I like to see this from businesses as well. Our local pet supply store is that way. It's part of a small national chain, and every time I walk in, whomever is working turns around and greets me. I don't know if this is something they are required to do by corporate or just locally, but it's just...nice.
I try to do this myself. As I'm out walking Shadow, I try to greet everyone I meet. People are often surprised, because it's not generally done up here in the north. But it's a great way of meeting people in our new neighborhood. In fact, the other day I randomly decided to stop in the small Haitian restaurant that just opened up around the corner. My intention was to just grab a menu, but when I walked in, the owner got up, came over and greeted me. After we exchanged a few pleasantries, he told me: "I don't have customers. I have friends"
That struck me. We'd never met before. He knew nothing about me. But he saw me as a friend, not a customer. And as you can imagine, it's a lot easier to lose a customer than it is to lose a friend.
That type of behavior doesn't cost a thing. Friendliness has no overhead. Friendliness doesn't require seminars and workshops. It just is. It's a part of the culture of your business or organization. And it's easy to be friendly both in person, and online. Extend your culture across platforms.
What's the ROI of friendly?
What's the ROI of a smile? What's the ROI of a pleasant greeting?
For Pets Supplies Plus it's me telling others about it, and returning as a customer.
For Caribbean Chez Nous, it's me telling others about it, and returning as a customer.
Being friendly isn't the be all of customer service, but it's a free and easy start. It's infectious, and travels well from top to bottom, as well as bottom to top. And don't just keep it within the confines of your business. Take it with you as you go out in public. You might just make some friends who might also become customers.
How is friendliness instilled within your business? Is it the norm when you and your employees deal with customers, or do you need to work on growing friendliness from within?