That Starbuck’s Aura

I stopped at the Starbuck’s near my home this morning to buy a couple of bags of coffee– a bag of decaf espresso roast (for my espresso machine), and decaf Sumatra blend (a strong, earthy blend I love to make in my French press). I asked the barrista to grind them for me, the espresso bag for an espresso machine (a fine grind) and the Sumatra for a French press (a coarser grind).

As he cheerfully did this, I struck up a conversation with the female barrista. She asked me if I wanted a cup to hold me over until I got home, and she had the most awesome smile as she said this! Her teeth glistened and her eyes twinkled joyously. I told her that I could wait until I got home, but thanked her anyway. Somehow, she caught a tiny non-verbal cue in my face and said, “Hmm, I just saw a moment of hesitation there. Did you know that when you buy two bags of coffee, you’re entitled to a free Tall?” That awesome smile again!

I chuckled and said, “Alright, give me a Tall decaf!” As she did, the Barrista grinding my coffee smiled and softly chuckled.

I told her that I teach sales and that her ability to pick up that little non-verbal was awesome!

If I were a contractor, I would have handed her my special contractor’s business card.  On the front would be my company name, logo, contact info, etc. but on the back is a simple statement: “I really am impressed with your sales skills. If ever you wish to change employers, please call me. I will always make room for talent like yours.”

The girl probably doesn’t know beans about air conditioning. She can be taught that.

But she has that special ability to read a customer that I find in only maybe 1 in 100 sales people today. She has a great future ahead of her!