[비즈한국] Two celebrity novice bosses have appeared at a quiet rural grocery store. This is the story of tvN’s new variety show ‘Unexpected Business,’ which airs every Thursday night at 8:50 PM. The show follows the chaotic business life of actors Cha Tae-hyun and Jo In-sung as they take over a rural store that has everything except what you might actually need. The show has recently been sailing smoothly in terms of popularity, recording its highest viewership ratings to date.
The story of their ten-day journey, which began with a letter of advice from the ‘real’ owner of the rural grocery store, unfolds in quite an intriguing way. The twist is that the scale of the work at the rural store, which they became owners of ‘by accident,’ was a ‘massive’ operation that went far beyond what the two had imagined. In reality, this modest-sized store doesn’t just sell various snacks and daily necessities; it serves as a community hub for villagers, a snack bar that sells ramen during the day, and a small pub in the evening where one can have a drink with simple appetizers. With no barcode scanner, they have to memorize the prices of every item, and they even have to manually hand-write bus tokens—a system that has long since vanished in the city—causing the two novice bosses to struggle from day one.
‘Unexpected Business,’ the project of two novice bosses becoming actual owners, has the heartwarming appeal of watching them grow into ‘true bosses.’ Added to this is the fun of watching the part-time workers, recruited through the two actors’ extensive personal connections, show off their skills. Interestingly, amidst the many characters that appear, the one who draws the most attention is none other than Cha Tae-hyun.
Cha Tae-hyun, who is always laughing heartily in front of customers, is a thick-skinned boss who isn't afraid to ask customers how to handle things when he doesn't know. Perhaps it’s his natural affability, but he also excels at communicating with the local residents. For instance, when a shy young customer isn't eating well, he remembers that the child enjoyed pizza in the store previously and opens the child’s heart by warmly asking, “You enjoyed that pizza back then, didn’t you?” Cha Tae-hyun is a communication expert who remembers every customer he has met, allowing him to initiate ‘small talk’ about daily life upon their second visit.
Watching how he treats customers on ‘Unexpected Business,’ I realized that the essence of ‘small talk’—opening the hearts of strangers—is something worth learning from Cha Tae-hyun. So, what are the principles behind ‘Boss Cha’s’ small talk? It’s simpler than you might think. Just as you smile back when someone gives you a pleasant smile, try to be the person who smiles first. Then, just say a few words with a smiling face. The key is to make eye contact with the other person at that moment. With just this simple action, an intimate relationship with the person you are making ‘small talk’ with has already begun. I was even surprised by how Cha Tae-hyun’s conversation method—always kneeling down to meet a child at eye level—is the perfect preparatory step for ‘small talk’ that makes you nod in agreement.
If the person you are making ‘small talk’ with is someone you are meeting for the second time, it is effective to start by remembering your previous encounter, just like Cha Tae-hyun does. However, if it is someone you are meeting for the first time, the easiest way to start or continue a conversation is to observe them carefully and give them a compliment. For example, Cha Tae-hyun starts a conversation with a local child who bows 90 degrees to him by saying, “My, you have such great manners!” Starting with a smile, making eye contact, and offering a compliment is the beginning of Boss Cha’s ‘small talk.’ If you follow just this point, a natural sense of intimacy will follow, and the conversation will flow as smoothly as water. This is the very essence of the ‘Sweet Boss’ Cha’s secret to ‘small talk.’
‘Small talk’ plays a role in developing relationships and leaving a positive, lasting impression. Try following the essence of ‘Boss Cha’ from ‘Unexpected Business.’ You will find that you are remembered far more clearly than by exchanging business cards, and you will even win over the other person’s favor.
Who is writer Kim Soo-yeon?
She has made a living by writing, covering, and interviewing for various magazines, including film, fashion, and lifestyle publications. She currently works in PR and marketing for eco-friendly cosmetic & detergent brands 'Bebeskin,' 'Vuganic,' and 'Bazl,' living an 'eco-clean life' that she never thought about before.