maybe try to ask customers more questions. my store has good customer connection ratings. you could try to ask them about their day or their weekend. just have a conversation with them. that’s what a lot of people at my store do to try and connect, hope this helps.

I work at a tarbucks and we opened about a year ago. We only just got our customer connection pins. We just finally started consistently writing names on cups and we have our regulars that we recognize and know their orders and what’s going on in their lives that really helped us. Regular guests should be your friends.

I'm super awkward and have social anxiety, but if you ask questions it can help. And not just how's your day going, like ask if they are going to work or coming home from work depending on the time of day. And ask where they work, if they're going to do anything fun if it is afternoon or evening, if they're wearing a cool shirt say you like it, or if they have cool makeup, nails, tattoos, hair, etc., compliment them! Even though it sounds dumb, you could talk about the weather, for example I live in the desert so its constantly over 100 degrees here so i ask how/if they're staying cool or if they have been going swimming, and we have crazy dust storms so I talk about those. Basically keeping the conversation going enough to make them see that you care about them and care about making their day a little better with your interaction is all it takes! It can be super awkward but don't push yourself too hard otherwise that can make it even more awkward. Start with something small about work or something, and then add to that as you feel more comfortable. And try to remember about regulars, because if you hear they had an interview or doctors appointment or family dinner one day, next time they come in ask them about it and they will appreciate so much that you remembered! I hope that helps!!