nick's book sounds really good!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hope they keep up the good work. I'll need more ideas for blog posts in the future!
Sandra Cox says
Well said, Lee. Kudos to both you and Macy's:)
Nick's book sounds really good!
Beverly Stowe McClure says
A great post and a great reminder that most people are nice and when they put forth the extra care they should be complimented for their work. I keep telling myself to ask for reviews, but it's so hard. I love the idea of asking for the evaluation. A lesson there.
The book sounds like a great story. Congratulations to Nick.
Have a lovely week.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Writers often have a hard time of asking for those reviews. Like my husband keeps telling me, the only reason he as reader knows their importance is because I tell him. That has to be the case for others.
Elephant's Child says
Some time ago I came to a decision. I complain when I thing a product or service is below standard. The flip side? I also compliment where it is deserved. Which led to me getting a letter from our ambulance service thanking me for thanking them (and no I didn't send a thank you for thanking me for thanking you letter).
Love Nick's cover and am intrigued by the blurb. Of course.
C. Lee McKenzie says
An excellent idea! Give people an honest assessment and let them make a decision about whether or not to choose a service or a product. Laughing at your thank you cycle.
Jacqui Murray says
I've noticed that more and more professionals are asking for reviews. My dentist asked me for one! On Yelp. He had just a few and one was bad which made the rating poor. I love the guy so–of course–I did it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Everyone goes to the reviews before they buy products or make appointment with doctors and dentists. More and more we're relying on others to validate what those ads promise.
Tyrean Martinson says
I need to remember those tips from the delivery guys. I love your thoughts on the red carpet. I think that's something I need to remember with my blog and my books. I get too casual with social media and that starts to crop up in other places. Thanks for the reminder, C. Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I felt the same way, Tyrean. It was a good reminder of what my gram and mom taught me.
Shady Del Knight says
Hi, Cheryl!
Those delivery guys from Macy's seem like throwbacks to the 1950s, the years of my childhood. The manner in which they carried out their duty with absolute professionalism, the way they treated the customer and the customer's property with courtesy and respect, the way they "asked with integrity" for favorable feedback at the completion of their task, is the way I remember most businesses being run and most staffers behaving when I was young. The customer was always right and was always thanked for their business. Somehow, the whole dang thing got turned around in recent decades and we now find ourselves in a dystopian world of shoddy workmanship, rude, apathetic clerks and lackluster on-the-job performance. I agree that people in the writing business should adhere to the same principles as those deliverymen. So should people in every other business. So should people in blogging. So should people in every aspect of their personal lives. We'd have a much better world. It would gleam in a rainbow of colors.
Thank you, Cheryl-Lee. I hope your week is off to a great start, dear friend!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, you've definitely characterized the difference between the last age of civility and today. I always laugh when I read that we are now considered a "Service" economy. Really? Thanks for the lovely comment. I always look forward to reading what you write here.
DEZMOND says
they use shoe covers and red carpet??? OMG! Ours come sweaty, smelly, they chip half of your other furniture and want beer as refreshment
C. Lee McKenzie says
I can see it now, DEZ!
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – people who give good service deserve their award and our recommendation … and as you rightly point out our attention as we can make sure we react similarly … so true. Glad the couch is comfortable … and I think Nick's cover is amazing … I'm sure his writing and story line will match up – cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yep. You gotta give good service some recognition.
sage says
A good reminder and congratulations to Nick Wilford! Is your couch available for a nap?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Of course!
Pat Hatt says
They sure show how it should be for most anything in life. But my writer brain kinda got spinning and you know, the best thieves are ones you never see coming. Could be all nicey nice to scope things out lol what? A little pessimism doesn't hurt anything.
Great cover too. Congrats, Nick.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's the cat in you that makes you think that way, Pat.
L. Diane Wolfe says
If only all who entered our house (or blog) showed that kind of respect rather than being a green troll.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Indeed.
Madeline Mora-Summonte says
What a great reminder! And I know, for myself and for my husband, when we receive excellent and professional service from a company, it goes a long way for us using them in the future and recommending them to others. 🙂
Congrats to Nick!
C. Lee McKenzie says
How true. We gave them an excellent on all points.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Congrats on the upcoming book, Nick!
And now I love how you take lessons from everyday events, Lee. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I do need to step up my life experiences a bit. A couch delivery one day, bungee jumping in Australia the next. There are many lessons in that. 🙂
Nick Wilford says
An excellent reminder of the need to be professional. And just being courteous goes a long way. Thanks for helping out with my reveal!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad to help out.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Those guys from Macys were spot on with their performance. And yes, as both writers and as human beings, we can learn a lot.
Great cover, Nick!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was impressed.