Happy first day of the 2020 Rally!
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is shaping up to be as big of a year as ever. One look down Junction, Lazelle, or Main shows that visitors are coming in spite of social and political climates. I believe that it is our great honor to welcome them and show them our famous Sturgis hospitality, allow them to enjoy themselves for a week or two, and send them home in better mental and physical health to help cope with trying times.
To better serve our guests, I've prepared a shortlist of hospitality reminders to put our best foot forward this Rally:
- Greet with a smile - This is the oldest rule in the book. Even after long days and tough nights working this Rally, be sure to greet all guests with a smile! They will remember it, appreciate it, and come back for more business in the future.
- Remember names - One of the most stand-out ways to make a positive impression is by simply asking for and remembering your customers' names. It builds an instant sense of trust and sets a positive tone for your interactions.
- If you can't provide it, find someone who can! - I learned this trick a long time ago; even if you don't sell something a customer is looking for, try to find contact information or even acquire it for them from someone who does. It won't make you money right away, but the chances of them walking into your store again and spending money with you in the future are very high, thanks to your above-and-beyond service.
- Respect social distancing and personal choices - We all have our own opinions on social distancing, masks, and other measures being taken. Regardless of where you stand, make sure you respect each person's choice and interact with them keeping their preferences in mind.
- Treat visitors like neighbors - No matter where they come from, what their views are, or how they approach you, treat each visitor as a friend or neighbor. Sometimes a bad day is just looking to be turned around. This applies to our hard-working employees and supervisors as well.
- Practice patience - Whether it's standing in line at the Post Office, waiting for traffic at a temporary stop sign, or just trying to get your daily cup of coffee, remember that patience is a virtue! Practicing patience just a little bit could very well prevent a collision or help out a stressed employee.
- Give referrals - If a business or vendor is doing a great job, send some customers their way! This helps out the business that has been trying so hard, and it could very well bring you some referrals in return if you run a business yourself. Not to mention, giving a visitor a reliable referral helps eliminate stress in an already stressful environment away from home.
- Be honest and trustworthy - This one is basic but essential. Always do business and communicate with the Golden Rule in mind - "Treat others the way you would want to be treated."
That's all for this week! I hope you take these reminders to heart, share them with your staff, and give our visitors the best vacation they've ever had.
Sincerely,
Veronica Grosek
Executive Director
Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau