A colleague of mine who’d studied journalism taught me a quote she’d learned in her school days. Their mantra was, “Notice what you notice.” In fact, I call my bi-weekly newsletter The Noticer. This hit home for me yesterday in three quick observations.
Yesterday I had lunch with a client of mine who is in the home care business. We were walking in the center of Fairfield, CT, by a small park where a camp group had assembled. My client spotted someone pushing a wheelchair. “I wonder why he’s wearing [surgical] gloves. There’s no need for that.” I looked over and saw what she was referring to, but would never have even looked twice. But, that’s her business, and she took note.
After lunch I drove to a new salon in Bethel for a haircut. It’s housed in a large, old Victorian house on the second floor. The first floor is devoted to a restaurant. Although there is signage for the salon–I knew I was in the right place– all of the signs in the parking area said “Parking for Restaurant Only” which made me question whether it was permissible to park in the lot.
Not wanting to be towed, I drove to another lot across the street. The sense that I got was that the restaurant may not be welcoming to the beauty salon clients walking through their premises. This was all split second stuff, but I was conscious of whether I was entering the right door or not. It set up a negative experience. That was quickly dismantled by the gracious hostess and the salon owner’s apology. “As a business owner,” I offered, “you need signage for your new clientele letting them know the score.” That’s the kind of thing I notice: what will be useful for a business owner to enhance the client experience and comfort level.
The reason I was trying a new salon was that the owner had attended a speaking event where I was featured. We’d had a delightful conversation afterwards, and he said he’d love to cut my hair. “I took a good look at you when you were speaking and noticed that you could use a different cut.”
What are you noticing? This is what makes you who you are.
What a helpful and simple way to gain insight into ourselves and what is important to us. I find it different to carve time out for introspection, but I can certainly begin to notice what I notice and think about what that says about my values and priorities…thank you!
@Elizabeth
Great follow-up piece on your blog. I just tweeted it.
Good advice to the business owner about better signage…it amazes me how often I have trouble locating the entrance or location for a business. But sometimes it is the fault of the landlord or building owner (something someone starting a new business should negotiate before signing a lease.) AND, how does your new hair-do look?! I noticed you didn’t mention that!
Here’s to fresh looks for summer! Terry
@Terry
Of course you’d notice this, too!
Hair-do assessment coming soon…
With pictures, I hope!! 😀 (of your new ‘do, I mean)
What a thought-provoking blog! What we notice on a subconscious level reveals a lot about our inner selves. I’ve been a proof-reader and editor for far too long. As a result, I can’t read many things without correcting them in my head… it’s a blessing 🙂 and a curse. 🙁 Thanks for another great post!