I have a basic rule when it comes to doing business with someone.  It's pretty simple and it's always been a rule that I've stuck to because it's something that I am adamant about in my own business.  The rule is simply this:  

"I want a business to be genuinely interested in me as a customer and be excited that I'm there.  I want them to have a real desire in helping me spend my money with them!"

Of course price, location, reputation etc. come in to play even before I choose to do business with someone, but those things are not nearly as important as the company's desire to truly help me.  I'll go miles out of the way, pay higher prices and forgo many other so called benefits for a company who says; 

"Hey, we are really glad you are here and we want to help you in any way we can.  Even if you don't buy anything from us today, we know that if we give you our time and genuine attention, you will be back and spend your hard earned money over and over again with us." 

There is no way you will go wrong dealing with a business that has this philosophy.

I had an opportunity to have my rule tested the other day as I was buying something for my son.  He and I had gone in to the establishment to purchase a significant item.  It was near closing time and we were treated like we were a really big bother.  I felt compelled to mention this attitude to the owner and to my disbelief, he didn't seem to care.  He offered no help and seemed put out with us.  I had a very difficult time giving him the money and if it hadn't been so important to my son I would not have stayed and made the purchase.  However, my son had been saving for a long time and really wanted to get the item that day.  There was no other place in town he could go and he didn't want to wait to order it online.

Needless to say, we will never go back to this business and we will make sure anyone who asks is made aware of the less than adequate service.  I try to give the benefit of the doubt to everyone, as I did in this case.  I've experienced poor attitudes before from businesses and upon bringing it to their attention, they have rectified the problem and have earned years of loyalty from me.  My feeling is that we all make mistakes but if someone cares enough to try and fix them I'm willing to give them as many chances as they are willing to try.  This particular business must be doing very well right now because they did not need my business based on their attitude. 

On occasion, even I have aggravated a client or two  sarcasm intentional.  However, I take pride in having a desire to make things right if I've caused a wrong.  I'm always interested in talking if someone needs to talk to me for any reason.  I can be reached at the Athletic Club at 870.425.4342 or on my cell at 870.404.6364 


That's my rant for now.  What do you think?


Jerry McDonald, Certified Personal Trainer
Mountain Home Athletic Club