I was getting an early morning coffee in Manhattan yesterday, which is my normal routine during the week. The fact that it was rainy, plus it being a Monday, made for a rather drab start to the day. This particular place has counter seating only and as I sat there looking out the window at the passing cars, a cab pulls up and I believe I see someone famous get out. Wow! Can it be him? Is that Henry Winkler? It certainly looks like him, but he’s dressed like a businessman. It’s not that I expected him to be in his Fonzie leather jacket, but a suit, getting out of a cab and right out my window so unexpectedly didn’t seem believable.

I went back to what I was doing and the next thing I know, this same HW look-a-like person walks in and puts his things down a seat away from me at the counter. I can’t help but look again and discretely check out the situation since he’s a dead ringer for the beloved Arthur Fonzarelli, sans jeans and black leather jacket.

It is him! We smile at each other and I say “hi”. This is actually my second encounter with him, although the first one was in passing. I tell him that he passed me along the street years ago in Times Square, and gave me a smile as he went by. It was one of those things that came across as very genuine and made for a really nice moment that I’ve remembered. It left me with the impression that he was a really nice guy. When I told him yesterday about that, he came over and gave me a big hug and showed he appreciated the complement. You can’t fake that kind of interaction with people. Henry Winkler now goes in my book of “Officially Nice People”.

We chatted briefly. I even watched his things for him as he went up and ordered his cup of coffee. He’s not only nice, but gets his own coffee!

I learned two lessons from this small experience: #1 is that when you’re genuine, it shows. Having no airs about you, being approachable and taking a moment with someone is important. This not only goes for small interactions in life such as meeting people in your everyday experiences, but in business. That’s what clients will see and value. The relationship outshines the almighty dollar.

Lesson #2 has to do with how quickly things can turn around. On Friday, I had an experience with someone that didn’t go exactly as planned. It left me feeling a bit discouraged and questioning things. On Monday, I’m trading hugs with Henry Winkler. So, you never know what life has in store or what will come your way, even on a rainy Monday morning over a cup of coffee. As we wait for the economy to turn around, keep that in mind!