Nfl Serving Trays

How I Learned a Million Dollar Lesson for Only $6 Bucks!

As I was having lunch last week, my cell phone was ringing off the hook.  Before it started to ring, though, I ducked into a Taco Bell to grab a quick lunch.  I was starving and was having lunch late as it is.  As the crew member behind the counter gave me my tray of food, it that was right at the same time that all the voice mails that I left earlier that day started to be returned.

Ok, I thought, looks like lunch can wait a little longer.  However, I didn't take the calls because I had to.  I took them because I wanted to.  The people calling me back were calling back on some very important issues, and I didn't want them or I to wait another minute to discuss them.

When it comes to your business or service, have you ever felt that way?  Like you must answer that phone right now?  Well, personally, most times I'll just eat my lunch and return my calls later.  Today that was not to be, and the result is a large part of the rest of this article.

When I was on the phone, instead of looking down at my food, which would only make me more hungry, I was looking around the restaurant.  I saw soda machines, I saw people sitting down and eating, afraid to make eye contact with anyone.  I saw the hanging signs that were marketing the latest concoction that could be loosely translated into Mexican food.  Thus far, nothing remarkable.  Just another lunch at another Taco Bell, nothing to see here.

How untrue that turned out to be!  See, I had a glimpse of my million dollar lesson when I ordered my food, but I didn't realize it yet.  It wasn't until I kept looking around and observing the space around me.  Then, I was able to put it all together with what I experienced when I ordered my food.

Combining the two have created a million dollar lesson that I would like to share with you.  So, let me start from the beginning of the lesson.

We already established that I was pretty hungry and late for lunch.  So, as I walk up the counter, a very large man, probaly tall enough to play any one of the more physical sports you care to name, greets me with the biggest smile I'd seen in weeks. In a very genuine and sincere tone, he welcomes me to Taco Bell and asks what he can get for me.

Now, a smiling welcome and the obligatory asking what someone behind the counter can get for me is not usually remarkable.  Except for two things. One, he said it with such sincerity, it seemed like it was his first day on the job and he was just so happy to be there.  Translation: Enthusiasm!

Two, he gave the people before me, and the people after me, the same heartfelt sincere greeting.  Translation: Consistency!

As my order was ready and he gave me my food, I was already on the phone.  So, I grabbed my lunch and sat at a table where I could see the order counter.

As I talked, not many customers walked in. However, an elder man walked in with a cane and leaned on the rail.  As the crew member greeted him in the consistently sincere style, the gentleman let him know that he was still browsing the menu.  When the elder gentleman was ready to order, he placed his order and accepted his drink cup from the crew member.

What happened next really impressed the heck out of me.  The crew member, seeing that this gentleman had a cane suggested that the elder gentleman get his drink and have a seat anywhere he liked.  The crew member then said that he would personally bring the elder gentleman's meal.

Again, this may not be remarkable to most, as many of may (or may not, from what I've seen lately) open a door for someone, or do something helpful of some sort.  But then, I put all the pieces together.

Here's my analysis, for everything I witnessed while at lunch at Taco Bell.

As I think about the various fast food restaurants, Taco Bell rarely stands out as a "heckuva" place to receive great food and great service.  This is not to bash Taco Bell,  and the fact remains that most people don't go there for the warm smiles and friendly greetings.  Especially when their main slogan has to do with a "4th Meal", which usually comes aftera  night of some kind of partying.

So, in putting all this together, I wanted to highlight a few things with my analysis:

1. The person behind the counter was big enough to probably walk on to any NFL training camp and at least get a shot at trying out.  Therefore, he didn't have to be nice.
2. The person behind the counter was treating everyone with the same genuine "glad to see you!" demeanor, creating a very infectious atmosphere.  This is written about extensively in How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.  The foremost expert on human relations and public speaking.
3. By doing those two things, I was both glad I chose to eat there and glad to part with my money, which was, by the way, about $6 Bucks.
4. The person behind the counter didn't have to offer to take the elder gentleman his tray, but he did so anyway.  There are no posted policies requiring such behavior; therefore his actions were true and from the heart, with no hidden agenda.
5. The person behind the counter was most likely not making more than $9 or $10 per hour, maybe even less.  However, his attitude, enthusiasm, consistency, and outward gratitude to be there and serving his customers made him worth a whole heck of a lot more than whatever his rate of pay may happen to be. Most of all, he made me feel like a million bucks, even if wasn't making a million bucks.
6. The crew member I witnessed that day last week, taught me a million dollar lesson, and the price of admission was my $6 combo meal, which allowed me to sit down and enjoy the lesson that was brought right before my very eyes.
7. If that crew member were to continue every single day the way he did that way, he will undoubtedly become a millionaire himself.  Simply because the service and gratitude on a level of his is both rare, and very contagious.

