roger wolkoff
End on a Positive Note
Roger Wolkoff | January 2, 2020
By Roger Wolkoff Do you have a natural gift to start a conversation? Many of us in the hospitality and customer service world are quite adept at it. Think about this for a moment. How good are you at ending conversations? I'll wager you have a signature opening greeting, but do you have a signature closing? In customer service and hospitality, we devote time to make an excellent first impression. We make eye contact, smile, or lean in if we're next to the person. Then, we move on to the heart of the conversation. Our guest or customer may request service, or they need help to resolve an issue. Perhaps they want a recommendation from us. Fi...
Up Closer and More Personal
Roger Wolkoff | August 21, 2019
By Roger Wolkoff I walk into the newest branch of my credit union, and I am immediately drawn to the design. Lots of open space, thick wood beams surrounded by steel, and lots of light thanks to the plethora of glass. Stunning only begins to describe how it looks. Intimate describes how it feels. As I approach the teller area, it becomes apparent that there is something different about this space. There is no wall separating tellers from customers. Camille stands in front of her station with a welcoming smile. She extends her hand to greet me and guides me to the table that juts out from the side of her station. I stand at a 90-degree a...
ABC(3): Above and Beyond Plus 3 Cs to Deliver!
Roger Wolkoff | July 19, 2019
By Roger Wolkoff I'm guessing you've heard the phrase "above and beyond" before, especially when it comes to delivering exceptional customer service and care to your clients. But I'll wager that you haven't heard how you can use the ABC(3) model of customer service to deliver on "above and beyond." The C(3) or "C to the third power" part of the model gives you three ways to deliver on above and beyond. Perhaps you're new to the service industry. Or maybe you've spent years delighting and thrilling customers. Somewhere along your journey, you've read or heard the phrase go "above and beyond." Here are three perspectives to consider when...
Great Teams Deliver
Roger Wolkoff | June 25, 2019
Roger Wolkoff You walk into the nearly completed grand ballroom. In one corner, you see a massive stack of yellow and orange pillows for the new guest rooms. Next to the pillows are the sleek glass and steel work desks you selected for the business center. You make your way over to the corner window opening where yet another forklift of furniture and carpeting makes its way into the building. "All hands on deck" is the mantra for you and your team. Everyone is available and ready to help - front desk clerks, facilities, sales, marketing, even the hotel manager. Everyone is on hand to put chairs in place, set up end tables, stock bathroo...
The “No Problem” Problem
Roger Wolkoff | June 5, 2019
By Roger Wolkoff I walk into the hotel, wheeling my luggage and briefcase behind me. I am taken aback by the spacious and open modern lobby. I approach the front desk, and Carlos greets me with a smile. We have a friendly exchange - how are you doing, did you have a good flight, how do you like our city - that kind of thing. I ask for a restaurant recommendation for dinner, and he tells me about a fascinating off-the-beaten-path bistro that has excellent reviews. I thank him, and he says, "No problem." And there it is. Hanging like a lead balloon. No problem. What's the problem with "no problem?" It's an inhe...
