I have told my friends over the many years that if it looked sizeably efficient enough, I most definately would eat dirt. I think that comes from growing up in a home where you always cleaned your plate because, you guessed it, you were reminded daily that there we are starving kids in China that would love to have that food. I always wondered what my brussel sprouts would look like once they reached China!

Food might motivate! Let me share a couple of examples I have recently observed. I have an 11-month-old puppy that loves to go in the car. He especially likes to go through the drive-thru at McDonalds. Now I am sure that the reason is that it smells so grand and if he is a "workable boy" he might get something too. The first instant we went through the drive-thru, the young lady at the first window said, "heres some "cookies" for your puppy!" Wow! Zeke was thrilled and I was so impressed that she noticed him and recognized he was a puppy AND that she gave him a treat so that I wasnt giving him "everybody" food. What customer service! I really think there was a smile on his face and I certainly had a better feeling about McDonalds!

My second example comes from, of all things, a department store! I love department stores. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and as far back as I might remember, my most admired thing to do was to go downtown and stroll into the big department stores with my mom. You always got dressed up and if you were lucky, you got to eat like a "lady" in the restaurant in the store which was usually on one of the top floors of the building. My fondest memory, which sticks with me today, was the smell of the main floor of the department store. The sweet smell of perfume and contruct -up was heavenly. There were large crystal chandeliers hanging like clusters of diamonds and the marble floors we are buffed to perfection. I think that was when I learned that buying contruct -up was a shopping experience. To this day, I feel slightly intimidated by the ladies at the cosmetic counter. They always look perfect with their crisp uniforms and flawless make-up. I usually catch a glimpse of myself in one of those large mirrors on the counter and notice lines, and bags, and eyebrows that need plucked, and then they say, "May I help you?" Help? I think I positive need more than help! Usually when I calm down, I somehow realize that what is in those shiny black compacts and perfectly bottled "potions" will tighten, erase, and beautify even me! Now having said that, why would any cosmetic line choose to offer me FRENCH BREAD as a promotional merchandise and why would food motivate me to come to a department store to buy high priced cosmetics? Maybe its because its French bread and this cosmetic line has a French name and combining the two will transport my mind, and purse to Paris! Whatever the reason, women flock to the cosmetic counter to once again, buy promises of beauty and leave with a $2.50 loaf of slightly stale French bread!

Food motivates! Good merchandising techniques motivate as well.

What new techniques are you using to attract your customers? What motivates your customers? Do you even know? Have you tried something different and evaluated their reaction. Sometimes you have to be a little crazy to win the total focus of your customers. You also have to be crazy not to. Doggie cookies, French bread, free samples, what is it that you might do different in your business.
Customer accomadation isnt about furnishing the expected; its about providing the unexpected! Pass the butter!

Anne M. Obarski is the "Eye" on Performance. She is an author, speaker, trainer, and Executive Director of Merchandise Concepts, a Pittsburgh, PA- based business consulting service. Anne works with businesses and employees who want to serve, sell and communicate more effectively. She presents keynotes, workshops and seminars nationwide. Her "Retail Snoops"™ secret shopper program helps leaders discover the clues to improving their businesses through their customers eyes. Reach Anne at http://www.merchandiseconcepts.com or mailto:anne@merchandiseconcepts.com