Can I help You? No Problem.

When did, “can I help you?” be come the new hello?
And when did, “no problem”, become the new thank you?

Ever go down to your favorite retail store and spend hundreds of dollars and find yourself saying “thank you”, only to receive the response of, “no problem”?

Why exactly is it a “problem” that you spent a few hundred dollars? The clerk should respond by saying; thank you. Not your welcome or no problem, the line should be and has always been, thank you. After all it’s the person receiving the money that should say thank you. It should be the first thing said. Even if a customer says “thank you” the money taker should respond “thank you” also.

It could make you wonder … is it a problem that they are in business? Or that he/she’s job could be a problem. It’s no problem at all. So why mention it? The first and only response should be started and ended with Thank you. You’ll be surprised at how many more smiles you will get when you say “thank you” verses the proverbial “no problem”.

As for the greeting, “can I help you?” It could probably be the number one turn off of all time. Think about when you’ve been asked if you need help … you’ve probably quickly responded, “No, I don’t need help”. But if asked how you were, or greeted with hello, you might just start a conversation with that person. Try using a less confrontational greeting, like one that would you use to address friends or family … a hello, that would make anyone feel welcome.

Being nice is a very profitable way of life. You never really know how what you say will affect someone. It will be a memorable experience either way.
It can either help or haunt you.