Back in the early 2000s, I worked as a waiter at TGIF.
This is where I stumbled upon one of the most valuable sales lessons: the significance of compassion.
Before this, I never would've imagined I’d have to endure a grueling 42-day training program. That’s 42 days of memorizing the menu, the ingredients, the cocktails, the acceptable behaviors, upselling, cross-selling, and effective conflict resolution.
All for the promise of a tip. Because as it turns out, $1 per hour can only go as far as the occasional bag of groceries.
So I learned to read people - an invaluable skill in my profession today, but indispensable in food service.
Here’s how that played out:
When my guests were a family, I took their load off for a while to entertain their kids and give them cherries.
For the elderly, I was a willing listener that allowed them to reminisce about their past.
If my guests were a young couple on their first date, I sent them a complimentary scoop of ice cream that helped break the ice.
Good service + empathy = a tip.
What’s the most important skill you learned in your first job that you still use today?