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CAREER 'I Became A Smarter Version Of Myself That Night - More Emotionally Aware And Mature' May 4, 2017  By Sissy SieroVoice Actor Everything I know about human nature - how to work ... what my strengths and challenges are ... how to listen ... how/when to speak ... how to be in relationships with other people, and grow once there - all of those really important major life tools came out of my time in the trenches of the food business. Whether waitressing, bartending, managing teams and clients, or selling my services as a voice over talent and media developer, bookings and success still hinge on the same four things: 1. Be nice. Not just the phony nice - I mean the real, "I care about you" kind of nice. Simple kindness is also an amazingly tasty dash tossed into the human connection cocktail. 2. Stay focused and actively listen. Eye contact and truly listening increase the depth and knowledge of others, and ourselves. People, in general, are constantly revealing so much richness and basic wisdom of life and who they are; all you have to is be interested and really listen. 3. Treat/see the customer/client as a friend or family member (the family members you like,that is!) Find something in the customer that is, well, endearing. They feel it when you're genuine. And for them, it's compelling to have a stranger actually 'see' them. 4). Don't take things personally. If your goal is to make as much money as possible during your shift, or in your business, then why act like an entitled, self involved twit? HELLO! Stop wasting time watching the other person/competitor, who knows the above rules, makes all the money, books the gigs and the business, and wins the devotion of the boss. ONE COLD, SNOWY NIGHT IN NEW YORK ... I had an amazing experience one Saturday night at the last restaurant I ever worked in, in New York City. I was anxious to make my rent that weekend; it was snowing and bitter cold with very few of our regular customers making reservations. As I felt my stomach tighten, and worry cloud my focus, a new table was seated in my section. Two folks, who didn't order a bottle of wine - oh great! I immediately made the metal note of - CHEAP check - low tip!! So, though I was nice, I wasn't allowing my usual sparkle to cut through the worry loop in my brain. I trudged into the kitchen and began cutting their bread, where I had a view of their table. Just happening to glance over at the duo - possible father and daughter, or uncle and niece, or older man/younger woman friends (but obviously not romantic), when all of a sudden something stopped my mind from spinning: I looked at his happy face smiling into hers, as he listened intently to every word she said. For some reason, at that moment, time stopped and I dropped effortlessly into my heart. I felt my innate connection to them and, actually, everyone else in the restaurant - even the crabby sous chef! I didn't notice tears rolling down my face, but when I snapped back into the present moment, and what I was doing, I realized that I finally understood what truly seeing another person meant - by experiencing that heart opening connection with strangers, no less. I became a smarter version of myself that night; a more emotionally aware and mature person. The man's simple kindness to his dinning partner had the power to open my heart up to another chamber I hadn't inhabited prior. And did I mention that they left me my best tip of the evening? -------------------- ABOUT SISSY With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Sissy Siero has a unique ability to connect with wide-ranging audiences. From her beginnings playing original music on the streets of New York City, to her days on tour with seven-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne; fast forward to performing and event emceeing in Austin, TX, and lending her voice to international brands, Sissy's focus has always been on the listener; building trust and connection with her voice. As a voice over artist and on-camera talent, she's elevated brands as varied as Fortune 500 companies to mom and pop shops, and from national and international radio/TV commercials and network TV shows, to internal instructional videos. She also voices e-learning courses and company podcasts, focusing on what it takes to deliver the message and the right performance. Email: sissy@sissysiero.com Web: www.sissysiero.com SEE MORE HELPFUL VOICE OVER CAREER ARTICLES HERE |
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Comments (2)
Gina Fant-Saez
5/4/2017 at 4:09 PM
What a very wise and insightful blog. I never considered to take the metaphor of my younger waitress years to my current business. Excellent advice!!!! Touching and humorous.., thank you!!!!
Monique Bagwell
5/4/2017 at 12:22 PM
Great reminder that at the end of the day, no matter what is going on in your life, just being present for someone else can change your perspective and Karma. Thank you...I needed to hear that today...
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