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.

Michelle Silverman

There have been many ways that I have shown ways I appreciate my clients. Throughout the year my clients either hear from me whether it is a gift that I drop by to say hello. Or sending them a house anniversary gift or throwing client appreciation parties. I remember years ago I had sold a home to a client but he wasn’t going to be able to move into his new home right away, and he had a large dog that he didn’t know what to do with. So I offered to take care of the dog for 2 months before he moved in. Read more>>

Ariella Bocian

My approach to nutrition coaching is helping them understand how to reach their goals while also unraveling some bad habits they’ve learned in life through either diet culture (like eat less move more) or family norms (like finishing your plate even if you’re not full, not eating before bed, etc.). By focusing on what they personally struggle with, it can open up the doors to some emotional triggers that may be stopping them from seeing their progress or when they have a mental breakthrough. Read more>>

Charmaine Thomas

I own a tax firm, so during tax season for the past couple of years I’ve partnered with a company that provides vacations to Cancun. The clients are only responsible for the taxes and transportation. I send these out to all of my clients. I also hold drawings on social media for an opportunity to win a trip to Cancun, gift cards, and many other gifts. I use Kymmie’s Creation’s a lot for my giveaways; she has the coolest gifts. I always feel it’s necessary to show your clients and followers just how much you appreciate them. You’re not only providing them a service or looking at them as a number, but as a human being. I love “giving”. Read more>>

Ra’Jonna McMillan

As a business owner (especially service based businesses), I believe it is extremely important to let your clients know that they are appreciated. One of the things I pride myself on the most in my business is client appreciation. My business thrives on relationships, referrals, reviews…just people in general. Without building relationships and getting those referrals, I would not be able to run a successful business. One of the things I believe we often minimize is the power of little things. Read more>>

Alessandra Rodriguez

At Bon Bon Bon, we take customer service pretty seriously. As shopkeepers, we assume responsibility for the entirety of someone’s in-store experience which is a pretty big deal because sometimes customers come in on what may be a really bad day for them. So for us, it’s important to recognize this role that we play in people’s lives. We like to think of ourselves as somewhere in between a jeweler and a bartender – a jeweler guides you throughout this really elaborate process before you buy a cherished item (like a shopkeeper walks you through getting the perfect gift). Read more>>

Becki Feldmann

We have done some pretty typical customer recognition and appreciation things like a loyalty rewards program, gifts, special sales, and more. What I think sets us apart is the personal appreciation experiences that we offer to our customers. Appreciation isn’t just about gifts. While that might be the most common, it isn’t always the most meaningful! That’s what sets us apart in how we recognize customers. For our second birthday we hosted a VIP Champagne Brunch to spend quality time with our customers. It wasn’t just about shopping. It was about spending time with our customers who really have become friends! Read more>>

Penny Seabolt

As a business owner there is not one single event or incident that you show your customers appreciation and care. Customer service by far is my first priority. Customer service is lacking in the hospitality industry. Most of the time you’re just a person. When I started my business, I wanted to make everybody feel appreciated welcome and happy, and we have accomplished that in the five years that we’ve been in business.. Read more>>

Johnnaisha Wheaton

The greatest thing I have done for 2 clients that were friend, was to help them celebrate their birthdays! I had decorate my suite, with balloons and a banner, gifted them birthday sash, and a gift of beauty supplies. Read more>>

Mary Johnson

I absolutely Love and Adore my customers, they trust me with their dessert palate and that’s a job I don’t take lightly. I show my customers appreciation by always baking their items fresh, even if that means I have to get up at 2 o’clock in the morning to bake just so they can have the best of my talents. Read more>>

Tiara Daniel

I love all of our customers – we do not care about how you look, how you dress or how much money you make. I take pride in our products and love to see our regulars it makes what I do an absolute joy. This is not my job; it is my passion. I create mesmerizing natural products and our customer let me know that I am doing something right. “Remember Things are Better HOMEMADE.” Read more>>

Jaffee Judah

Wow! That’s a hard question hmmm. I think passing out $250 cash envelopes to 10 families who suffered injury or damages during the Tornado disaster in 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. My organization Recycle And Reinvest fed over 100 families in the Dodge City Project in North Nashville. Read more>>

Jo Glorioso

We have a loyalty system, kind of like a punch card, that allows our customers to volunteer to share their info. Some of our customers give us their birthday. When one of our extremely loyal cusomter’s burthday comes up we give them their favorite pastry, coffee, or lunch item for free. It is a surprise for them which always puts a smile on both our faces. Recently we made caramel cupcakes for a regulars 40th Birthday. We knew she LOVED caramel. Read more>>

Christina Holloway

I have provided free services to a few customers because customer service matters when it comes to choosing your brand or facility again. When a customer is unhappy with the polish they choose or my hours don’t work with their hours lastly when they need services but cannot afford it. I do it “why not” and it doesn’t matter if they return or not because the customer service I’ve shown them is what matters. Read more>>