Work productivity, time management, organization, tools and tips

The other day, Seth Godin talked about a sign he saw posted outside of a book store.  ATTENTION: IF YOUR BAG IS LARGER THAN THIS, THEN YOU MUST CHECK IT IN. NO EXCEPTIONS. DO NOT LEAVE CAMERAS OR LAPTOPS. THANK YOU. THE MANAGEMENT. 

Consider the message it sends to the consumer. "We're so busy and so centralized and so hierarchical that you shouldn't even bother to discuss this with our staff." Or, the short version, "go away." –Seth Godin, No exceptions, Seth Godin’s Blog

Seth’s objections to the use of the arrogantly-adamant and tyrannic-like use of the term “No exceptions” has its merits on many levels:  it’s unrealistic “If I gave you a million dollars could you make an exception?”; it’s insulting, (see his quote above).

The thing that slaps at my sensibilities about the language of the sign is the total distain and lack of respect its makers (presumably the shop owner/s) show for their customers. 

No consumer wants to be treated like a bratty child.  All consumers, however, understand, appreciate, and respect respect.  In all honesty, that book store would have to be the only source of whatever I wanted to buy before I’d walk into it.  I have no problem that they want to protect their inventory; my problem is the way they choose to protect. 

Every business relies solely on the goodwill and rapport it builds with its clients and customers.  The chances of building that goodwill and rapport are slim to none if it doesn’t start with respect.