Learn the Ropes

Happy Independence Day! May peace, love and happiness always be with you!

Wishing you a very happy Fourth of July!

God Bless America!

" A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, not a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way". - Author Unknown

Happy Father’s Day!

Anna Hay

" All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” ― Winston Churchill

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. -History.com

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
― Helen Keller

As we are approaching the summer, it is time to get away from our regular routines. Find a place that energies you and makes you dream again.

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

"Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought." – Albert Einstein. .

How does this post relate to work and business? Well, I can honestly tell you that after every hiking experience, I come back rejuvenated with new innovative ideas for my business and personal life. I look forward to being outdoors and enjoying every new adventure. Nature speaks to me in a way that no other place does.

How about you? What brings out your creative side?

Make It A Great Day!
Anna

Happy Mother’s Day! May your day be filled with joy, laughter, love, and special moments.

Blessings,
Anna

"Make someone's day and write them a card or letter even if your penmanship is not legible." - Anna Hay

If you have ever received a card from me, you will understand what I mean. On a more serious note, receiving a note or letter from a friend must be one of the most thoughtful and kindest gestures anyone can give.

Make someone smile by sending a handwritten note or letter.

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

May your Easter be filled with love and joyful blessings.

Happy Easter!

Throw Back Thursday! Why are flash backs so insightful?

Because they remind us of our Successes and Wins. Good memories help move us forward with new ideas and dreams.

Spring of 2021 Learn THE Ropes was featured in the Lands' End catalog for our Unique Logo and Branding.

Keep moving Forward!

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

It’s always fun to spend a little bit of time together. Enjoying some coffee at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress Avenue in Austin.

Life is Good!

Make It A Great Day!

"Every day may not be great, but there is something GREAT in every day".
- Anna Hay

Making an emotional connection with your customer or brand is how you build a legacy of excellence in customer service. - Anna Hay

What is an example of an emotional connection?

Think about a business where you love to go to and chat with the sales associates. There are two people that always call you by your name and can even remember that your pup was recently sick. How does that make you feel? Happy, appreciated, concerned, and valued.

Now, think about an online brand. The only connection you have ever had has been over the phone or through an email conversation with one of their customer service experts. Your experience has always been positive because they answer your email promptly, and the customer service expert is always friendly when you have called in to ask a question. How does that make you feel? Heard, respected, and important.
Every time you make a positive emotional connection with your customers and guests you are building a legacy of excellence in customer service.

Keep up the great work!

Make It A Great Day!
Anna

Thanks to writer, speaker, podcaster, and author of one of my favorite books, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, I have chosen a word theme for the past five years. This year it is "forward". Now on to My"24 for 24" List. If you would like a PDF of this, you can find it on her website .com.

In addition, Gretchen offers a yearly challenge for 2024, . When I heard her talk about this on her podcast, I just could not believe this is what she had chosen. As I was pondering my goals for this year, one of them is to do some more writing. So, this challenge fits right into my new plans for this year.
If you have chosen a word theme for the year, I would love to hear it. It is always a fun way to engage and share ideas.

As always, my motto is “Make It A Great Day”.

“Every day may not be great, but there is something Great in every day". Make It A Great Day! - Anna Hay

Happy New Year friends! Look forward to everything that 2024 brings. Believing that the BEST is Yet to Come!

Step into the New Year with confidence and a new Skip in your Step! Don't look back at what you haven't accomplished yet but look forward to a fresh new start. Look deep inside and find that hidden dream that you need to share with others. Your time to SHINE is NOW!

Cheering you on!

I believe in you,

Anna

It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Wishing y'all a Merry Christmas and a Joyous Holiday!

Anna and David Luke
Learn THE Ropes Founders

Work while you hve the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you. Henri Frederic Amiel

What's something you enjoy doing that comes naturally? Start to recognize these natural gifts and talents. Keep a notepad by your side and write down your ideas and dreams. We all have unique gifts and talents, and their are endless possibilites in our future.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and small businesses across the country are seeking to capture a share of consumer spending, whether in-store or online. One way these local mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, and service providers can maximize the opportunity is by participating in Small Business Saturday,
which kicks off on Nov. 25. -US Chamber of Commerce

Go out today and support your favorite local small businesses.

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving! Think of one thing you are most grateful and thankful for today. Call someone today and let them know how thankful you are for them in your life. Life is better with a thankful and grateful heart.

Thank you to my Father, Ramon D. Vela, my husband, David J. Hay and all the Veterans for your service to our country, The United States of America. With Respect, Honor, and Gratitude, Thank You. May God Bless You All.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."- Dr. Seuss

What are you reading today to grow personally and in your business? The book that I am reading right now, Unreasonable Hospitality, The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, by Will Guidara, is for everyone who wants to improve and grow their business. "People will never forget how you made them feel." I have heard this quote so many times, and it speaks to my heart every time I read it, as if it is filed in my memory box.

Learn something new today!

