Customer service is hard. On one hand, it’s about listening and empathy. But that ultimately doesn’t make a customer’s life better.On the other hand, it’s about outcomes. Did the customer get what they want? Yes? Then you’re good.On another hand, it’s about the extra mile. Listening and solve the customer’s problem and then adding a little bit more because you can. I live for that third hand — if we could just give a little more, what would it be?Magis.
I work with a team largely based in the Philippines.There are differences between how I operate and how my team operates. Is that cultural? Or are we just different people? I’ve traveled the world. I think I’ve learned that people are more or less the same — we all want someone to believe in us and be our fan. My team in the Philippines, they want to be believed in the way I want to be believed in. We’re similar like that. What’s different is not who or what we are, it’s how we are. For instance, when. I grew up I used a knife and fork. Now I use a spoon and fork to eat. Why? I watched how friends from Philippines and Indonesia ate, and now I eat how they eat. Another example. How I communicate needs and priorities may not be as nuanced as my team in the Philippines. What we need to communicate is the same, how we do it is different. I don’t believe how we do things is a result of who or what we are or need. Instead, I see it as the difference between how a group of people do things. If you want to get to know a people — group, team, family, friends in another country — watch and listen to how things are done.
The more and more I realize I don’t have it. I’m okay with that. I quite like it.How has life shown you that you know so much less than you thought? How was that experience for you?
A belief about beliefs: the most important part about a belief is not the belief, but the willingness to change the belief. My loose thinking is that a belief is only as good as it’s ability to evolve. How often are we willing to allow our beliefs to evolve? How would the world look if more people were willing to let go of closely held ideas? For the record: this belief is only held close enough to give me some sense of security, but loose enough that I can let it go if needed.
It occurred to me that many people obsess over their time. No time for this, no time for that… it also occurred to me that once we die, time no longer exists. Why obsess over something that loses its meaning once we lose our existence? It may be healthier to obsess over how we serve more and better while finding balance and peace.
Closing your eyes and getting your mind to a totally blank slate… it feels great; like I took a nap. I tried to be aware of the thoughts in my head. I only heard myself “listening.”
I have lots of gigs tomorrow. Is tonight the right night to stay up late and eat like crap? No. Today is for rest, de-stress, good and quality food. Today is for sleep. It’s for preparing my mind and my body for what will come tomorrow. Screwing over David from Tomorrow doesn’t sound like a good idea.
There is nothing better than being at the same space and at the same time with someone.
When artists create art, they hope to sell that art. In order to sell the art, they need to find a market. How does one make a market?Too often I see artists say “hey, I made this thing, buy it.” But if consumers of art don’t know that you exist or that they have a problem that the artist’s art solves, why would they buy?Instead, I think artists should start by asking: who would want to buy art I make?I suggest they create a blog and advertise it. Get people to subscribe for free. Then, share your vision to those subscribers. When the art is ready to ship, you now have an engaged audience you can sell to.This idea doesn’t have to be only for artists. Anybody who has an idea they need to ship, can do it. All that is required is the effort and grit to find people who will care, and serve them.
I made a chicken soup.Whole chickenChayotePotatoCarrotCulantroSweet red pepperOnionThat’s it. I barely added salt.I don’t know what it is… but that combination of flavors melts away stress, coughs, and drains my sinuses well. Is it the soup? Or is it the nostalgia of chicken soup when you’re sick? Sometimes art has that effect. It’s not the form or the piece, but it’s the nostalgia that makes all the difference.