“There is a difference between offering a service and being willing to serve. They may both include giving but only one is generous.” – Simon Senek (Author of Start With Why)

As a team, we are adapting a common mindset that we are indeed “willing to serve” with generosity (giving of our talents, kindness & attitudes) as we strive to provide remarkable experiences for every customer.  

Creating Customer Value with a Critical Eye on Opportunity

By Seth Godin

Here’s the thinking that leads just about every all-you-can-eat buffet to trend to mediocrity:

“Oh, don’t worry about how fresh the mashed potatoes are, after all, they’re free.”

Indeed, as far as the kitchen is concerned, each individual item on the buffet is ‘free’ in the sense that the customer didn’t spend anything extra to get that item.

The problem is obvious, of course. Once you start thinking that way, then every single item on the buffet gets pretty lousy, and the next thing you know, the customers you seek don’t come.

So, the hotel that says, “With this sort of volume… we do tend to encounter a slower pace with our free wireless internet,” has completely misunderstood how to think about the free internet they offer. It’s not free. In fact, it might be the one and only reason someone picked your $400 hotel room over that hotel down the street. Sure the hot water and the towels and the quiet room are all free in the sense that they’re included in the price, but no, they’re not free in the mind of the purchaser.

Successful organizations often beat the competition by turning the buffet problem upside down. “Let’s make these the best mashed potatoes in town–who knows, next time, that guy out front will bring his friends.”

The mashed potatoes aren’t free, the mashed potatoes, the wifi and everything else you do are an opportunity. The cheapest and most effective marketing you’ll do all year.

It is with much regret that we inform you that Shane Bryant’s mother, Ruth, passed away on December 25, 2013. Ms. Bryant was a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church and volunteered many years as a Little League Coach. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

Please remember Shane and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Shane is our Dock Maintenance Foreman in the Community Services Department.

Happy Birthday Teammates!

Best wishes for a wonderful birthday and a year filled with Happiness and Success. If you see any of our January birthday folks out and about please wish them a happy birthday!

January 2 – Ellen Jankowski – Recreation Center

January 8 – Artrina Freeman – River Grille

January 21 – Dashaun Sibert – River Grille

January 22 – Denesha Morgan – Administration

January 23 – Steven Baughman – Administration

January 24 – Joann Aufderheide – Recreation Center

January 29 – Miranda Moore – River Grille

January 30 – Richard Banks – Community Services

January 30 – Larry Dinkins – Administration

January 31 – William Nabors – Community Services