Think about your business for a moment. If you and your staff conveyed sincerity, service, gratitude, humility, and enthusiasm, would your customers or clients ever have a problem giving you their money?  Well, I wonder how much better that Taco Bell is doing by having that man on their team, working for a real bargain, and making everyone feel special and welcome.

If my $6 helped me learn a million dollar lesson, and you learned a similar one for free simply by reading this, then hopefully we are well on our way to a success bigger than just money.

Thanks for reading and for doing something positive today.

About the Author

Jay Medina has over 20 years experience in the Information Technology industry. He has held positions with prominent companies such as America Online and has consulted for organizations such as Aaron Spelling Entertainment and the J. Paul Getty Trust.

As part of Jay's business experience, he has started two technology consulting firms of his own, and made them rather successful by holding to the simple premise of being willing to serve others.

Currently, Jay is a technology consultant for an international consulting firm that is a joint venture between Microsoft and Accenture, and he runs an online magazine called HelpfulAdvisor.com.

Jay's goal for HelpfulAdvisor.com is to be a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses to get the kind of information, advice, and services that are usually hard to come by for start-up businesses with very little capital.

You can get more free articles, software, and information at http://www.HelpfulAdvisor.com

Indianapolis Colts Serving Trays $22.4 Indianapolis Colts Serving Trays Indianapolis Colts Serving Trays

Jacksonville Jaguars Serving Trays $22.4 Jacksonville Jaguars Serving Trays Jacksonville Jaguars Serving Trays

Siskiyou Gifts FSTR100 NFL Serving Tray New York Jets $35.1 The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5 x 19 .

Chicago Bears Serving Tray $19.95 The Chicago Bears NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Cleveland Browns Serving Tray $19.95 The Cleveland Browns NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Arizona Cardinals Serving Tray $19.95 The Arizona Cardinals NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Indianapolis Colts Serving Tray $19.95 The Indianapolis Colts NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Atlanta Falcons Serving Tray $19.95 The Atlanta Falcons NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Oakland Raiders Serving Tray $19.95 The Oakland Raiders NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Pittsburgh Steelers Serving Tray $19.95 The Pittsburgh Steelers NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Minnesota Vikings Serving Tray $19.95 The Minnesota Vikings NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Carolina Panthers Serving Tray $19.95 The Carolina Panthers NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Jacksonville Jaguars Serving Tray $19.95 The Jacksonville Jaguars NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Butterfly Plastic Serving Trays $4.99 3pc Summer Serving Trays: Make a big impression at your next get-together. Serve guests from a set of 3 colorful trays that are a butterfly shape. The trays are just right for fresh fruit, veggies, chips and dips and more. Contains a total of 5 sections on each for you to fill as you please! Plastic. Hand wash. 16 1/4"L x 14 1/4"W x 1 1/4"H. Includes one each of Red, Yellow, and Green.

Siskiyou Gifts FSTR055 NFL Serving Tray Dallas Cowboys $35.1 The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5 x 19 . Minimum order of 6 of any serving tray style. Drop ship fee is 5.00 for this item.

Siskiyou Gifts FSTR020 NFL Serving Tray Denver Broncos $35.1 The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5 x 19 . Minimum order of 6 of any serving tray style. Drop ship fee is 5.00 for this item.

Siskiyou Gifts FSTR005 NFL Serving Tray Chicago Bears $35.1 The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5 x 19 . Minimum order of 6 of any serving tray style. Drop ship fee is 5.00 for this item.

Siskiyou Gifts FSTR075 NFL Serving Tray San Francisco 49ers $35.1 The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5 x 19 . Minimum order of 6 of any serving tray style. Drop ship fee is 5.00 for this item.

Tropical Floral Serving Trays $11.99 Serve your guests up in style with these lush floral serving trays made of 100% unbreakable melamine– perfect for outdoor use. Dishwasher safe, top rack only. Large tray measures 16 3/4"L x 10 1/4"W and small is 15"L x 9 1/4"W.

