After seeing a movie the other night, my friend Cyndi tried to leave the busy parking garage, but forgot her ticket validation. The attendant explained she did not have the ability to validate but offered to help Cyndi maneuver and park the car so she could walk back to the theater to get the stamp. My friend accepted this as the solution as it was she who forgot the ticket. The attendant enthusiastically thanked her for not being irate.

This reminded me of a recent column I wrote on customer service. The responses led me to interview friends and acquaintances from the other side of the counter and give them their due. They offered suggestions of common ground to facilitate excellent customer service. From second-home city slickers to Santa Fe natives, artists to actors, lobbyists to land-loving activists, Santa Fe service workers navigate a river of personalities.

Maneuvering these rapids is no easy task while trying to maintain and exercise etiquette. These tips will help customers enjoy the City Different and along the way, receive great customer service.

• "Put your cell phone away before interacting with anyone in customer service. It's like saying, 'You aren't important enough for me to give all my attention to.' " — Dan

Service staff deserve our attention when we put ourselves in a place of interaction.

• "Smile! Say please and thank you and make eye contact. We are real people and just because we are in the service industry doesn't mean we are beneath you or any less of a person."— Laura

Remember Ricardo Montalban's line from the television show Fantasy Island? "Smiles, everyone, smiles." Set the tone when you walk in the door. Smiling creates a human comfort zone between strangers. It's contagious and can change the mood of others.

• "When a customer or guest uses the employee name, if provided, it has a huge effect on the employee response." — Matt

Make someone feel like an individual by addressing him or her personally, especially if you are a frequent customer.

• "Be efficient with your communication. Be ready to speak, give your order and have your questions ready." — Paul and Tim

This especially applies to restaurants and bars. Respect the server's time and the responsibilities you don't see that they have to attend to. Be clear about your expectations. If you have a time constraint, mention it upfront. If you are waiting for service, get the server's or host's attention by using a line less pushy and more likely to elicit a response, like "When you have a minute ... ."

• "Tip well if they deserve it. The service industry is tough and whether it is a monetary tip or just a compliment, share the love!" — Laura and Maraka

Reward good service and you will be treated well on return visits.

• "When there is an error, don't shoot the messenger." — Ray

Your waiter did not make shoe leather out of your steak, nor did the gate agent personally oversell the flight. No one will go the extra mile to remedy a situation if you are a jerk about it. Remain calm, be clear and concise. Nowadays, many staff are empowered to make decisions and give discounts. Avoid overly detailed and critical complaints. Keep it simple like: "This isn't what I was expecting. Would I be able to swap it for something else? If unsatisfied, ask for a manager.

• "Our staff should know the policies and respectfully but firmly state them to the customer. Aside from owners, staff cannot deviate from the policies. They are told to remain calm, professional and helpful. They do not, however, have to endure rudeness." — Stephen

Arguing against someone who is powerless to rewrite the rules is abusive. If you take issue with a policy, ask for a manager.

• "Share your compliments with my manager." — Tara

Good news often goes unreported. Express your satisfaction.

The waters of great customer service flow from more than one source. Apply the Golden Rule and you'll be on your way to being customer of the month.

Bizia Greene is founder of the Etiquette School of Santa Fe. Contact her at www.etiquettesantafe.com">www.etiquettesantafe.com or 988-2070.