We were lucky to catch up with Graylen Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Graylen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

Customer appreciation is at the heart of exceptional business practices. In my experience, it’s not just about transactions; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that demonstrate how much we value each customer.
One of the most impactful ways I’ve found to show appreciation is through my community on Skool.com/BetterGardener. There, I make it my mission to ensure every interaction leaves community members feeling genuinely valued and heard. I approach each conversation as if I’m talking to a family member, giving personalized attention to their gardening questions and concerns.

For instance, when a novice gardener recently asked about dealing with a persistent pest problem, I didn’t just offer a quick solution. I took the time to understand their specific situation, provided detailed, step-by-step guidance, and followed up a week later to check on their progress. This level of care not only solved their immediate issue but also built a lasting connection.

The impact of this approach is evident in the community’s growth and the heartfelt messages I receive. One member said in one of our weekly calls, “The gardening calls is the best part of my day!”

By consistently demonstrating that each member matters and that their success as gardeners is my primary goal, I’ve seen the community flourish. It’s not just about growing plants; it’s about nurturing relationships and helping people become the better gardeners they aspire to be. This, to me, is the essence of true customer appreciation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Graylen Brown, and I’m a Texas Master Gardener with over two decades of experience in growing and gardening. I’m based in North Texas, Zone 8B, and my passion lies in helping others cultivate their own green spaces, no matter their experience level or living situation.
My journey in gardening began as a personal hobby, but over the years, it has blossomed into a mission to educate and inspire others. As a certified Master Gardener, I’ve honed my skills across various aspects of horticulture, from ornamental houseplants to vegetables and fruit trees.
At Better Gardener, we offer a range of services designed to meet the needs of diverse gardeners:

Garden consultations: Personalized advice tailored to your specific gardening challenges and goals.
Educational content: We create informative and engaging content across multiple platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Community building: Our thriving gardening community on Skool.com/BetterGardener serves as a hub for knowledge sharing and support.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to gardening education. We don’t just focus on plant care; we emphasize sustainable practices, urban gardening solutions, and budget-friendly approaches. Our content covers everything from DIY vegetable gardening tutorials to fruit tree grafting.
I’m particularly proud of how we’ve made gardening accessible to everyone, regardless of their living space or budget. Our community is designed to inspire gardeners, helping them transform even the smallest spaces into thriving green oases.

For our potential followers and clients, I want you to know that at Better Gardener, we’re committed to:

Practical, actionable advice: Our tutorials and tips are designed to give you the confidence to start and maintain your garden.

Sustainable living: We promote eco-friendly gardening practices and zero-waste principles.

Community support: When you join Better Gardener, you’re not just gaining knowledge; you’re becoming part of a supportive community of fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Diverse content: From herb gardening to vegetable growing, container gardening to permaculture, we cover a wide range of topics to suit various interests.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to expand your knowledge or a complete beginner eager to get your hands dirty, Better Gardener is here to guide you on your journey. We believe that gardening is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to connect with nature, promote sustainability, and enhance your quality of life.
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of gardening together. Let’s grow, learn, and create beautiful, sustainable spaces that nourish both body and soul!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that compassion has been the cornerstone in building my reputation within the gardening community. My approach has always been to create a nurturing environment where everyone, regardless of their experience level, feels comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.
Many of my clients have likened me to Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross, but in the realm of gardening. This comparison truly warms my heart because it reflects the calm, patient, and supportive manner in which I strive to share my knowledge and passion for gardening.
When I provide advice, tutorials, or recommendations, I make a conscious effort to do so in a way that is encouraging and inclusive. I firmly believe that there’s no such thing as a “silly question” in gardening. Every inquiry is an opportunity for growth and learning.
My philosophy is simple: gardening should be a joyful and empowering experience for everyone. I never want anyone to feel belittled, discriminated against, or inferior for seeking help or clarification. Instead, I aim to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared enthusiasm for the art of growing.
This compassionate approach has resonated with many in our community. It’s not just about imparting gardening knowledge; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where people feel valued and encouraged in their gardening journey. I believe this has been key to building trust and a strong reputation in the gardening market.
In essence, I’ve found that when you genuinely care about your clients’ success and approach teaching with kindness and patience, people not only learn more effectively but also become passionate advocates for your work. This ripple effect of positivity and shared knowledge has been instrumental in growing our community and establishing our reputation.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in genuine engagement and dedication to serving the gardening community. Social media can indeed be a congested and often confusing space, but I found my niche by focusing on what matters most: the individual gardener’s needs.
The cornerstone of my social media strategy has been personal attention. I make it a point to answer every single gardening question that comes my way. This approach stems from my belief in prioritizing the customer experience. I view each question as important, regardless of how many times I may have addressed similar topics before. When someone chooses to ask me for advice, I feel a responsibility to provide them with the care and attention they deserve.
This commitment to individual engagement has been the catalyst for my growing following. Interestingly, I’ve found that there aren’t many gardeners dedicating themselves solely to answering other growers’ questions on social media platforms. This approach aligns perfectly with the mission of a Master Gardener, which is to provide gardening education and guidance to fellow growers.
By consistently offering this personalized support, my business partner and I have been able to translate this same educational approach to our platform, Better Gardener. We’ve created a space where this one-on-one interaction can flourish on a larger scale.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be:

Focus on genuine engagement: Take the time to respond thoughtfully to comments and questions.
Consistency is key: Regularly post valuable content and maintain your commitment to interacting with your audience.
Embrace your niche: Identify what makes your approach unique and lean into it.
Prioritize quality over quantity: It’s better to have meaningful interactions with a smaller audience than superficial engagement with a larger one.
Be patient: Building a loyal following takes time. Stay true to your mission and the audience will come.
Add value: Always aim to provide information or insights that your audience can’t easily find elsewhere.

Remember, social media is not just about broadcasting your message; it’s about creating a community. By focusing on serving that community, you’ll naturally grow your presence and influence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.skool.com/bettergardener/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbangardeningwithgray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083645048734
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcet1bdtYvtBSFFcIC2QfpA
• Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/@urbangardeningwit
  Urbangardeningwithgray.com

Image Credits

Graylen Brown