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

Throw Back Thursday to Fall 2021 when David Luke Hay and I created four online webinars for nine Small Business Development Centers throughout Texas. I’m getting ready to teach on my expertise Excellence in Customer Service and Personal Development , Do It Anyway!

Make It a Great Day!

Anna

Customer Service Week is an international celebration to recognize all of the people who serve and support customers on a daily basis.

Customer Service Week originally started in 1987.

In 1992, President George H. W. Bush and U.S Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week as Nationally recognized event, , to be celebrated annually during the first week of October.

It's time to recognize your Customer Service Teams and all Customer Service Professionals. Thank you to all the Customer Service Professionals that serve us with kindness, patience, friendliness, and the heart of service.

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

“Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess.”- Richard Branson

Thank you to everyone that took the time to join me and the today on the webinar topic, “Communicating with Difficult Customers.”

Keep it !

"Success in business is greatly impacted for better or worse by the way in which we communicate". – Forbes

In celebration of , National Customer Service Week, Del Mar College SBDC is offering a webinar on "Communicating with Difficult Customers", tomorrow October 3, 2023, from 10:00 A. M- 11:00 A. M. and we welcome you to join us.

Hope to see ya'll there.

!

Anna

" Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."
-Bill Gates

Let's celebrate National Service Customer Week together. Join me and the Del Mar College Small Business Development Center - SBDC on October 3, 2023 as we learn the importance of "Communicating with Difficult Customers".

When a customer complains, the first direct cost that you're going to incur is the loss of your time. Time is a precious commodity.

See ya'll soon.

Make It A Great Day!

Anna

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”- C.S. Lewis

Hey there, everyone! Over the past few months, we have taken some time to reflect, rest, and rejuvenate. We are slowly stepping into a new season with a new motto, " Move forward Anyway", and hope you will join us along the way. Thank you in advance as we pivot into this new transition.

Make It A Great Day!

All the Best,

Anna Hay, Founder, Learn THE Ropes
David Luke Hay, Co-Founder, Learn THE Ropes

Hey friends!

I have missed y'all and hope that this new year is off to a great start for each one of you.

Unfortunately, I have had to take a step back from working on Learn The Ropes as my family has had some health complications since the start of the year. I am confident we will get through this time and come out stronger in the coming months.

Change can be both good and challenging. Let us be real about that. Change is needed to thrive and move forward. Or at least that is what we’ve been taught over the years. But sometimes change means reflection and rest.

Reflection is being able to see life through a set of new lenses, and rest simply means to slow down and enjoy the ordinary days more intentionally.

I love to inspire, encourage, motivate, teach, and lead others to be their best. BUT, sometimes life isn’t that easy, and you need to reflect and rest surrounded by loved ones. That being said, I will be spending some time with my family over these first couple of months in 2023. Time is the most priceless commodity you can obtain. So, make sure to spend it with the people you love!

My motto: Every day may not be great, but there is something Great in every day! - Anna Hay

Make It A Great Day!

Wholeheartedly,

Anna

Customer Engagment makes the holiday shopping brigther. Here are some tips that I shared in my Holiday Customer Service Training.

Give your custmers your name.
Wear name tags.
Is this the first time you have visited us or dined with us today?
Can I share with you some new holiday favorites?
Are you looking for a special gift on your holiday giving list?
Thank them for shopping local.
How are you going to make them feel GREAT this holiday season?

Let's make sure to make everyone's holiday shopping experience a jolly one!

It's the Monday before Christmas, and it's time to check off those last gifts on that holiday shopping list.

We all learn from personal experience through our career paths. I have several years of experience in the retail industry and understand the life of a retail customer service professional. It's a rewarding position to be in and serve the local community and help others with gift ideas for their friends and family.

Let's give those customer service professionals a little more grace, kindness, and patience this week.

Don't forget to support your local businesses. Shopping small is investing in your local economy.

Happy Shopping!

Anna

It's that time of year when businesses are doing everything to make our holidays brighter and taking that extra effort to get our Christmas gifts to our loved ones.

Today, we would like to recognize Jennifer Manager PostalAnnex+ , and the whole Team for always offering the best customer service. Gayle and Richard Thomas, the owners of this local business, Postal Annex have done an amazing job of preparing their team for the holiday season.

Here's the list of their holiday hours:
Monday-Friday
Dec. 5th-16th
8:00 A.M.- 6:30 P.M.
Dec. 19th-22nd
8:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M.
Saturday (Dec.10 & Dec.17)
9:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.
Sunday (Dec. 11th & 18th)
12:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M.
Friday Dec. 23rd will be closing at 1:00 P.M
Closed Saturday Dec. 24th

6537 S. Staples St. Ste 125, Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

Thank you again to the Postal Annex Team for making our Christmas brighter with your outstanding customer service and Texas Friendly Holiday Spirit.

Don’t forget, you’re Awesome!

It's Motivational Monday. To be better is a much more practical goal and a healthier mindset. When I think of being better tomorrow, it gives me a sense of encouragement to realize that I can make all things better by doing my best and giving myself some grace.

Cheering you on!

Anna