LESSON FROM A VEGETABLE VENDOR.
Today, I strolled through the market, seeking to buy some essentials. A woman’s stall of fresh vegetables caught my eye. From a distance, the woman looked up from her work and smiled at me, as if she recognized me. I approached the stall, picked up two small assortments of vegetables, and we began to haggle over the price, trying to stay within my budget. After some negotiation, I found the price too high and decided to leave without buying. Later, after purchasing other items, I decided to return to her stall for the vegetables I had previously priced.
As I approached the stall again, she spotted me, recognized me, and smiled warmly. “Welcome back!” she said. Her smile and words provided me with a sense of relief. I told her, “Your price is not fair, and there are others that are cheaper.” She explained why her prices were set that way, and I ended up buying the vegetables. She appreciated my return, which meant a lot to me
THE IMPACT OF HER SMILE
While the vegetable seller’s price was not the lowest, her genuine smile and personal touch made the transaction feel more like a friendly exchange than a mere business deal. Her smile left a lasting impression. She didn’t take my initial leaving personal, she didn’t insult or abuse me for leaving and didn’t take my return for granted, unlike some other traders.
ADVICE TO BUSINESS OWNERS
She taught me a valuable lesson: despite inflation and economic challenges, we should not let these issues affect our emotions.
We are in a country (Nigeria) where the economy has taken a harsh turn. Market prices are shocking, traders are angry and many people are burdened by recent financial struggles.
In a country facing economic difficulties, your smile and words can become a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding everyone that compassion can bridge even the toughest times. Bitterness or anger towards clients or customers will not make you richer; it will only make you less appealing, as my husband always says. A smile and a helping hand can make a significant difference.
In the business realm, the way we communicate with our customers can influence their perceptions. Your aggressive words or anger toward them can be detrimental, not only damaging relationships but also harming the long-term success of your business.
(Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bible.kingjamesbiblelite
Remember, we need one another to grow our businesses. Our price may not be the most favourable, but our words can encourage people to return.
EFFECT OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER
I recently read that chronic bitterness and anger can contribute to health issues such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. So, don’t let business challenges or economic crises affect your well-being.https://dailypastor.com/the-danger-of-bitterness/
Written and illustrated by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi
Here’s a thoughtful reply you can post in response to the story:
Thank you for sharing this insightful story, Omolola. The lesson from the vegetable vendor is a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy can have a profound impact, even in the most challenging economic times. The way she treated you with warmth and understanding, despite the circumstances, highlights the importance of maintaining positive relationships with customers. In a world where prices are fluctuating and financial pressures are mounting, your advice to business owners is especially relevant. A simple smile or a kind word can indeed make all the difference, fostering loyalty and creating lasting connections.
This story also serves as a great example of how emotional intelligence can play a critical role in business success. The vegetable vendor’s approach not only encouraged you to return but also left a lasting positive impression. As we navigate these tough economic times, it’s essential to remember that our attitude and behavior toward others can influence both our personal well-being and our business outcomes.
Thank you again for this beautiful reflection. It’s a timely reminder for us all to approach our daily interactions with compassion and grace.
Waooooohhhh.. Thank you very much ma thank you for your encouragement
Thank you for sharing this insightful story, Omolola. The lesson from the vegetable vendor is a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy can have a profound impact, even in the most challenging economic times. The way she treated you with warmth and understanding, despite the circumstances, highlights the importance of maintaining positive relationships with customers. In a world where prices are fluctuating and financial pressures are mounting, your advice to business owners is especially relevant. A simple smile or a kind word can indeed make all the difference, fostering loyalty and creating lasting connections.
This story also serves as a great example of how emotional intelligence can play a critical role in business success. The vegetable vendor’s approach not only encouraged you to return but also left a lasting positive impression. As we navigate these tough economic times, it’s essential to remember that our attitude and behavior toward others can influence both our personal well-being and our business outcomes.
Thank you again for this beautiful reflection. It’s a timely reminder for us all to approach our daily interactions with compassion and grace.