Flying home from a long vacation or a demanding business trip is tough.
People in airports always seem to have short tempers and little patience.
As a limo driver in New York City, I've heard thousands of horror stories about people being downright ugly to each other in the airport.
I used to laugh at people when they told me stories about how they lost their temper.
I learned very fast, however, that patronizing my clients would do nothing to help me advance my business.
After dealing with one too many angry customers, I started paying attention to strangers' faces to see if I could figure out what kinds of emotions people felt while at the airport.
Most of the faces I saw showed a mixture between indifference and annoyance, but every now and again I'd see someone who was happy and euphoric.
Most of the time, the people who were happy felt that way because they were reuniting with someone after being apart for a period of time.
To build my business, I began to greet my clients at the airport as if I were greeting old friends.
I would often greet my clients at the airport with a warm washcloth, an umbrella if it was raining or a small toy for young kids.
I can now say that due to my research, my business is now the most profitable limo service in the entire country.
I want to share my success with you, so keep reading to learn three wonderful ways to greet your special someone at the airport.
THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE: CARD, CANDY AND FLOWERS The traditional route may sound kind of boring, but trust me, I've never seen a girl upset that her boyfriend bought her a bouquet of flowers or a nice card.
Most of the time the weary traveler was excited to have received anything at all.
Just because you lack creativity doesn't mean you can't be thoughtful.
Another great thing about the traditional gift is that it's relatively inexpensive and all it requires in the way of shopping is a quick stop by your local grocery or drug store.
CELEBRATION: BUY SOME BALLOONS! For those who enjoy making a scene and getting attention, buy some balloons with crazy colors and wacky artwork.
If you go the balloon route, then you must also personalize your balloons with catchy sayings.
Personalization makes your greeting that much more special.
Don't be shy, buy some balloons! CUSTOM BANNERS ARE THE ULTIMATE WAY TO GREET THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE My personal favorite method of airport greeting is with a banner sign.
A custom banner requires slightly more preparation on your part, but as long as you go to your vinyl banner maker a day or so before you go to the airport, he will be able to get you squared away in no time.
I like to personalize my custom banners for each person that I pick up from the airport, but you can design your vinyl banner to say something generic so that you can use it over and over again.
Custom vinyl banners last forever! When my son returned home after spending a year in Australia, I greeted him with a custom banner and that custom banner is still hanging in his room to this day! I hope that you will take my recommendations to heart and try one of them out the next time you are greeting a loved one at the airport.
Remember, balloons and flowers are great, but custom banners make the biggest statement of all!