by Paul Enockson

I firmly believe in establishing an excellent rapport with the casino staff. From the front desk to the casino pit ... make sure they know who you are ... it can pay big dividends!

Many years ago, while I was in college, someone told be to make sure that my instructors knew who I was. It was their belief that the if the instructor knew you, you would always get the benefit of the doubt if your grade was border line. Their belief was that if you had a B+ at the end of the year, and the instructor liked you, you were more apt to get an A in the class.

It's great advice. What does it cost you? A little time, saying thank you, little cards of appreciation, smiles, a pat on the back, so many little things, but so powerful. It's a bank account filled with lots of little things that didn't cost you anything! Give them away, there's a never ending supply.

I believe it is a good philosophy to live by (although PC knows I don't always practice what I preach). Over the years I've come to understand the importance of taking care of the people that take care of you. I know, it sounds like a dumb statement. But so many people expect so much of others without giving in return.

And I'm not talking about giving just because you expect something in return. You MUST give because you genuinely want to give. So many of us complain when we get bad service but forget to praise when we get good service.

Remember to take care of your casino host and the pit personnel that oversee the table games. You want them to remember you. If they do, they may be able to get you that room when it seems impossible, get you an invitation to a special event, make reservations for you at your favorite restaurant when they're booked solid! Maybe it will be an extra special dinner on your anniversary. Who knows?

So, what do you do for them? There are a number of things you can do. You can send thank you cards after a trip, you can take small gifts with you on your next trip, you can write personal notes while you're there. Be creative!

Here are some ideas that PC and I have used.

Take a bud vase along with you on your next trip. Most casinos sell some variety of flowers. A couple of flowers stuck in a bud vase with a short "thank you" note are great little gifts for a female pit person that has been helpful both in the present and in the past.

We have taken boxes of candy along on trips and included special notes of thanks. We have given boxed ties, gift catalogs, small tins of dried fruits and snacks, a special note of thanks written on hotel stationary, writing pens, small pocket knives and numerous other items.

A small gift that is only produced, or is only available in the area where you live, make unique gifts. This could be special candy, a book, candle, statue or other unique gift.

Remember, it is the thought that counts. Start being appreciative of your host as well as the others that service you and watch the difference that it makes.

Until next month remember, "When you know how it's easy."