I recently spent a vacation week at a hotel in Newport, RI. During that time I encountered a number of employees including wait staff, managers, front-desk people, bartenders and housekeeping staff. In general, they were all very good.

One of these individuals, however, stood head and shoulders above the rest. He was a bellman named Monty. I didn’t meet him until I was checking out and needed help retrieving my car from the hotel garage. Even though Monty was extremely busy he paused to introduce himself and ask my name. He shook my hand while looking me in the eye and asked if I enjoyed my stay at the hotel. His energy and personality were contagious. On this hot summer day, Monty’s uniform was impeccable. His shoes had a shine that would rival a member of a Marine honor guard. His smile was warm and genuine. Monty asked if I needed a restaurant recommendation for lunch on my ride home. Did I need help with directions to find the main highway? In this day and age of diminishing customer service, Monty was someone I will not soon forget.

Did I leave the hotel with a positive impression? Will I return in the future? Did Monty receive a substantial tip? The answer to all of the above is yes. I have met scores of hotel and restaurant people in my travels as an executive coach. Some were memorable, but most were not. So what can we learn from Monty?

• Customers appreciate when we go the extra mile in our interactions with them.

• The attention to detail we apply to our work will separate us from the competition and make us truly memorable.

• People know we are interested in them as human beings and not just as someone involved in a transaction when we: use his or her name in conversation, take time to learn about their families and hobbies, remember birthdays and anniversaries, and send a handwritten note of thanks instead of an email. All of these actions speak to our high level of excellence and professionalism.

• Being "pressed and polished," even on dress-down Fridays, will speak volumes regarding how we feel about ourselves and certainly contribute to our being memorable.

When you are truly memorable there is a high probability that the following will occur.

• You will enjoy a high "likeability quotient." Remember research shows that people buy from those whom they like.

• You will get things accomplished that others can't because people enjoy being around you and want you to succeed.

• Executives will remember you and select you for important assignments.

• Customers are more likely to take your call because of the positive memories they have of you.

Monty probably doesn't have your education or professional experience, but he knows how to be memorable. He could teach a sales training module at any company in the country. He knows that by making his customers feel important, they will remember him and his employer.

There are days when I don't feel up to Monte's standards, but I can't afford to be any less memorable than he is. What about you?