Working from coffee shops is nothing new, it is slowly
become a norm (for me) with everyone, not just millennials and geeks 😊.
An adventure bug bit this year and I cannot get enough of trying out new joints
that I can work from (great for creativity) and enjoy my cuppa caffeine.
I have had my fair share of coffee shop hopping. I could write
a book from the experience, maybe I will. One thing however that I have noticed
is the familiarity that slowly creeps in in the coffee shop where I have become
a regular. Now this is a two-sided coin, it has its good and bad.
Let’s look at the bad.
In one of my regular joint, a supervisor came up to where I
was seated, peeped on my machine to see what I was doing and asked if I am
about done. I will ignore his nosy behavior because the words that come from his
mouth are more annoying. I asked if there was a problem. He explained how a
lady who is also a regular wanted my seat because of the view, and she couldn’t
share my table because Greyson was taking up too much space. (Yes, he went
there, called my baby fat! The audacity! But I will not get into that seeing I
am now seething with anger). He added that I had been there from 1100hrs. I don’t
know what to feel at this point, because, I have been in the exact same
situation in the same joint. It was the reason why I decided to never come back
again. So here I was, looking at a supervisor who is seemingly doing his job (well
from where he stands) and in doing that making me feel some sort of way. I should
probably add, that the place was NOT full and they have more room upstairs that
can take up to 30 people.
Now! PAUSE.
This kind of familiarity irks!
My assumption is because he has seen me several times before,
he thinks that I will not read much into his queer conversation. I ask for the
bill and start packing up my earthly possession. Making a mental note to stop acting
insane (going back to a place that I have experienced horrible customer
service). All this while I am smiling, because composure must be maintained. He
goes ahead to say how he is not chasing me out since I am a client too and the
lady has already gotten another place to seat.
I look at him and explain how the plan was to meet up with
other guys for lunch and get some work done whilst doing that. He now wants to
help me unpack.
Supervisor: Madame. Wewe ni kama any other client. I was just
trying to let you know, you should let us know your plans when you come in.
unajua ni lunch time na watu wengi wanapenda hapa umekaa.
Ice : (clenching teeth to suppress a full blown outburst) It
is okay. You I can let you have your table.
Supervisor: Kaa tu chini, endelea na kazi yako madam. Pole kama
nimesema kitu mbaya.
Ice : (Deep breath. Smiles)
He walks away.
All that is in me screams to get out, but today I woke on
the patience and tolerance side of bed. So despite my better judgement I stay, have
lunch, and meet up with my friends.
This instance opens the flood gate to all the horrible customer
experiences I have personally experienced. More often than not I NEVER go back to
those service providers or places. (I still don't know why I come back here) Sometimes I make it a personal goal to tell as many
people as I can to be weary of them, to take their services or goods with a pinch
of salt.
During a conversation I had with another friend she talked
about how customer service lacks in most of the businesses she’s dealt with.
She understands how pivotal this department is and she loathes the lack of professionalism
that encompasses the field.
All this leads me to this one question – As a businessperson,
is your customer relation airtight? Are your clients happy with your services?
Would they recommend you to someone?
Do you genuinely care about your customers?
