Serving Up Happiness 

Customer service is an opportunity for growth. "Yes," you're probably agreeing, "and so...?" I'm not talking about just profits and expansion. I'm also talking about personal growth. Do you  know what I mean? 

I'll give you another hint. Who's your customer? And no, it doesn't matter what product you're selling. Ready for the answer? It's your friends and family. It's you and me. It's everyone you see and communicate with each day. (Mind you, I'm well aware that marketing experts are looking for a different definition of your ideal customer.)

Let me tell you a story from a conference I attended recently in Dallas. The young man, speaking on stage to an audience of nearly 2,000 women, shared his experiences with business ventures in childhood and in adulthood. He spoke softly, openly and humbly about both the mistakes he has made and the successes he has had. He told us in a heartfelt way what he believes, how he feels and what his dreams are. When he finished, we gave him a standing ovation for who he is and for his vision of changing the world, one person at a time and one act of kindness at a time.

At 34, Tony Hsieh is a multi-millionaire CEO. Perhaps you've heard of his company? Zappos.com, Inc. whose priority is giving exceptional service to everyone. He asks each employee to do one thing each day to make the company better. Tony's passion is "delivering happiness to the world." What a powerful business model! You can read more about it in his new book Delivering Happiness.

Now I'm asking you to do one thing a day to improve your life. Do something that makes you or someone else feel better, happier or more peaceful. It can be as simple as taking one minute to breathe deeply and slowly or taking one step toward doing a project you've been putting off. Call someone you love and tell them what you appreciate about them. Focus on changing a thought that will give you some relief from feeling "down".

As you continue to provide great customer service by discovering ways to make yourself and others happier, your life will change. You will feel better about yourself, your life, your family, and your work. You will begin to believe in yourself, your power to make a difference and your ability to make your dreams come true.

Think of customer service as a way to spread joy and happiness to all!