Pickles & Fish

We have all heard, read or participated in the ‘Fish Philosophy’ for customer service and business in general. The other day I had the opportunity to learn of another great customer service philosophy called “Just Give’em the Pickle!” by Bob Farrell. The Pickle Principal is about doing what is right for the customer; taking a negative situation and making it positive and going the extra mile for the customer.

Combine that with the Fish Philosophy we are all so familiarly with; Play, Make Their Day, Be There, and Choose Your Attitude. Image what kind of business and customers we would have if we took the time to really build upon these tools! Keeping customer service in perspective is the key to any business.


Here are some great tips on Customer Service:

1) Maintain a Positive Attitude: You are responsible and have the ability to choose your responses to people; accept you have a choice and act on it.
2) Monitor Our Self-Talk: Listen to that internal voice ‘self-talk’, sometimes it is warning us or giving us direction; it is our personal coach so make it a positive influence.
3) Look Sharp: Research shows that attractively and nicely groomed individuals are evaluated more positively by customers. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat right to always look your best for you and your customers. It also leads to a healthy and positive attitude!
4) Make eye contact and smile; even if you’re not in the mood to be positive and show a good appearance, your customers will sometimes bring that avenue to you.
5) Be knowledgeable about your products and industry and give assurances that if you don’t know the answer, then you’ll be glad to find it out for the customer.
6) If you have a lot of repeat customers, remember their name and use it often. This builds credibility and trust with your customer.

Bottom Line: Maintaining professionalism is the key to success; having fun, being happy and doing what you want in your life will bring the positive to you every time!

The deepest principle of human nature is the desire to be appreciated.
-William James