Philadelphia Eagles Serving Tray $26.95 Philadelphia Eagles Serving Tray The NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19". Minimum order of 6 of any serving tray style. Dropship fee is $5.00 for this item.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Serving Tray $19.95 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

San Diego Chargers Serving Tray $19.95 The San Diego Chargers NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Kansas City Chiefs Serving Tray $19.95 The Kansas City Chiefs NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

New York Jets Serving Tray $19.95 The New York Jets NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Green Bay Packers Serving Tray $19.95 The Green Bay Packers NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

St. Louis Rams Serving Tray $19.95 The St. Louis Rams NFL serving trays are crafted of heavy duty Melamine and are perfect for use in the kitchen or outdoors while grilling or tailgating. 11.5" x 19".

Calliope Serving Trays, Set of Two $124 -Simple yet sophisticated set of 2 serving trays -Dimensions: 1.9-2.4"h x 13 - 15.75"w x 20 - 24" -Materials: 60% Plywood, 40% Lacquer

Combo Serving Trays (250 per case) $64.99 These sturdy and colorful Combo Serving Trays are a necessity for any concession stand. These Combo Serving Trays feature a separate compartment for a drink, food and a candy bar.� 250 Per Case.

4 Bamboo Serving Trays $49.95 This beautiful bamboo serving tray is a must-have in every kitchen for offering your guest appetizers and beverages at your next party. Made from a natural beauty cross grain patterns honey colored bamboo. the bamboo serving tray is lightweight, yet durable and easy to handle. Bamboo is one of the most renewable material in the world, a environmentally friendly choice. Bamboo is resistant to moisture to prevent swelling and shrinking. Bamboo is 16% harder than Maple. Color: Beige

Palm Leaf Serving Trays $7.95 Spice up the Luau Party with Festive Tableware! Since no luau party is complete until everything is Hawaiian, don't forget the tableware! A dozen dishes per package. Palm tree leaf shaped tray. 12" long, 7 1/4" wide and 1 1/2" deep. Made of plastic. A must have Hawaiian accessory for tropical theme events like Hawaiian Luaus, corporate parties, weddings, and more. Part of Tableware > Serving Dishes

Set of 2 Casa Cristina Serving Trays in Antique Copper Finish $177.6 Set of 2 Casa Cristina Serving Trays in Antique Copper Finish

Teak Outdoor Serving Trays, Set of Three $196 -Solid teak three-set serving trays. -Grade A teakwood -Dimension 18L x 11W x 3H (the largest size of the three)

Set of 3 Wooden Serving Trays. $12.99 This set of 3 wooden serving trays is ideal for a variety of uses. 3 sizes suits a whole range of needs. Raised sides help keep your items steady and prevent accidents. Set of 3.Pine wood with medium density fibreboard. Large tray size L40, W30cm.Medium tray size L38, W28cm.Small tray size L36, W26cm.

Square Bamboo Serving Trays (Set of 2) $67.34 Serve in style with these lovely bamboo serving trays. These trays are good for all fruits and vegetables, crackers, cheeses and breads. Materials: BambooSet of twoStylish serving trays Dimensions: 12.75 inches wide x 12.75 inches long x 1.75 inches deep

Set of 3 Cork Grapevine Inlay Decorative Nested Serving Trays $59.99 Cork Grapevine Serving TraysItem #651780Features 3 serving trays with decorative cork grapevine design inlaysIncludes hand slits for portable serving Trays nest for convenient storageDimensions: 19"L x 11"W x 1.5"HMaterial(s): fibreboardSet includes 3 trays pictured Type: Serving Pieces

Starfish Chip And Dip Serving Trays Set of 2 $12.99 Perfect for chips and dip, these starfish serving trays are made of colorful, lightweight plastic. Dishwasher safe. Includes one blue and one fuchsia. 14 1/2" x 13 3/4" x 2 3/4"H.

Patna Mirrored Serving Trays, Set of Two $322 -Set of Two Matching Mango Wood and Mirror Serving Trays in Graduated Sizes -Dimensions: 2.75-3.5"h x 15-17.75"d -Materials: 80% mango wood, 15% mirror, 5% MDF

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 10th, 2005 at 3:59 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.