My brother and I own an event company, and we get to do all kinds of fun and interesting things all year long. This weekend, we had the privilege of taking surveys at Southlands Mall. The survey was short, consisted of eight questions, and took two minutes of time. Each person that did the survey was given a coupon for some great goodie - a free appetizer at Fish City, $5 off at McCabe's, $5 gift certificate to Children's Place, free sandwich to Jim and Nick's and a few other great gimmies.
I had many good conversations that included information about the jalapeno soup at Fish City, what the weather is like in New Mexico at this time of year, what red honey in a stick tastes like, and a lead on some new shoes that I am dying to buy/wear.
There were four of us that took over 400 surveys in not much time.
But, I wasn't prepared for this one reaction....
Me (looking the person in the eye), "Hi, can I ask you a few questions. It will take about two minutes and I will give you a free appetizer."
Other, "......"
Absolutely nothing! I mean nothing...not a look in the eye. A no thanks (and really I felt o.k. with a no), bug off, you stink, no way...nada! Not a word was spoken, not even a measly head bob.
I was officially not thought of as a human in that minute.
I was saddened to think that as human beings we sometimes just become to "busy" to remember the "little" people.
If you have never given a survey to hundreds, called on the phone and asked for donations for an organization, or even worked at a fast food restaurant....I say - take a step back and do one of these jobs - this leads to a whole new appreciation for life.
I hope I always remember to at least look each human in the eye and give them a smile...in my world, that would make everything so delightful!