As long time readers know, I always search for business lessons when I travel, so here are a few insights from my recent vacation to fabulous Costa Rica:

• Many employees we encountered weren't just ambassadors for their business, they also recognized their role as ambassadors for Costa Rica. They shared their personal love of their country, asked us detailed questions about our visit, and thanked us for contributing to their economy. What can you do to ensure you and your fellow employees embrace the role as a director of first impressions not just for your business, but for your city, province, state, or country as well? 
• The spectacular cloud forest lodge Villa Blanca made us feel exceptionally welcome. The manager greeted us in the parking lot, another employee arrived with cool, scented facecloths, a third employee arrived with refreshing drinks, and yet another employee went over everything we would need to know in exhaustive detail, going out of his way to make us feel not only welcome, but safe and taken care of. What can you do to make your customers feel outrageously welcome?
• A good idea, but poorly executed: A restaurant server wore a button reading, "Ask me why we don't hand out drinking straws?" So I asked. She didn't know! Follow through and proper training matters!
• Looking back at all the guides we hired, the ones that stood out were the ones that had a great sense of humor and loads of passion - they were as excited to see a resplendent quetzal or sloth as we were! A few other guides, although extremely knowledgeable, seemed to be on autopilot. I don't care what you do for a living - your customers know the difference between someone on autopilot and someone who is truly in the moment with their customers.  
• Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, in part because of their laid back, relaxed attitude reflected in their national phrase "pura vida" (pure life). Pura vida is a catchall phrase meaning hello, goodbye, thanks, you're welcome, life is great, or chill out dude! Pura vida is an attitude and a way of life that translates into happier people, happier employees, and most definitely, happier customers!