Our Storytime series is based on the premise that stories are one of the most powerful ways to learn and so this series explores topics we think matter greatly to the success of small business owners and artists and creatives. One of those topics is showing customers that you appreciate them because there is a vast body of research as well as countless anecdotes of how showing customers you appreciate them directly impacts the degree to which your business will succeed and grow. Below, you’ll find stories of how some very talented entrepreneurs have made their clients feel appreciated.

Georgette Bisteni Adam

I have been blessed with broad experience serving students and clients through my life. As a teacher, the best way you can show appreciation for your students is the passion and preparation you deliver in every single class. Any time you are in front of a group you must deliver the best of yourself and the teachings you are working on. Knowing that creating a space of confidence and trust is the key for sharing and growth. I have been a teacher in several disciplines, dance (jazz), cooking, marketing, business and most recently yoga. I teach regular students and students to become future teachers through our program in Lifetime Fitness of the 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training. Read more>>

Jennifer Lechowicz

Over the past few years I’ve grown much closer with my clients. I would say we bonded over uncertain times and in a way became more committed to the choice of choosing one another. Unfortunately, I have had several clients be diagnosed with various forms of cancer in the past two years as well. I wanted to show up for them so I hand knit blankets for a few of them, did some home visits, helped pick out wigs, and stayed connected through their treatments. On a personal level, it can be hard to allow someone to help but when you choose to allow someone to be there for you, you allow for a deeper bond to be made. I may have been there for them in a time of great need but the gift is in the “I love you” that we now exchange when we see each other. These past couple of years have given us all plenty to ponder but conversations with those who have faced cancer on top of it all, they really made me think longer and deeper than I ever have. Read more>>

Kaleigh Wiese

Your ideal client is more than just an aspirational customer. When you can truly get into the mind of the buyer and understand how you can solve their problems… it allows incredible impact for conversion & connection with little time or effort leaving them raving about you and them feeling so seen and appreciated. You may have an excellent offering, but if you are not tuned into the client’s needs and your own, you will feel drained, scattered and feeling like you are not on strong ground too. Read more>>

Corey Perkins

I’m a product of single parent home. My mother did all she could for me and my brother when I was growing up so I vowed to myself personally and professionally that I would always find ways to give back to the community. In the past, I reached out to my friends and colleagues in the industry to support my “Back To School” giveaway for a well deserving single parent family here in Atlanta. I received a big outpouring of support which filled my complete trunk with school supplies, bookbags, and also provided gift cards to the mom. The family was so happy and overjoyed because they were living in a motel and she advised she didn’t know how she was going to provide for her kids that school year. Things like this warms my heart because we never know what people are going through nor do we know when we would ever be in that position as well. Read more>>

Ryan Sharman

I believe that the best thing you can do as a business owner to show appreciation to your customers is to provide every single one of them with the best product possible. My product is the courses I deliver, but in more ways, the product is myself. Most anyone can learn CPR and get certified to teach the skills. The reason that I believe I have success in this field is because I am passionate about delivering an excellent product to my clients. Being the owner of the business, I know that the product I put out is a direct reflection of myself. I charge my clients per person. The larger the group class I have, the more money I make. Read more>>

Cristal Miranda

Showing appreciation to my clients is an act that continues beyond the closing of the transaction. My clients become close friends and I reach out occasionally throughout the year and send gifts on their birthdays and personally delivery holiday goodies to their door. Their words of appreciation fulfill my heart. Fueling my relationship with my clients is vital to me and brings great satisfaction. Read more>>

Tracy Beauchamp

The best thing I’ve done is shown my customers that I’m human first! I know as business owners we have to pay the bills but I try to show my customers that it’s not all about the money! I give them flexible payment options just in case things come up out of their control and with me being a single mother I can relate to some of their hardships! Kindness goes a long way and people will remember that! Read more>>

Lester Filer

I Have repeat customers who particularly only use me as their Dj and also refer me to other individuals they know, so I show them appreciation by giving them discounts or give them a free event because they brought me so much business. Read more>>

Indrea Gordon

For National cookie day I sent all of my top paying customers homemade cookies. My campaign was something like Quad always make you feel like your at home. Come have cookies and milk and consult w me about your wardrobe. Read more>>

Molly Stone

One of my favorite things about being a small business owner and a customer of other small businesses is building relationships and adding personal touches. While large companies are able to track your data and “personalize” their communication with you- nothing makes me feel more special than receiving a handwritten note or a little surprise in the mail. I’ve included positive stickers in our packages, sent handwritten holiday cards and other things that show gratitude to my clients for choosing to support my small business. I have a client who suffers from migraines and I had noticed she made a post on her social media talking about how she had been under a lot of stress and this was a tough time. Read more>>

Laura DiSalvo

Laura’s Elderberry appreciates their customers each order, by offering a loyalty card. Each order you will see a loyalty card stamped, and the customer will collect their cards and receive a free product up to $20 with every 12 stamps. I have seen SO many happy customers when they get their free product. It is a blessing to provide that to them, as they have earned that free product in my mind. Their loyalty means more to me than that price of the product. I know they will share, love, and refer me to friends and neighbors which in turn is a great relationship. Read more>>

Camelitia Harris

The best thing I have ever done for a customer was give them a low rate to help with their current situation. I had a client that was going through depression and their home condition had declined. While coming up with a plan to help them, I decided to discount the cleaning to help their mental state of mind and to help them financially. I saw pass the money and saw someone who really needed my company to assist with making their home better. That client is now going on one year of recurring cleanings and has been so appreciative of what we were able to do for them. Read more>>

Lisa Mcauley

I love my clients. I appreciate the fact that they can shop anywhere and they made the decision to spend their hard earned money shopping with me. I love that wig making enhances a women’s beauty. If a client is unsure about a style or look, I take my time and help create something custom. I had a client who’s daughter was graduating from high school and her stylist cancelled her appointment at the last minute. She called me in a panic because her baby needed something done to her hair. I made her a wig within 2 hours. She was gorgeous and baby girl was so happy. Read more>>