A donut and an Oreo experience

So this friend and I made an impromptu plan, well not really all that ‘impromptu’ as there was a definite purpose ---get her laptop fixed. But what surely kills the mood for a happy jaunt in the city is the dense Bangalore traffic that ensures that a short distance of half-an-hour is accomplished in more than double the time!But Lady Luck was smiling today and another friend, in an unusually generous mood, allowed us to take his scooty. This was an adventure scripted in heaven ---- two girls, a big city, a scooty with a mind of it’s own and finally, an unforgettable ‘Oreo donut experience’.Unable to zip-zap-zoom through the crawling city traffic we hit a modest speed, the cool evening breeze battling to overcome the hot, sooty and noxious fumes of the big buses and trucks, the enchanting sights and sounds of Bangalore, the fragrance of fresh flowers---it was by far the most enjoyable day out in the big city.  We’d gone with one purpose in mind, but ended up exploring a bit of Koramangla, a few other stretches of the city and jotted down places that demanded a more leisurely look. The world beyond electronic city, where we are located, is a much livelier and happening place, in stark contrast to the detached, banal, concrete environs of the place we call ‘home’!  Out on our own and making the most of our trip we decided to give ourselves a richly-deserved treat. And what better place than to head to Mad Over Donuts and feast on scrumptious confectionary. MOD proved to be the icing on my cake, quite literally. So, what’s so special about MOD that makes a person go gaga –is a query most will pose?

Well, the answer is not as obvious as it may seem. It was not just my ‘Oreo-filled donut’ which I tried for the first time that left me with a happy feeling but the humour and marketing skills of the guy at the counter who convinced us into trying and purchasing those donuts. 

The gentleman goes by the name Anil Mathews. Attired in his orange uniform, taking your order and working the cash counter to patiently answering queries, Mr Mathews seems like your regular salesperson. But, as many who come in contact with him will vouch for, his USP (unique selling proposition) is his jovial, friendly and easy manner. What amazed one was his enthusiasm as he patiently listed out the vast variety of donuts all the while offering suggestions to help us make up our minds from the yummy donuts on display. To his credit he convinced us to buy more than our pockets would allow and I could’nt help but compliment him for making my oreo donut experience at the Koramangla MOD not only yummy, but a memorable one.This was a happy experience, but there was a lesson in it too -- how a little thing or just one person can make or break your entire perception of a brand. I was always partial to MOD, but one affable salesperson has ensured my loyalty to the brand. It is sad that on most occasions we use social media to complain about bad service, poor product etc to speed up the process of redressal. Why have we never thought of complimenting and commending someone’s effort for making our experience memorable? A thought there! Right?

I did my bit by tweeting and writing on the Facebook page and followed it up with this blog. Kudos to all those nameless, faceless people who in their own way make our everyday experience better but never get acknowledged for it. Guys you are doing a great job and thank you for it!!