Lessons from the Loo

If this article doesn’t prove there is something to be learned from any person, place or situation, I’m not sure what would. Today we will look at lessons you can learn from the bathroom (that’s the “Loo” in the title for those of you who don’t speak the King’s English).

Yes, the humble bathroom, loo, lavatory, toilet, comfort station, powder room, john, WC – no matter what  you call it, this room so essential that an abode is not considered “modern” without one (unlike optional spaces like man caves, mud rooms, or foyers) and yet so under-discussed. But what can we learn from a trip to the “necessary”? Here’s just a few things.

Make it easy for your customers to help you out

I have a close friend who would never eat a single thing on a McDonald’s menu, but routinely stops at the Golden Arches (no puns, please) on trips because “they have the cleanest bathrooms. I know what she means! Service station bathrooms are often among the least attractive places to spend time, but when you’re traveling, they can be necessary, and convenient. Stop for gas, and a quick trip to the potty. One smart services station owner put a simple switch inside the restroom and invited customers to flip it if they felt the space needed some clean-up. Brilliant! The mechanics or cashiers don’t need to make frequent trips to check on the condition of the room, but when it needs cleaning, a light goes on. Even if the bathroom was dirty when I went in, knowing that I could easily and conveniently alert the proprietor makes me feel better already. I would stop there again. Lesson learned: Give your customers the power to let you know when something is wrong, easily and without feeling awkward. (Source)

Always wash your hands

A LinkedIn friend posted about how he recently stopped into the bathroom before a big presentation. As he was leaving another gentleman came in. They exchanged a few innocuous remarks. About five minutes later, as the meeting convened, that same gentleman came into the board room – it was the President of the company he was pitching! Imagine how different the first impression would be if my friend had been seen walking out of the bathroom without washing his hands. Lesson learned: You never know where you will run into your next client. (Source)

Capture the Moment

Two things we all know about using public restrooms. For a short period of time, we are the captives of the environment, and where you direct your gaze can be important. Businesses can take advantage of both of these realities. People are going to want to stare straight ahead, whether looking at the inside of a stall door or the wall behind the urinal. Why not put a small message there, since you will have their attention anyway? It could be as subtle as your company logo, or you could perk it up a bit with a note like “Thanks for visiting ABC Corporation, World Leader in Offshore Investments” or, “As long as we have your attention, let us tell you three reasons why you should do business with us”. Cheeky, yes, but likely to make a positive impression in almost any case.

It’s not a deficit, it’s a benefit

The Potty Mouth Tours website aims to bring us the best bathrooms Christianity has to offer. A recent video shows one such church in Denver, that uses art, whimsy, symbolism and bold moves to create some remarkably awesome public washrooms. The pastor seems to think that some people come to his church just because they have heard about the bathrooms, and then stay for the sermon – and that’s just all right with him! Lesson learned: You gotta have something, make it a feature!

I hope this little diversion has entertained you, but more importantly that it stimulates creative thinking for your next project, no matter what it is!