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.

Crystal Kluge

I would say my favorite part about my business are my classes. I am completely self taught. I have always loved to bake and tried many things as a very young child. When I decided to make royal iced sugar cookies for the first time seven years ago, I spent a good solid year learning all that I could. I feel I am a wealth of knowledge now and actively seek to pass that onto my customers whether they want to start their own business or simply make treats for themselves, friends, and family. My favorite thing to give my customers is confidence in themselves. For my classes, the typical statement when they see the design is “I will never be able to make those.” When the class is over, they are always so proud of themselves. That is truly one of the most precious and satisfying gifts of my busiiness. Read more>>

Ofek Ariov

As a music producer and a sound engineer, I believe my job is to help artists express themselves in the best way possible. That means creating the best environment, physically and energetically, in the studio. I love people, and I truly believe the quality of the work depends a lot on the relationship between everyone in the studio. Therefore, I always do my best to get to know the people I work with before we even get to the studio and make it clear that what I care about the most is not the money, but the people and the music. A good example of that would be the latest project I’ve worked on, where a customer approached me with the idea of recording and mixing a full LP. Read more>>

Kristen Corral

Customer retention is something we focus heavily on at Tacotarian. From the moment a customer walks in the door we want them to feel welcomed and invited. Many times people come in with their non-vegan family members that are hesitant about trying the food. My husband/business partner Carlos has mastered converting these types of customers into fans. Beyond helping them place an order, he will give them samples and guide them through the menu. Once they’ve ordered he goes in the back and makes tacos that aren’t on our menu. He will then bring them to the table and tell the guests about his tacos that are a style from his hometown in Mexico. He explains that he made them special for them so they are trying a dish that no one else can get. Customers LOVE this! They feel excited, special and will often post on social media or leave a positive review for us. A little effort goes a long way in the hospitality industry. Read more>>

Jessie Luttrell

I always offer something yearly for my clients in order to give back and show my appreciation for their support throughout the year. I’ve offered pay what you can photo sessions, returning client discounts, referral credits etc. word of mouth is one of the most important thing for a business. I definitely want to show my appreciation as I do truly appreciate all my wonderful clients. It always makes me feel so good when someone will reach out for a session and say a previous client sent them because they loved their photos with me. Read more>>

Lee McPherson

We know our clients work hard and have busy schedules. Everyone’s time is so precious. So we have hand delivered products to our clients either at home or work that they have ordered so that they don’t have to make a special trip to the spa. Read more>>

Lynn Dowdell

Vin Collective is a luxury wine & spirits experience company and we travel nationally and internationally to curate experiences for your wine and spirits’ pleasure. I also hold several events open to the public throughout the year you see, most of the events and experiences that I host and or emcee are private events, fundraisers, dinner parties and celebrations held in Tampa Bay and throughout the country. There are times when some of the same clients will show up at nearly every event, promote my events or sponsor a ticket or two so that another can indulge in The Vin Collective Experience. This is something that I didn’t expect, however, I am very grateful for the support and kindness shown to me and those new to Vin Collective. And because I am a person who loves to volunteer and give back, I always try to find ways to show my appreciation to those who frequent Vin Collective. Read more>>

Angie Clancy

We own a small market and bakery in Rosebud, MO. We got a call, from a customer , she wanted to order one of our gooey butter cakes. She explained that our cake was her son’s favorite dessert. He had joined the Marines, right out of high school, like many of his family members have done. Which touch me because my father was a Marine and served in WWII. Read more>>

Abbi Kaiser

Customer appreciation is huge to me! I have always worked in customer service and I strongly believe you can really make someone’s day just by being kind. Building relationships with my clients is so important to me because it’s not just about the art, it’s about their story. Art is very personal and I want my clients to feel valued, seen, and heard. I love meeting new people, making friends, and growing with my clients. It is such a beautiful part about being an artist that I treasure so much! Read more>>