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.

Elizabeth Lang

At Hawthorne House, we have decided to implement a unique business model for the events industry. Rather than accepting however many events come our way, we cap the number of events we will book in a year. This could be viewed as a risky business decision as capping the number of events we host each year creates a faint line of a financial cap as well. I firmly believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Read more>>

Cora Williams

I believe that customer service is not only important, but it is also essential. I not only provide my client service but also take the time to listen to what they say and do not say. For all my notable clients, I create customized presents. In this box are some of their favorite treats, gifts, something homemade, and something self-care. Each client always tells me how much they appreciate them. They are always surprised because they never know when it is coming, but it always comes in time. Read more>>

Caitlin Grant

I believe that showing clients they are appreciated is a non-negotiable in business. After all, without them, the business wouldn’t exist! But also, I’ve been in some sort of client-facing role, engaging with customers & their experience since I began working at 14 years old and customer experience is a HUGE passion of mine. Read more>>

Tiffany Topie

We have created an annual event called “Pies and Pints”. We invite all of our past clients to stop by a local restaurant to pick up a homemade pie from us and a pint of beer on us. This allows us the opportunity to see each of them and have a conversation to thank them for how much their love and support for our business has helped our family and made our dreams for our business come true. Read more>>

Nicole Kimble

more mainstream consumers. It changed the trajectory of my business and gave me a kickoff start to my year. She enjoyed my products so much she was determined to make sure everyone she knew became a customer and then some. It was totally unexpected but also confirmed to me what I created was touching consumers in the way I dreamed it would. Read more>>

Stephanie Ponce

Customers are the number one reason why you are in business and to me, it is so important to create a long-lasting relationship with them so that they are happy and keep returning for more products. The majority of my products are custom requests so it is very important that I take the time to get to know exactly what every customer wants and needs. Read more>>

Cathy Dewalt

To show my customers how much I appreciate them, I held a Customer Appreciation Gala to celebrate them with a gift basket, dinner, & dancing. I also offered my business partners to include an item in the gift basket to promote their business. It was a formal event during the holiday season filled with love & laughter. Read more>>

Briana Mason

The best thing that I’ve done for my customers was run what’s called a 30 for 30. I’m not sure if you are aware, ESPN films a series of documentaries highlighting interesting people and events in sports history and the title of the series is called 30 for 30. August 27th, 2022 I turned 30 years old and all I could think about was how far I’d come and how blessed I was to make it to 30 years old. I realized that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for God, the people that I’ve encountered throught my life, my clients, and my family. Read more>>

Lindsay DiDonna

One of the best things that I’ve ever done to make a customer feel appreciated is to ensure that I pay attention to the details. This is so important because we live in such a busy world that it’s easy to flow through the motions and develop a bad habit of employing a ‘checklist’ mentality. Being in the food industry and having a niche business, I keep track of my interactions with my clients. Read more>>