Some people are in show business more so than others but we’re all in the biz.
For example:
A waiter is in show business. Most people don’t give a crap if your DVR is not working and you’re all pissed off because you can’t record The Real Housewives of New York City. I want my food now and I want it with a smile! (I know – I used to be a waiter!)
A golf caddy is in show business. I can blog all day about my stories but the snotty members didn’t care how late I was up the night before. Service with a smile baby. Oh and I’ll take my 4 iron NOW!
A taxi driver is in show business. He usually has 10 – 25 minutes to earn the highest tip possible. I enjoy talking to taxi drivers because they have great stories. The friendlier he is – the higher his tip is going to be. Most of the time, they are foolishly chatting it up with God knows who. An extra $3 – $5 per trip adds up though no? Now make this light!
A receptionist is in show business. When I go to the doctor’s office and the receptionist treats me like a patient that is suing that’s going to ruin my experience. The doctor can be world renowned but she can single handedly ruin it for the doctor (and me!).
No matter what career, job, or business you’re in, it is always show time. However trivial or boring a transaction might be, you are still making an impression.
My mom, a former English teacher, used to come home absolutely exhausted and I always wondered why. I realized that she was always putting on a show. Every minute of every class she was the star of her own show.
She could either put on a brilliant performance and make the students interested or she could put on a not so brilliant performance and bore the kids to death.
Being the workaholic that she is, she always chose the former. She felt she had a real responsibility to the kids. But it took its toll. She was always exhausted by the end of the day. But the kids loved her and they looked forward to her ‘show’ every day.
No one said show business was easy but as we all know…
There is no business like show business!
[Update: Great conversation over at BrazenCareerist.com!]
This is so very true. I try to remind my employees of this all the time.
“However trivial or boring a transaction might be, you are still making an impression.”
Well said, my friend, well said.
I really enjoy how you take such sound business practices and always create such interesting and fun posts around one centered theme or point you’re trying to drive home.
You are very compelling, obviously really knowledgeable and very real.
My money is on you. Keep up the great work, Adam!
Silvia 🙂
Major love for mentioning Real Housewives of NYC!!!
@ Gordon Gekko – Spell the man’s name right at least. He is a legend. C’mon. Anyway, thank you.
@ Silvia – Thank you very much for your kind words. That’s really sweet of you.
@ YESSSS – Don’t mention it. I’m ashamed of myself but I actually watch that show…and enjoy it.