OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Thursday, August 20, 2020
When we can’t find something in a store that is open, it isn’t our fault, and likely isn’t the responsibility of the staff we encounter – but some days it is hard to discern if anyone up the food chain has any input to what is done, by whom, and when … it’s all so formulaic. I’ve been visiting some stores lately where the absence of staff makes it challenging to be a happy shopper.
The good ole days are long gone.
I began my working life in the retail footwear business, so I have empathy for the chaos merchants face – seismic changes to their lives, their companies – their survival severely threatened by shutdowns, financial pressures, and a virus, coming on the heels of massive upheaval in bricks ‘n mortar retailing shifting to online.
I still like to look at and hold what I buy, I want to ask questions of someone who knows rather than buying blindly online.
I remember those early days (my late teens, early 20s) when getting in early, turning on the lights, and unlocking the door to be OPEN FOR BUSINESS. While it was often quiet, we were always open on time or early every day. Sometimes there would be a customer waiting, and they would be so grateful that I was a little early, that I could open up and help them buy something, exchange something, or solve a problem.
Retail days are long gone for me, but I’ve not lost my early-start focus.
I love the notion of the secure, organized feeling – of waking up to a well-planned day, an organized life, and predictable results. I think most people do, try to, and consider that smooth organization to be some measure of accomplishment. I allow myself that illusion/delusion some days because it would be nice to not have to think so hard, to be available for whatever comes along.
A phone rings, an email arrives, or thought comes out of nowhere – and suddenly, my day is altered, partly-derailed, and exciting – all in a matter of minutes. Most often, it isn’t that something life-altering is going to happen, but there is so often the thrilling spark of inspiration right then, that it might …
The next person we meet might change our lives, but more importantly, we might alter theirs. Every day is full of opportunities to have a significant encounter, an interaction – a discussion which might lead to some new adventure. Yes, every interaction has that element, quality, and potential.
If we are open to it.
Are you open?
Reader feedback:
Mark, coincidentally I started thinking about this recently myself. As you said, we are all average (equal). Better than average at some things, average at some things and worse than average at others. LH, Lethbridge, AB
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