#951 Act as if you know everyone

Here is a quick one for today. A little something you can do that will surely bring a smile to people’s faces and help make their vapid job a little more exciting.

Pretend like you know everyone and that you are so happy to see them. Act as if they recognize you and they are happy to see you too. Usually someone in customer service will be wearing a name badge so a quick glance and then you can use their name too.

This is actually a little selfish because when you give to others it actually makes you feel good. Right? But I say since we are all interconnected and interdependent then it is ok. Plus with this little action of acting like you know everyone you can also use a little bonus tactic to get a little somethin somethin for you in return. So if you are still with me here is what I like to do:

Approach the hostess at the restaurant and with a big smile enthusiastically say, “Hello Lisa. So good to see you tonight. How are you this evening?” She will pause, smile and say she is doing great and will take you to a table.

(Do I really have to say this? Use her name. Not ‘Lisa’ unless of course her name is Lisa then by all means…)

Now here is where you get a little sneaky. She will take you to whatever table she has already planned to but at this point you have already scanned the restaurant and spotted an empty table you want to sit in. You can then say, “So Lisa, what is wrong with my usual table?” still sporting a big grin as you gently point toward the table of your choosing.

At this point Lisa will be a little concerned she does not remember you and that you seem to know everyone, maybe even her boss, but you have made her feel comfortable as you have her smiling so she should be happy to sit you where you like.

Sneaky? Yes. Is everyone smiling and happy? Yes. I say – Win / Win.

Try this sometime. It is kind of fun. Act as if you know everyone. Even if it is not with a restaurant hostess. You can do this with everyone. I like to do it with the cashier at the grocery store or merchandise shop. They can become so robotic scanning item after item. They love the attention and positive interaction.

So tell me, have you ever done this? Other than a restaurant where could you imagine this would be fun? Let me know in the comments. Would love to hear from you.

Bonus- Here is a little tip for you single guys and gals. This is actually a good way to practice flirting. I define flirting as saying something to or acting in such a way with a member of the opposite sex that would be creepy if said to a member of the same sex in a heterosexual environment. Here is what you do: Be super friendly and flirty with everyone. And I mean everyone, as long as it is appropriate. If you are flirty with everyone it will make it easier to be flirty when that super hot guy or gal shows up on your radar. Warning- Do not be overly friendly / flirty with the underage girl or the cashier while her manager is standing right there or with the girl with the guy on her arm. Everyone else is fair game. Even…I mean especially, that little old lady who checks your ticket as you leave Costco or Sam’s Club. Especially her.