When I ask customers what they appreciate about doing business in person, I’m amazed at how often they answer, ‘They smile at me right away. A sincere smile can brighten any customer’s day. Studies and surveys consistently tell us that customer satisfaction is significantly higher when they receive a genuine smile. Looking at your customer and smiling is the first step in connecting with your customer – and it’s SO easy! Why then is it so often missing in our everyday exchanges? It is essential to understand that when we work with customers we are talking to the people who are directly responsible for keeping our places of employment in business.

Have you ever been greeted like this? ‘Welcome to ______________ how can I help you?’  But, the person speaking isn’t even looking at you…or smiling.  How does it make you feel? My guess is that it doesn’t make you feel welcome, valued or loyal to that business.

A genuine smile tells a customer straight away that you are approachable, friendly, honest and easy to talk to, which in turn will make you more successful at your job.

Keep reading for some interesting fun facts from www.pickthebrain.com  that will keep you smiling!

Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood – Yep, even when you’re in a bad mood you can lift your spirits by making yourself grin.

Smiling boosts your immune system – Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.

Smiles are contagious – Scientists say, according to a study in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling and their muscles twitched and turned into smiles all on their own.

We still smile at work – Though we smile less at work than we do at home. (Sounds like an easy fix to me!)

Smiles are the most recognizable facial expression – People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away making it the most easily identifiable facial expression.

It’s a universal sign of happiness – While handshakes, hugs and bows have various meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and across cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.

Smiling can get you a better job! – Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get promoted.