Pawn Shop Performer Blog

Holiday Jeer

In the office today I've been going over some recent communications I've had with several of my clients in the Pawn Shop Advisor(tm) http://www.pawnshopadvisor.com/main.cfm coaching program. This is the program I've produced to benefit pawn shop owners and managers in systematically running their businesses. I'm not surprised at the number one complaint in running the business that I've received from these clients - and I believe you will benefit by knowing a little bit about it.

That's because the number one complaint could be you. For your sake - I certainly hope it isn't, since the number one complaint is difficult employees. Call it what you may - disrespectful, belligerent, problematic, demanding, stubborn, or even downright miserable to be around.

Okay, you're probably saying to yourself "Hey Steve, that isn't me. But it sure is someone I work with!" Well hold on a second. Before you start pointing fingers - maybe you should try looking in the mirror. Be honest with yourself. What are you dishing out to your coworkers, your boss, and most importantly to your customers. Holiday cheer - or Holiday jeer?

No kidding - if you've got the guts to try this, the answer may surprise you. I know, things can be trying in the pawn shop around the holidays. Busier than usual - people seeming a bit more edgy - customers being a bit more demanding - and people generally reacting poorly to the additional holiday pressures they sense. Ho ho ho.

Let me share something with you. Just because the people around you may seem difficult, does not in any way give you permission to also be difficult. Because if you choose to be, you are definitely hindering the situation instead of helping it. Pretty unproductive - wouldn't you think? Not only that, but then there's the fact that bad attitudes are highly contagious.

That being said, let me point something else out to you. Even when dealing with the most obstinate customer, the most unreasonable coworker, or the most scrooge-like boss, you always have a choice and a direct input into how the situation will turn out. Rise above it. Do not let their bad attitude affect you. Don't allow the negative energy to stick to you. Refuse to lower yourself down to their level. Be professional, be courteous, and be a proud pawnbroker.

By doing so, by rising above it, you will find yourself becoming much more successful in your position at the pawn shop. But by caving in to feed your ego and becoming difficult yourself, the exact opposite will begin to take place. It should be obvious to you which choice will benefit you the most in the long run. But what about the difficult people around you?

Is there anything you can do about them?

Sure, there are lots of ways to brighten their day. But the most important one you should remember is to not become one of them. What about a difficult coworker? Well, if you like them and care about them, you can always pass the hat at the pawn shop to get them a holiday gift of the Pawn Shop Performer(tm) http://www.pawnshopperformer.com/ coaching program. Of course, then you could only hope they would actually watch it, listen to it, or read it.

Or I suppose you could save yourself some dough and just get them a box of bran as a gift. Of course, then you can only hope that they would actually eat it. Lighten up and have some fun this holiday season. Spread some holiday cheer, and leave the jeer to everyone else.

In Commitment to your Success,
Stephen Krupnik

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