They’ve popped up everywhere in the last ten years……..The Greeter. They have them at the bank, retailers, hospitals, and meetings/events. 
In concept I like the idea – except of course when you’re in a line thinking to yourself that person who is smiling and saying hello could actually be moving this line along and getting me on my merry way.
I think the Greeter should be called The Player or The Funner. Or heck, the RECESSitator! For example, last night I walked into a Brookstone store. There he was, The Greeter. Brookstone has some cool gadgets and toys. Why isn’t The Greeter playing with one of the products? Asking me to play too?
And then there’s the bank. Some banks now offer coffee and cookies to their customers. What if The Greeter was wearing a white glove, had a towel over his or her arm and had some of those cookies on a silver platter (you can get one at the $1 store – which doesn’t have a greeter). What is the bank worried about; their image? I think your images have already been “tarnished.” And let’s be real….no one really likes the bank.
Why does The Greeter look so bored and unhappy. Probably because he or she was told to go stand by the door and greet people. Maybe the order should be to stand by the door and have fun with people. It would make for a bettter employee experience. It might even make for a better customer experience. Perhaps even higher sales?
Comments 4
Rich.
Right on. 100% correct in my opinion.
Excellent observation and commentary.
i hope that a few business owners who employ GREETERS, read your piece and take note.
Well done.
Your faithful Grand Poobah of Smiles
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I left a Corp. after 30 years of hard work.
I became a greeter at a furniture store. I’m not bored or unhappy.
I get swore at, told to lose weight, pitied.
I feet and back hurt so bad from all the prior lifting and walking all day. A greeter is different than you thought huh?
Now what do you have to say?
I write poems and read books in between getting name calling.
Have a nice day.
Marsha
Author
Marsha,
Meanness is inexcusable; and the fact that your employer does nothing to ask those mean customers to leave is horrific. If you were my employee I’d have your back.,
I’d find a new place to work where your poems could be used for good as people walk thru the doors. What a great beginning to the customer experience you could bring to the right company. I hope you find one another.