Smile, damn it!

Electrical Apparatus, Jul 2004

That's what Pat Croce, author of two bestselling sales books and former president of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, tells readers in the June issue of Fortune Small Business (FSB).

"One of my Ten Commandments of Service," Croce writes, "is to say hello . . . and good-bye. That is, an enthusiastic hello . . . and good-bye."

"Think of it this way," Croce says. "As a small business owner, one of the big advantages you have over the Wal-Marts and Burger Kings of the world is that because you have fewer customers, you can know more of them by name, and greet them that way. So take advantage of it!"

"Sounds simple," Croce says, "but it must not be so simple when you consider the lack of greetings and good-byes you get from the people who service your needs on a daily basis . . . Which is why a sincere 'Hello!' delivered with a smile and direct eye contact is not only effective, but will also help your business make money. . . ."