Imagine this: someone comes into your office, their heart beating and their hands sweaty. They could require aid or comfort. That first “hello” sets the tone. What is the truth? It’s not about big smiles and empty words when you give dedicated service. It’s about getting your hands dirty, getting knee-deep in someone else’s problems, and dealing with their needs directly, with no easy remedies in sight. This little pocket of human connection is at the center of every job, but it really shines in healthcare and client-based jobs. Zahi Abou Chacra believes every client deserves focused, personalized care—see how he brings that vision to life.

Have you ever tried to put a round peg into a square hole? That’s what happens when you give people one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, the best thing to do is listen—really listen. You get the tale, the little things, and the quiet pauses. It may be the mother whose child can’t sleep. Or the business owner who is lost in a tax cloud. You hear a casual comment and realize, “Aha, there’s the crux!” That’s when the wheels start to turn.

“Dedicated service” isn’t just a buzzword. It’s showing up every time. On a busy Wednesday afternoon, it’s answering the phone and returning a call that you could have sent to voicemail. Or sending a message that doesn’t sound like it was typed by a robot in a hurry. A long time ago, I worked with a doctor who knew what color each of his patients liked most. Strange? Maybe. Important? Of course. People will remember that much money. They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, do they?

Some days it feels like you’re juggling burning torches. Questions keep coming up, schedules get out of hand, and tech problems come up out of nowhere. Keeping your cool and staying calm under duress is half the battle. Making a patient or client feel like they’re the only one there? That’s the other half.

Sometimes, it’s about being open. You may not know everything. Come on. Promise to look more closely. Every time, honesty wins over guessing. If you’re a dental hygienist and a patient asks about a strange toothache, You have no idea. You say you’ll talk to the dentist and let them know the next day. Those little exchanges help build trust.

Next comes flexibility. The plan doesn’t work out; change it and keep going. Grandma can’t come in until after three? Change the calendar. A client’s needs change at the last minute? Take a deep breath, turn around, and keep the customer informed. They value the effort much more than the strict process.

Little things make a difference. A note written by hand. Remembering a customer’s birthday. Or at least a warm goodbye in the middle of the turmoil. Those details make people fans, not just customers. It’s the difference between being just another name in someone’s inbox and being the person they tell their friends, family, and maybe even strangers on the metro to get in touch with.

It’s easy to miss these little things when your mind is racing with to-do lists and ticks. But being intentional makes a regular appointment or business call into an experience. People feel that they are seen, heard, and respected. That’s the genuine essence of what it means to serve. You don’t have to give high-fives, but they never hurt.