Monday, May 12, 2014

The Tension And Lesson Of Retail

As I’ve shared with you in several posts throughout these past 6 ½ years, I love my job, I really do.

However, like with any job there are certain aspects that can produce tension; causing a bit of kill-joy. And yet, it’s a constant reminder to me that I need to focus on what it is I’m there to do, which is to service the customers with knowledge, integrity, and yes, even humor and lightheartedness. Because it’s not something as serious and mandatory as hearts, lungs, and kidneys that I’m selling, it’s cosmetics and perfumes for god's sake.

In the type of retail industry that I work, as it is with most businesses, it’s all about the dollars you produce.

We have a saying in this industry that goes, “You’re only as good as your last dollar.”

Because for every successful season you attain, you will be praised, worshiped, and held up to the warm sun. But heaven forbid you don’t match and surpass what you did the following season, because abruptly that warmth and praise turns into an icy coldness that trickles down from high above in the corporate offices.

This industry can run the extremes of hot and cold in the blink of an eye.

It can be very cut-throat, competitive and quite heartless, which is why someone who is in this industry needs to have a strong sense of self, knowing that they’re doing the best they can; ignoring the negative stimulus because it can bring you down by worrying about the outcome of a season and not focusing on the present moment and your enjoyment of the job.

This season I have some very high numbers to exceed from last year. And with the economy the way that it is, every year gets more and more challenging to exceed.

But I decided to do something last week by keeping a close watch on my attitude.

Instead of going into work and worrying about whether or not I was going to make my goal, I made it my goal to go into work and have fun. I went into work every day with the attitude that I was not there to get anything from the customers, I was there to give of myself to the customers.

I also decided to remember why I love my job so much and focus on what it was that drew me into this industry in the first place. Which is a passion for what it is that I sell, and the enjoyment I feel by giving good customer service.

And guess what?

I made my goal.

And not only did I make my goal, but I also enjoyed doing it.

I learned something very important this season, which is something I sometimes forget.

It’s not that I’m only as good as my last dollar, it’s I’m only as good as my attitude and outlook.

I can’t control the economy or whether a customer purchases something from me, but what I can control is my perception.

What I give out will eventually come back to me if my attitude is in the right place.

However, even if I didn’t achieve my goal last week, I sincerely know in my heart that I gave it my best.

And served my purpose.

Have a SUPER Monday, peeps!

*note: I have an early morning appointment today, so I will be responding to comments and visiting your faaaaaabulous blogs this afternoon. Thank you for your patience and understanding...x