"I'd like a bacon and avocado on honey oat, please."  The eyes rolled, I know they did.  The Subway sandwich maker didn't like that I requested no turkey and no cheese.  I thought the whole idea behind Subway was that you could "have it your way."  Ok, yes, I know that's another place, but really?  It's a sandwich bar, for God's sake.  Let me build my sandwich if you can't do the job you get paid to do.

The avocado being placed on my sandwich was brown and rotten.  You would have thought I'd asked for the moon, the way I had to ask several times for a different avocado.  I'm paying extra for the 'cado, I'm the one eating it, please, just give it to me "my way."  In my head, I was screaming, and apparently some of that aggression came out, because two customers back, a woman snarled loud enough for me to hear, "Attitude."  You can bet that shut me up..., not.  It wasn't pretty.

Needless to say, my Subway experience was not supreme.  I, like you, work very hard for my money.  I do not like to waste it.  I do not like to have to ask more than twice for something that should be obvious.  I do not like to have someone, not earning / not spending my money, question my fast food requirements.  I'm standing right here watching a definitely bad avocado being put on my sandwich, "my" sandwich.  I'm not a brat.  I am normally very easy-going and appreciative, I might have been a bit grumpy.  And for that I am sorry.   But I will never be sorry for "the customer is always right," I didn't make that up, by the way.  I just think it is right.

Since I am a firm believer in life lessons, this one has a secure place in my catalog.  Each and every day, we have an opportunity to impress someone, make someone happy, fix a problem, solve an issue, secure a future relationship.   I want my clients to be happy with my service, my product - today and every day.  Why?  Because I want them to call me tomorrow.  I want the candidates with whom I engage to take my call tomorrow.  I would like to have the partner sharing our space to refer business to us.  I think it is imperative that whomever I speak with on behalf of my company have the best experience possible.

Do you think I will be stopping by a Subway anytime soon to pick up a six-inch bacon avocado?  Nope.  Securing business for the future.   If I made New Year's resolutions, one would be to declare my Subway abstinence.  And really, it is NOT my responsibility to teach a sandwich maker how to slap some bread together and make a sandwich their customer will love and appreciate, and then come back for more, right?  It is so easy to forget about the future when so many hate their present.  Securing business for the future, how are you making that happen now?

by rayannethorn