Good customer service needs to be a culture in Samoa.  We serve as soon as we can talk and move, this is the collective, yet this is not being adopted into workplaces or businesses.  Why? How is this not a norm if it is a good thing for Samoa? For people who are known to be very friendly, we are losing points online when it comes to customer service. One chicken finger flipping video and one drink throwing customer who probably had a bad day goes viral.  Forget online and social media, the service is more disappointing in person. Surely, all of us can do with some good service and some of us need to provide better service.  Thankfully, things are looking better.

Thanks to Samoa Meteorological Service for starting the trend of good public relations online in the last few weeks. Not only is it providing weather updates, but it is also informing and entertaining the public. I’ve learnt some new words in both languages from Samoa MET. 2024 is all about engagement. You are doing great so far because anything that educates adding a sprinkle of humor will no doubt be memorable to us.

In addition, our ladies and men in blue, Samoa Police. Thank you for bringing your seat to that engagement table. The online banter gave us all something to smile about in the morning as we look forward to the next updates. Malo lava! Speaking in a language to get your people thinking is good chicken soup for the soul.  

I remember a good friend saying that I am not very Samoan as I complain a lot. I said “I do not complain, I shed light on things that need to be better. Complaining is just hot air if nothing changes. Shedding light on the problem and providing a solution is a much better use of my time.”  

Writing can change the world and it starts with changing mine first. Words have the power to build or tear down worlds. Just like customer service, it starts with you and me. Whether it is in business, answering a telephone or being part of a group that is trying to help the community, we are people of service. We live and die for our families. If we take an inkling of that respect, kindness and alofa into our workplaces, we will have no problem serving a stranger who does not look, dress or carry themselves the same as us, with a smile. Just replace that difficult customer with your grandma’s or pastor’s face and you’ll be alright.

At the end of the day, we all have jobs to do, those jobs pay us so that we can feed our families, pay our bills and enjoy freedom. If you do not like your job, find a new one but do not take it out on people who need your help, the customer. If you do not like your boss, quit and be your own boss as people are waiting to take your place. Whatever you need to do for you to wake up every morning with a spring in your step, do it, remember your lipstick, your good manners and customer service with a smile today.  Enjoy the rest of your week Samoa.