What I learned from Vegas was made apparent when I returned to Vancouver. I was walking down Robson Street today and within 20 minutes, 3 people gave me a genuine warm hello and greeting while being friendly. (Let’s be honest, if you have travelled anywhere in Canada and North America, you know that Vancouver is somewhat friendly, and not nearly as spontaneously friendly as most cities in North America!)

Anyway, it hit me that this happened all the time in Vegas (and not just the strip), and was one of the reasons why I appreciate the place.

Anyway, enough explaining, as I promised in my last blog, here’s what I learned from Vegas

1. Say hello and greet people warmly and with class.

I witnessed people from all walks of life, and will all different personalities, greet people in their own way, and with a style that said welcome. There is a reason why Vegas is known as welcoming to all who come there. If you want to do business differently in Vancouver,  greet people and say hello to others in this way. Trust me, if you do, you will be as presentable and inviting as Vegas is to its participants.

1. Be old school.

The first time I heard honey and sweetheart being referred to people, I was a bit shocked as I forgot that people could use these words without being sexist, and I was nowhere near a gay convention.

I saw older classy gentlemen, guys in T-shirts, hotel and restaurant staff, younger beautiful women, and all kinds of accents and skin colour use this expression when helping people (mostly helping women), and use it with such class and style that it was devoid of offense or sexism. I saw people open doors for people, assist others in where they needed to go, and be aware of others around them.

I saw old school gamblers help newbies, and I myself was taught a few approaches to poker by an old school gambler who assisted me and helped me for no reason except to be courteous.

People did these things for no reason other than THIS is what you do for others.  Do this when working with others, and you will be in a class that exudes style like Vegas does.

1. Be respectful, Leave with the person you brought.

We all know about the reputation of Vegas-and let’s face it, it’s true.  People go for more than just the gambling, which includes everything from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, to those whose tastes are as unique as the city itself.  That being said, everyone in Vegas has a quiet understanding that respecting others is key. I was amazed at how non-chalantly and open people were about talking about Vegas as a whole, and how it was natural to have a neighbour or friend that worked in a non-traditional industry. I witnessed on both the strip and in Vegas outside the strip, divergent groups of people not blink an eye when something or someone was not quite the norm. In fact, when there was interaction, it was done with respect.

Be respectful of everyone whom you interact with, and you will be able to leave others with a sense of respect no matter where they are in their life.