THE CALIFORI\IA

Jack Dionne, Publisher

The Public and You

It was 34 years ago that a big Eastern bank wrote a letter to all its clerks and tellers, that was so filled with advice that seemed as important to lumber merchants as to bankers, it was reprinted in these columns. That was in 1926. Today a thoughtful reading of that letter indicates that it is just as directly interesting and useful to lumber folks as it was then, so here goes that famous page advice again:

1. Be agreeable. You are the contact point between the bank and the depositor. You make the bank's reputation in the mind of the depositor.

2. Know your goods. The depositor expects you to be able to answer any questions about your bank.

3. Don't argue. Someone said the customer is always right. If that is applied reasonably, it is a pretty good motto to live up to.

4. Make it plain. There is nothing mysterious about our business.

5. Tell the truth. The reputation of the bank is on your shoulders.

6. Be dependable. If you promise something, do it.

7. Remember names and faces. To call his name makes a depositor feel at home in this bank.

8. Don't be egotistical. You are here to sell bank service, not to make a personal impression.

9. Talk success, and about successful people. Don't be a grouch.

10. Be human. If the bank wanted simply to hand out information, it would use a catalogue.

All of which ten commandments of that old bank are good today and in any line of business. Especially lumber.