In some ways this Lifestylist is a creature of habit. I'll try new things, but when I find something I love, I'll keep coming back for more. When I'm fortunate enough to fly through Buffalo, NY I immediately head to Ted's Charcoal Hots - I know I can expect a perfectly cooked hot dog grilled over a wood fire for under $3.00. In over 30 years they have not done me wrong. I stepped out of my comfort zone lately and tried their cheeseburgers and it was one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had, and again I think it was under $3.00.Since I live in Texas there's no chance of getting a Teds burger any time soon, but a few years ago Central Market would every once in awhile fire up a charcoal grill outside their Lover Lane location and served cooked to order burgers. They were awesome! Since it is a gourmet grocery store, they always served the best beef and fresh onions, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles to make it your own. This month they are hosting "Burger Revolution" and I was thrilled to see the grill was back in business. I went up there today just to spoil myself with one of their creations, and after placing my order and waiting 45 minutes, I realized I was going to be disappointed. The grill "master" clearly didn't have a clue what he was doing - he let the fire burn down and the burgers were raw, plus at 1 pm. they said they were out of pickles, onions, bacon... but you are sitting in front of a grocery store with a 20 ft. long sign advertising your burger revolution! I left burger-less, disappointed and hungry.
Last week I wanted to do something nice for my kids and grandkids so I decided to book a night at the Hilton Resort on Singer Island. I have expectations when I stay at a Hilton, and I'm willing to pay the price for the service that is promised. The location was fantastic, but when we checked into our room the phones and TV didn't work, the the bathroom had mold growing by the floor, the robe hook had been pulled out of the back of the door, and the clothesline to hang wet bathing suits on was broken as well - a problem when you have 4 people planning on enjoying the pool and beach. Will I go back? Probably not - I'll try out the Marriott that is a few doors down and hope I have a better experience. I also thought it was interesting how interested Hilton was in why you were booking at their hotel when you made your reservation but there was no follow-up to see how your stay was afterwards.
My clients have high expectations of the services and work that I do, and my first priority is to always live up to those expectations. And I'm not afraid to ask - if I don't I might lose a cherished customer because I didn't make the effort to show them I care about their business.
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