What ever happened to good PR? That's Public Relations with a capital "PR."
Politeness and good manners go a long way, and especially so in dealing with perspective customers.
Actually speaking, PR is an "art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public." Much success is measured by achieving such an art.
As my wise brother often quoted, "As apples of gold in silver carvings, so is a word spoken at the right time" (Proverbs 25:11.)
This is so true because that quality seems to be missing in our society. Sad to say, it was just lately that I was in a retail business with my husband, patiently awaiting our turn, when I simply did not believe my ears. The profanity was so bad I almost opted to write a searing letter to the home office. A foul mouth is totally uncalled-for and completely unacceptable behavior, especially in earshot of customers. In fact, if a person's vocabulary is so limited as to reverting to obscenities, why was that person ever hired in the first place? Is this a form of "customer harassment"?
Knowing of one of the individuals involved and realizing that loss of a job would be devastating to that family, I opted not to express my chagrin. But that was the last time I would enter that establishment.
On a positive note: It wasn't too long ago when my husband and I were lunching at one of our local restaurants. (What else do older folks enjoy but to eat out?)
This seems to be an era of penny-pinching with the economy the way it is. Older folks on fixed incomes gravitate to places with good quality, good service, getting their money's worth and good PR.
Conversely speaking: The business establishments are in the same economic money crunch.
To economize: The water glasses disappeared from the usual place settings. In many restaurants the place settings are only napkin wrapped silverware or without the wrap and just plopped on the table. We have to remember to ask for every little thing, be it just water or to inquire if the tea or coffee is included with the meal.
Back to our luncheon: Napkins are on the singular basis with each place setting so if you order anything requiring "fingers" you could have a problem. Our waitress was not only neat, well-groomed and polite but was discerning enough to supply me with extra napkins when I ordered the delicious, finger-lickin' barbecued chicken. Good PR deserved a good tip.
Accountability for our actions should be of serious concern. Don't you agree? What's that Bible quotation I love to use? "You reap what you sow!" Or as the farmer would say, "What goes around comes around." That's so true.
Years ago, in the 1950s, I was employed by one the leading department stores of that time.
It had strict codes, not only in dress and grooming, but also in behavior with the view to actually training their employees to progress in that "art" of PR.
To ensure a good reputation and excellence in the public's eye, there was a service that large retailers contracted. These were "shoppers," as we called them.
A variety of "everyday looking" individuals would enter the establishment, as customers, and make purchases. Each transaction was noted and graded. A thorough report was given.
Since some particular employees were of interest, these were observed closely and as said, "held accountable for their actions" either for promotion or going the other way.
The retail business, through the years, has changed. Some call it progress and some just would appreciate the old ways for an individual to be given the attention of being waited on.
Well, anyway, one biggie where us gals, and guys too, are concerned are clean restrooms. Personally speaking as a senior citizen and a "victim" of the hydrochlorothiazide Rx (the widely used water pill), I can honestly say that clean and tidy restrooms are greatly appreciated. This is where I shop and I know that many other shoppers feel the same way I do.
May I say, to voice my appreciation, thank you to those who practice good PR.
Elaine W. Kniskern is a 75-year-old resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of five.
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