After tens of thousands of conversations with business owners, we’ve concluded that one of the key determinants between thriving and struggling businesses is how appreciated customers feel. While that insight might seem fairly commonplace, what’s rare is discussion on how business owners go about making their customers feel appreciated. So, we reached out to some of the most loved and admired entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community and asked them to open up about how they show appreciation to their customers.

Natalia Stamm

When I came back to barre3 after having my baby, the owner greeted me with a big hug and told me, “I’m so glad you’re back!” It made me feel so special to have a place where I belonged coming out of maternity leave. I purchased the studio a year later, and I have made it my goal to make barre3 a welcoming space for everyone who walks in the door. I want to give my clients the same feeling of belonging as the previous studio owner made me feel. Read more>>

Caitlin Register

Without my clients, I wouldn’t be where I am today! As a photographer. It is a dog eat dog world out there, so when, choosing a photographer, you really do need to connect with the person. The number one thing I wanna do for my client to go above and beyond is always to get the perfect shot, even if it means staying a little later pass the time that we’re supposed to be At a shoot! Read more>>

Ben Cloud

When I founded Cloud’s Coffee, I wanted to develop a system to create an outstanding customer experience. This ranges from hand-picked coffee beans to handwritten notes in each package. Regardless of what we do, everything is centered around our customers and how we can build a positive customer relationship. Read more>>

Sarah Castillo

As a wedding photographer, I believe customer service is key. Simply taking photos is only a small part of the day. I love being able to be there for clients on their special day as more than a vendor. You are with your clients throughout the majority of the day, so being a friend and someone they can rely on is priority. You are their third wheel, helping hand, friend, and a shoulder to lean on. Read more>>

Lisa Fitch

There are so many life occasions/celebration memories I recall, of customers giving a thoughtful gift of Bootleg Bourbon Balls. From birthdays/weddings, new parents, retirement, thinking of you, loss of a beloved family dog, a “thank you for your service,” to a uniformed service member returning home from a deployment, a police officer/firefighter team who called on a elderly mother who had fallen, and a friend going through a difficult divorce. Read more>>

Faye Morgan

Each month our goal is to reach an audience we haven’t reach before ! We want to be able to show others they are never alone when it comes to skin care and body care issues . So each month , we market an giveaway rather it is at a Pop Up Event , Community Outreach or through our social media platforms . The key is to introduce them to plant based , sulfate free and non toxic products that are safe to put on there bodies each and everyday . So far we have reach over 3,000 individuals through our platform. We can not wait to each more ! Read more>>

Dawnell Kelly

My client had brick and mortar locations for her business. This was pre-COVID. The first time we met, I suggested that I take her virtual, as she could help even more people. She gave me a shot and I was so grateful! So, in the midst of supporting the development of a virtual department, I created a virtual training course. She had franchises all over the country, and we thought it would be a good idea to offer a contractor position too. So people could offer her services as an individual without needing a storefront. Read more>>

Dinese Young

One of the best ways to show clients you appreciate them is through follow up. In most businesses, a relationship or interaction with a client ends when the transaction ends. However, sending simple communication after the fact not only wraps up your full transaction, but it reinforces to the client that you appreciate their business and their interactions. Since I am in the event business, it is easy to let the client interaction end at the end of the event. Following up with a hand written note within days or a week or two after the fact shows that you respect the care and responsibility they took in abiding by the rules, respecting the space, and interacting with the business. Read more>>

Bree Torti

I like to take it back to the old school ways, of pen to paper. A personal note/thank you card mailed. Studies even show when you receive a hand written card v.s a curated templet or email , you gain more retention, response, and positive feedback by the hand written card. It’s such a staple of mine to really make the client feel a special kind of way from the moment they are greeted to my salon suite to the moment they leave . Read more>>

Talia Fay

Customers are my livelihood. I make sure I thank all my customers for shopping with me. I also give discounts and special offers to my customers, so they will continue to feel appreciated. I know the economy has changed drastically, so I try to keep all my prices affordable. I will never forget, I was participating in a pop up shop, and a young lady ran to my table, she was so excited, she said “I’m so happy you’re here, I’ve been looking for your table since I got here”. Read more>>