So I’m walking out of SAMs and a friendly old man checked my receipt and said (with a smile), “You come back and see us! And bring that pretty smile.”

First of all, let me say, that in customer service and in life, flattery will get you everywhere.

As I drove away, I thought, “I would come back here for that.” That’s right, customer retention at its best. That one old man made an impact. As Seth Godin says, his customer service was remarkable. What’s the science behind it? Pure genuine niceness.

Wonder if my doctor’s office could get some training from Mr. Old Man? But, he’s probably enjoying his retirement job as a greeter at SAMs.