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.

Christen Funderburk

I love being able to give back to our customers. Our customers are the reason why we are in business today, so I always make sure that I am building relationships, being authentic and also providing exclusive deals. I truly love our customers and I enjoy connecting with them. Another cool way that we show customers we appreciate them is by having an affiliate team they can join. Read more>>

Aliana Stafford

I always make it my top priority to be an advocate for my clients. The first step in the process is to listen. Listening to your clients desires, concerns, expectations, and reservations is critical in understanding how to be a good advocate. I prioritize my clients needs and go above and beyond to be ensure that those needs are met. You have to be “about that action”! Read more>>

Beth Eaton

Building a community of support and encouragement of like-minded people is first and foremost in my business. My people come to me for my products but they continue to stay for my community. This is a review from a dear customer: “I am just about 2 to 3 weeks into crafting. The group that you have created is like family/friends. I feel like I really miss everybody in between lives. Read more>>

Mariah Woodward

Customers and clients is what makes our small business a reality. Tulips & Ivory prides itself on versatile offerings and affordable services and products. In an effort to give back to the amazing support of our clients we love hosting free photography sessions, branding kits, and freebies. Showing gratitude to those make our brand come to fruition is the LEAST we can do. Read more>>

Mary Frances Maker

Growing up, I always watched my dad, an entrepreneur himself, present various gifts to his clients around the holidays each year. As I got into high school with a car of my own, I was tasked with delivering these gifts – poinsettias, a sweater, bountiful bouquets of flowers, chocolates. It was his way of saying thank you, thank you for supporting his small business throughout the year. Being the delivery girl, I often got to witness the glees of delight from each recipient. They felt loved, thought of, and well taken care of. When I began my own business in 2015, Read more>>

Niyh Love

The best thing I have done to show my appreciation was done by offering my client a free hair service of her choice. As a Hairstylist/Makeup artist I always think of ways to make my clients feel appreciated because of their tremendous amount of support, consistency , and time they share with me by having the opportunity to service them all. One of my goals in the beauty industry is to build positive momentum. Read more>>

Supakorn Thanasongtrakul

I want customers to feel welcome in my restaurant, so I designed the dining room with decorations to create a warm, cozy environment. I listen to customers’ food comments and modify the menu to include items requested. Read more>>

Kelly Anderson

I have a loyalty program, where my customers can earn points and save just for shopping with us. We give points for birthdays. referrals and shopping. You can save up to $20 per order transaction. Read more>>

Sarah Messner

Before and/or after each photo session, I always talk to the family. I will ask questions to get to know my clients and get them acclimated with me. I know I’m one of the few, but I always ask my clients “is there a particular photo you want to recreate” or “is there a meaningful location that you would like to get your pictures taken” I want them to feel comfortable and truly think about what they really want in a photo session. Read more>>

TJ Johnson

One of the best things I have ever done for a customer to show my appreciation was to give them free Jewelry. I had a customer reach out to me via private message that she wanted to buy several pair of earrings. I messaged her back and told her that I would love to gift her the Earrings as a token of my appreciation, considering she has purchased bulk orders from me in the past. Read more>>

Ashley Mace

When I was working at a popular restaurant in Orlando as a server we had an elderly guest who came in to dine at the restaurant. This restaurant is loud and noisy and most elderly people do not appreciate coming there. Another one of my coworkers was her server. It was a busy night and the server asked what brought her to the restaurant. She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, was using an oxygen tank and was told she had a very short period of time left. Read more>>

Jamie Burgess

With every project, I strive to build relationships with each of my customers, while exceeding their expectations. For me, the opportunity to build a piece for someone is more than a job; it is an opportunity to build lasting relationships. With each piece I build, I incorporate something special for the client that will be cherished for years. Read more>>

Dana Rowan

Showing appreciation for my past, current and potential customers is top of my mind and the core of my mission every moment in my handmade business. The best thing I have ever done and continue to do is approaching every interaction personally. I listen to my customers as it’s their time to shine, if they are open to it. As I listen to their story from struggle to joy, I make eye contact when I can and separate the noise around us. Read more>>