Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream?
There is a place I think about at least once per week every week in Orlando, Florida at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). That place is the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. They sell chocolate and soda but conspicuously missing from that title are the unbelievably creamy ice cream combinations they offer. Sundaes, milkshakes, waffle cones - the whole ballgame - and all of it is laced with just about every variation of my favorite premium chocolate.
I have been a handful of times and you would think I would be able to recommend several things for you to go and try on your off night from exploring the theme parks…. Nope. Mint Bliss Hot Fudge Sundae. “Mint chocolate chip and chocolate ice cream, layered with handmade dark chocolate hot fudge topped with whipped cream and a dark chocolate mint square.”
Image source: https://www.ghirardellisq.com
It’s even better than it sounds and I have gotten it every single time since. And if you enjoy mint chocolate chip and dark chocolate, you need to book a flight and go try this sundae.
But I have not exclusively purchased mint chocolate ice cream since. On the contrary, the whole reason I’m writing about this is because I have been having an identity crisis, you see, I like chocolate over vanilla. Except the last few times I have gotten home from the grocery store I’ve ended up with Cookies & Cream…. Vanilla Bean…. once it was even plain old Homemade Vanilla! And I won’t pretend I grabbed them for my wife, nope, I picked and purchased them all on my own.
And I liked it.
But I’ve been stumped as to what has changed, and maybe that’s why I’ve been steadily working through the variations until it hit me: Context. While on vacation mode ordering a whole sundae to indulge truly, the mint chocolate and chocolate is over-the-top rich and layered with flavor. But at home, fixing a small bowl of a scoop or two for a nightcap before I begin my winddown routine, the simple flavor of good, old-fashioned, vanilla works better.
I was reminded of this on the phone with a client this week who was incredulous at what he was being charged for an optional service. Keep in mind that not only was this an optional service but he had also been provided alternatives for completing the service on his own. I pride myself on my ex-corporate training and calm nature but this really got under my skin and I might have injected just a bit too much sarcasm when I politely informed him that if he was unhappy with the price he could do it himself. He took it well and I don’t think he even noticed but I thought about that exchange the rest of the day.
Playing it back over, it was funny in an old-school soap opera kind of way and I felt like the exchange could have benefited from a “recorded in a live studio” laugh track. But that’s not reality, in reality, I was not dealing with a pesky plot device neighbor that comes on screen for comedic relief, no, it was a client that pays for professional service. So what is professional service?
Sincerity.
While sarcasm is great for getting a laugh with close friends and family who know intentions, it is the enemy of sincerity. And to be a true professional you must be sincere in your efforts to solve your clients’ issues. A dissatisfied response to a given pricing structure is no excuse.
Just like chocolate and vanilla, both sarcasm and sincerity have their own places, situations, and toppings for use, and depending on the person they may be different. But the intention behind what’s being served up should always be in alignment with the goal of the dish as a whole. The dish being the purpose of the conversation, relationship, or transaction.
Those of you who have been following along with mine and Mason’s work to lose over forty pounds by next summer so that we can go skydiving may be asking “So why are you eating all this ice cream??” I’m not, remember I said I was daydreaming about it! Okay, I am eating some, but don’t worry it gets logged and is within the rules. To see how that’s going, and get some tips for tracking your nutrition if you’re into that, head to my channel and give me some feedback!
Choose your ice cream wisely and have a happy morning!
Ashton.
P.S. Yes, obviously, I survived the safety razor. Fell in love with it actually. But tomorrow morning is the first day I have to drop my son off on the way to work, so I’ll need all the happy thoughts!