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.

Sherri Sembly

Showing appreciation to my clients is not just a professional obligation—it’s a core part of who I am as a REALTOR® and as a person. I believe in treating my clients as cherished individuals, making them feel valued beyond their roles as clients. One way I show my appreciation is through simple gestures, such as remembering their birthdays, anniversaries and sending heartfelt messages is one way I express this appreciation. It’s not just about business; it’s about celebrating their lives and letting them know that they matter to me on a personal level. Even after the transaction is done, I don’t consider our relationship over. I’m always there to answer their calls and assist them in any way I can. I want them to understand that our connection is more than just a one-time transaction; it’s a lasting relationship built on trust and care. Read more>>

Laura Young

Our gallery often goes above and beyond to tell our customers how much their business means to us. Prior to larger scale exhibitions some of our artists make a token or gift for their collectors, at times they can make up to 15o small tokens or gifts, sometimes its as few as 10. Regardless of the quantity of pieces needed to be sent out I see it as my job to hand write a note to go along with each gift letting the recipient know about the exhibition inviting them for a private viewing and just in general thanking them for all that they do. As silly as it sounds, sometimes it takes me a whole week to hand write all of the notes but it always feels so worth it. Especially when I receive texts and emails thanking us. Read more>>

Jen Coker

I believe that one of my best qualities of being a trainer & business owner is creating relationships with my clients. I think it’s so important to make them feel appreciated, valued, and cared for. I make them feel appreciated by showing interest in not only their health & fitness journey but also their personal lives. I really get to know them and make them feel comfortable talking to me and getting to know me. I also do little signs of appreciation such as oil infused cold towels, birthday, holiday and thank you cards, favorite snacks, etc. My intent with all of this is to help them feel good and valued as not only my client but as a friend. I hope they feel the love and passion I pour into them. Read more>>

Lauren Stanton

At the time that I opened my shop, I knew I had so much inside of me that I was not sharing in the way my career trajectory was going. I had creativity bursting at the seams and no real outlet for it at the time… so I built it! When I opened my studio and started creating again, I felt even more alive. As a new mom at the time, it gave me an additional sense of self and connection to who I once was. Connecting with my customers was part of my reason because – through my work – I am helping them make a moment memorable for their loved ones or their business (which is also a loved one). When I realized that utilizing my solutions-oriented mentality through my craft, it was the amazing beginning to building a community for my little family. Read more>>

Courtney McIvor

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” That is just one of the many pieces of advice my parents had given me growing up that has stuck with me as an adult. As a business owner and Insurance Agent, I try to always treat my customers the way that I would want to be treated. I try to deliver personalized service. That can mean different things to different people. To me, it means that I listen to the perspective customer, to try to understand their needs and fit them into the best policy that will fit their needs and protect them the most. Once they make the choice that I am who they want to work with, I send a handwritten note to them in the mail thanking them for choosing me as their agent and include my business card. Read more>>

BRUNA VALENTE

When I launched Terrain, I had recently been through the most intense last two years when I was healing from a breast cancer diagnosis. I was going through chemotherapy and surgeries, all while caring for my newborn, Henry. During that time, I felt the love and support from those around me so deeply, so tangibly. There was an army of family, friends, and strangers not measuring efforts in loving me in so many ways and without expectations. They simply chose to be part of my life with all its beauty and pain. I was touched by that. That sense of “caring deeply” was built into every aspect of my new brand. So when we launched Terrain in November of 2022, I wanted to acknowledge those who again, chose to be part of something different with me. Each of our first 100 customers received an additional full size product with their order. It came with a card titled “Bold Gratitude”. Read more>>

Adaeze Nwanonyiri

The best thing that I have done to show a customer our appreciation was when I invited her out for coffee to understand her culture. I really wanted to implement her culture in to one of deserts. She explained what her families beliefs were from their country as well as special ingredients that always make their family feel united even if they are separated in distance. I did some research on where I could track down the key ingredients and brainstormed with my team at Beas Bakery to add as a “desert of the week.” Read more>>

Candess Miller

Every client I have is important to me. I treat every wedding like it’s my last wedding and try to remember that to the couple, it’s one of the most important days of their lives. As a wedding photographer, I am at the center of the action and I am with the bride and groom more than anyone else throughout their day, so it’s important for me to gain their trust before the wedding and create a professional friendship with them. Showing a couple that I appreciate them starts when they first reach out and ends…never. All my past couples get future discounts, thank you gifts and special treatment from day one. Read more>>

Meric Mizrakli

Giving secret scholarships to retreats and making their dreams come true! We truly appreciate their intentions and value for our offerings, and the best way to show it is include them. We understand the balance between giving and receiving and keeping our hearts open. Read more>>

Deitra Hickey

Over the last 14 years, I have run my business with my customers’ direction. After every service, we call our clients and ask them how we did. We consistently ask them for feedback and have an open door policy. In addition, we frame customized birthday signs and other celebratory signs when they come in. We walk them to their car with an umbrella when it’s raining. If we missed the mark, we make it right. It’s not one act of kindness, but a comprehensive intentionality to make sure our customers know they are cared for, valued, and never taken for granted. Read more>>

Lauren Zeek

I am beyond thankful for the amazing customers that support my small business. From weddings to birthday parties there is no way I could say thank you enough for my customers. I love adding a “car cookie” to every cookie order that goes out the door. Who doesn’t want to eat a cookie as they drive home? Sometimes you just can’t wait til the day of your party to try a cookie, it’s a great way to let my customers know how much I appreciate them and get a sweet treat in their hands before party time! Read more>>