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.

Shakeena Benjamin

Some of the things I’ve done to show a client that I appreciate them are the following;

-Delivering on my promises doesn’t only mean getting results. It also means following up, and arriving at any scheduled meetings/appointments/ and or calls on time. I have learned that the more you prove you’re a person of your word and integrity, the more your client will be able to trust you with their business. I prefer to approach my clients with a personable and yet professional approach. Each client deserves to be handled with care and that need may vary from the next. This requires a level of attention to detail. Read more>>

Jill Pavlov Vazquez

Showing customers you appreciate them is, in my world, necessary. First off, because it’s true — I am so grateful for each and every one of my customers for trusting me with their precious content — it honestly means so much to me. But secondly is because those first customers or clients that your business receives are going to set the tone for everyone else — so make an impression that keeps your early adapters coming back and spreading the word about how awesome you are. It’s also a way to solidify your branding in their head — for example, this year for the holidays, I gifted my clients pens and notebooks (because I’m their writer) covered in rhinestones (because making words sparkle is part of my branding). The best part was seeing their reactions. Read more>>

October Cult

Our art business of which my husband, Jeremiah, and I, Alexandra, have trademarked the title October Cult, has been a huge part of our lives for the last few years. Read more>>

Roger Howard

I really like to reward loyalty in my customers. So when someone buys more than a few things I try to send them home with a little something else. I originally started doing this because I just wanted to say thanks but I also find that it sometimes leads them to buying more because they are exposed to something else I make. I know my customers find this to be a nice treat. Read more>>

Maggie Swift

Gift-giving is one of the best ways to show appreciation to anyone, but keep in mind that it should still be super strategic. We don’t purchase a bunch of swag to box off and ship; who wants to get that? We prefer to surprise our clients with thoughtful gifts that show we really listen to them day in and out. One day, our client expressed to us that she was feeling overworked, stressed, and downright exhausted. We surprised her with a gift card to a local spa in her town. It wasn’t over a major holiday; it was just on a random Tuesday in the middle of February, but it was a thoughtful gift from an empathetic heart that she will most likely never forget. Read more>>

Natalie Rodeniser

While I can talk about the nitty-gritty of business backend or how I came to start my business, the most important part of it all is our amazing customers, whom we get to serve. I have worked in customer service my entire career and so when I decided to start Lux & Lye LLC, I knew I wanted our customers to be the foundation of all we do. Our customers help to shape who we are and what we make. Because of that, we make sure to give back to our customers and community for supporting our small brand. Read more>>

Jo Peters

I worked for 15 years in corporate America for Fortune 100 companies like Good Year and PepsiCo, before I started my business in 2019. In my corporate roles, my job was all about cultural change, ownership, and empowerment of all levels of the organization, from the front line to executives. Read more>>

Jane Zahasky

I show appreciation to all of my massage clients by following up with them after their sessions. Most of the time, it’s the next day and I send them a text asking them how they are feeling. I try to specifically ask them about the issue they came in with the day before that we addressed during their massage. I will also add something personal that they may have shared with me (upcoming vacation, family event, illness in the family, etc). Read more>>

Hafeezah Ausar

In my online Live Whealthy community, I find it incredibly important to show genuine appreciation to my clients. When we embark on detox challenges together, I make it a point to call out clients by name and showcase their efforts. This not only expresses my gratitude but also creates a strong sense of belonging for them. Recognizing their contributions is so important to the success and engagement of our detox challenges and online community. Read more>>

Kelly Motley

For me, growing has been about keeping an open honest relationship with anyone who comes into my salon space. When you promote conversation is keeps things easily understood. When running a business, understanding you need boundaries and keeping policies affective, can get scary. I whole heartedly think I have made the connects I have because of my honesty with everyone. If a client comes in and wants something but I do not believe it is in their best interest then I express that. When I have open vulnerable conversations with clients, it not only shows them I care about them but I am not afraid to be honest with my opinion. This is return builds trust and the is everything in the beauty industry. Read more>>