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