Our Storytime series is based on the premise that stories are one of the most powerful ways to learn and so this series explores topics we think matter greatly to the success of small business owners and artists and creatives. One of those topics is showing customers that you appreciate them because there is a vast body of research as well as countless anecdotes of how showing customers you appreciate them directly impacts the degree to which your business will succeed and grow. Below, you’ll find stories of how some very talented entrepreneurs have made their clients feel appreciated.

Alice Quinlan

Every time I sell a home to a buyer I decorate the door with a big red ribbon welcoming them to their new home. They also get, Bread, Salt and Wine. “Bread so this home will never know hunger, Salt that life always has flavor and Wine that joy and prosperity reign forever……….Scene from It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart! Read more>>

Missy Bentz

We run an upscale short-term rental property that has beautifully landscaped gardens with a large pond and waterfall which provides a very peaceful and relaxing. When we purchased the property in January of 1991 we had never done anything in the lodging and hospitality industry, we were just looking for a change from owning a small business with several employees and lots of stress. When my husband and I first saw the property we fell in love with it and a vision for it took root in my heart that very day. Read more>>

Shante Frazier

Lately we have been doing a lot of work to keep our members instead of going out to find new members. For example, we gifted our members with a month of free group training. We are all about making sure our members look and feel their best; this includes their physical fitness. All of January we have been working out with local trainers to jumpstart our year. We are also working on a loyalty program which means members will get free company merchandise after reaching certain milestones. Read more>>

Erashea Clark

I’ve had one client who adores my craft but couldn’t afford a makeup session so I surprised her with a free glam!!And now she is a regular client! It’s not always about the money it’s truly about making a change in the world and showing others that there are still some genuine people left. Read more>>

Samiayyah Ellis

A few times of the year, I offer my waxing services at a discounted rate. For instance, during the holidays black Friday, I sometimes offer buy three get one free. I appreciate them, trusting me with their waxing needs, so I’m always willing to show my appreciation! Read more>>

Nina Simmons

The greatest thing I do for all of my clients is to show them how truly magnificent they are in their image. We all have insecurities. It’s such an annoying thing to have but it’s how we see ourselves and most of the time it’s negative. I have the pleasure of possibly changing that view and opening their eyes to the truth which is your undeniably beautifully and wonderfully made! I do that by learning each client personally and I create a custom way to photograph each person that shows their true self. Read more>>

Salimah Abdul-Baatin

I have gave my regular and loyal customers free beverages, coupons, and giveaways occasionally from Juictastic, LLC that place large and/or ongoing orders with Juictastic. Just to show my token of appreciation for their purchases and support to my business. I feel that’s the least I can do, I feel sometimes you have giveback in order to receive more which can be tremendously rewarding. Also, it creates a good business relationship between the customers and myself. Read more>>

Nika Hollingsworth

I do not take support for granted. If someone chooses my brand, whether for the first time or repeatedly, I want to show them my gratitude. Therefore, I put forth a great deal of effort in packaging and presentation. When I ship products, I decorate the shipping box and add extra trinkets as an offering of thanks. That could be a free lip shea butter, a keychain, pins, fragrance roll-on, product samples, etc. I also include a hand-written note inside each order I ship. Read more>>

Apple Grace

Customers are more than customers to me. I had a pop-up location in Soho, NY for a few years and connecting with my customers in person was the most gratifying experience. I’ve connected with so many special people from all over the world. They’d come in and tell me their life stories, accompanied with laughter and sometimes tears (mostly from me). And from those shared life experiences, I’ve designed and created countless personalized pieces of jewelry. Read more>>

Stephania Bonilla Salas

There have been many occasions where a client had a last minute cancellation. There was a sweet lady, single mother throwing her daughter her dream quince. We received a call begging for help since no one wanted to play for their event last minute. We were asked to play for a few hours and also play a video, but the previous Dj who cancelled had the video. We called the Dj and went to pick up the video, then rushed to get a screen show player. We arrived to the hall right before the event started and set up all of our equipment. Read more>>