Working for the Tip

It must be the only hotel in New York City, nay, the world, that doesn’t have automatic doors.

But wait! It does have a doorman. Seems friendly enough when you pull up in a cab. Offers to take your bag.

But if you dare to reject his offer to carry your bag into the lobby… he lets you get the door yourself.

Or perhaps you’ve been waited on by an ultra-helpful server at your favorite restaurant… But when she realizes 

you’re just in the mood for a salad (Read that as: Small bill = small tip), she’s suddenly nowhere to be found.

Some people make it all too clear that they’re only in it for the money.

Those people leave a bad taste in my mouth.

The NYC hotel I mentioned earlier? It was beautiful. And my room was comfortable. But what I remember most is the doorman who wouldn’t hold the door for me. Remembering that, I don’t want to stay there again. Nor would I recommend it to a friend.

On the flip side. My husband and I were apartment hunting a few weeks ago. One of the leasing agents we spoke to asked us where else we were looking. Then she went through our list of places with us, giving her opinions on each neighborhood. She was honest and thorough, and when we left she told us to call her if we had any questions at all - about the city, about anything - whether or not we ended up leasing through her.

We didn’t end up renting from her - the location wasn’t right and the apartment wasn’t exactly what we were looking for. But I won’t forget how friendly and helpful she was, and I will happily refer people to her.

I think it comes down to building relationships. Showing your client - or prospect - that you actually care about solving her problem or making her life better in some way.

If you do so, you won’t have to worry about getting business… or a nice fat tip. The money will come to you.