Rule number one in corporate flight attending is to make certain your clients and other passengers are comfortable and that you’re meeting all their needs. The best way to ensure you’re accomplishing this is to have above-average communication skills. This means not only being able to get others to understand you, but also that you understand them.
Most people, no matter where they come from or who they are, want to be heard and understood. Listening closely and reacting not only to what your clients say, but also what they mean but didn’t say is essential to exceptional service. If you’re lucky, you’ll have repeat clients whose needs and wants you can anticipate after spending enough time with them. But you’ll always have new clients on whom to practice and hone your skills. Learn to speak clearly and express yourself in a way anyone can understand. You might want to consider language classes for international clients. Even clients from countries that speak your language might speak a different dialect. Words that mean one thing in the United States mean something entirely different in other English-speaking countries, so familiarize yourself with their lingo. You don’t want to say something offensive when you meant something completely innocent.
Etiquette is an important part of being a good communicator. In corporate flight attending, you’ll work with people used to the best treatment, as well as people from differing cultures around the world. A client from Great Britain will have different expectations from a client from the Middle East, for example. Serving them as they’re used to is a must. At Beyond and Above, we focus a part of our training on proper etiquette and communication with your future clients in mind.
You’ve probably heard that people say more with their bodies than with their mouths. Body language cues will tell you more about whether you’re making the right moves than anything anyone will say. Pay close attention to facial expressions, tiny twitches that could indicate discomfort or disapproval and react appropriately. Study up on the culture and expectations of potential clients to make sure you nail your interview and also that you get an invitation to work for them again.
Finally, be sure to hone your culinary skills. Not only do you need to cook well aboard a moving airplane, you also need to serve a flawless and beautiful plate. Make a five-star restaurateur jealous with how well you present food to your clients and you’ll never have to worry about your next job.
