The
world is preoccupied with robots and the replacement of human jobs but market
traders can feel secure in their unique talents they contribute to the
adventure that is shopping.
A
trader described one particular sale recently that might help to illustrate the
point. This was more than an exchange of goods for money because during the
sale process the trader was shown multiple family photos and
discussed various aspects of this customers life. The customer hadn’t just come
to our market for a purchase, they had come for social interaction.
Traders
who are good at social interaction have an advantage. And good communication with customers
doesn’t necessarily demand great language skills. All it takes is being
attentive, and friendly.
Another
trader talks about the families who visit the market regularly and the children
who excitedly run to the toy stall or to ring the bell at the boat stall. This
is more than buying goods. This is also a family outing for fun and social engagement.
A
recent presentation at The Press Club included the philosophical notion that
humans have progressed from labour tasks, through skilled crafts, to high level
brain functions, but the next level is far more exciting - it is do with the
heart. As civilisation develops data and robots for so many functions it is
matters of the heart, and social interaction that will become highly sought
after and market traders are in the box seat.
As
Traders we need to keep improving and refreshing our offer but as we have
pointed out on many occasions in the past - our ace card is social interaction
with our customers and in that regard the future is bright.
By Greg Smith