The shelves along the narrow aisles were crowded with stuff. Some stuff was junk to some, but treasures to others. I took one last look not finding what I wanted and weaved in and out of the crammed rows as I headed toward the front of the shop. About that time a pleasant looking man accompanied by two other people came through the door of the junk antique store. The gentleman looked up at me, flashed a big smile and said, “hello.” I returned the smile and the greeting. He walked toward me and asked me where he might find a particular item. My mind said one thing, but I responded with quite another. “Well, I’m not sure, but if you ask the lady at the desk who works here, I’m sure she can help you.” He smiled again and said, “Oh, I thought you worked here.” My mind said, “I might look like an antique, but that doesn’t mean I work here.”
What’s up with that? It happens to me all the time.
I was in Wal-Mart a few weeks ago looking for anti-biotic ointment. A guy in obvious need of medical supplies walked up and stood beside me. He, too, was eyeing the multitude of choices of ointments, liquids, and creams. I looked at his arm dripping with blood and said, “It looks like you got in a fight with a chain saw and it won.” He proceeded to tell me his story and then asked me which product he should get. When I told him I was just looking myself he said, “I thought you worked here.” “Nope, I don’t work here, but I can tell you about some of this stuff. This is the original… this one tends to leave more of a scar… this one is better for deep cuts… use this one if it is a burn… and this one if it itches… this is a good brand of band aids…” In the middle of my Wal-Mart anti-biotic discourse, a lady walks up on my other side. She got in the conversation, “Oh, do you work here? I’m looking for….” My mind said, “What? Do I look like the Wal-Mart lady? Do I have on a blue vest? Do you see me wearing a name tag?” Instead, the words that came out of my mouth said, “No, I don’t work here. I just act like I know a lot. I was telling this gentleman about the anti-biotic ointment I would get and why.” She was satisfied and I helped her find what she was looking for.
These are not just random happenings. It seems that many places I go, someone thinks I work there. I’ve been in grocery stores where people ask, “Do you work here?” I usually answer, “No, but I’ll help you find what you need.” If I know where the item is, I will direct them or even go with them to look. I have helped ladies find the right makeup or shampoo, several men find items in the grocery aisles, and the list goes on. I really like being mistaken for “working here” in the fabric store. Many times, I just help someone and never tell them I don’t work there. I wonder if any of those people have gone back to store looking for the lady who helped them.
So, when you go in a store try to look smart and maybe someone will ask you, “Do you work here?” Don’t tell them any different. Just help them. They will think the establishment has upped its service and it will make your day!