I am so sorry that I got Basil and The Three Stooges confused at your blog site. Or was that “nyuk nyuk?”

Either way, Kelly, I loved your post.

And Friar, please extend my apologies to Basil

Rita

Rita’s last blog post…Why I Have NEVER Tasted Coffee

I’m just amazed that anyone actually AGREES with me, in the first place.

@Rita

Basil says “Nee! Nee! Nee!”,

….not “Nyeh! Nyeh! Nyeh!”.

Friar’s last blog post…Why I Think Northern Pike Are Awesome

It scares the heck out of me to agree with ANYONE who has a dog that says nyeh nyeh…but I’m crazy about him anyway!

Rita

Rita’s last blog post…Why I Have NEVER Tasted Coffee

Welcome, and thanks for your comment.

Absolutely. That information is at the heart of the appeal of any small business, as you come in to the store or calling/ returning later. Whether it’s a hammer or a pair of windshield wipers or a new watch or even a service, different shoppers may see the purchase as falling into any of these purposely broad categories.

The key is to use it as a jumping point for really getting specific. To return to hammers: If I’m in a town with a few small hardware stores, what makes me choose one over the other? In most cases, nothing. Maybe which one’s closest. Beyond “we’re small,” distinguishing them from the big boys, it’s likely that they’ve done nothing to stand out in my mind from each other, so there’s still a lot of work to do.

It scares the heck out of you agreeing with Friar? I agree with him quite a bit and I don’t think I’m ever scared of it—maybe I should be? LOL!

Regards,

Kelly

VERY interesting post. Though it scares the heck out of me, I agree 100% with Friar on this one. Sometimes I just want some down-home service and respect for the individual who is taking my money (that is NOT to say that I don’t respect cashiers, as you gather). I also know that if I have a problem, I can either go back, or even just make a phone call for help.

Home Depot and Target would have me lost in their telephone “transfer” systems were I to call them and say “Hi, remember me, I just came by to purchase a hammer!”

Rita

Rita’s last blog post…Why I Have NEVER Tasted Coffee

Good dog. (I can hear it in my head!)

Friar,

Excellent point. Relationships are incredibly important to small businesses, and many of us will pay a premium for that high touch that a good local company has.

Janice,

It seems almost too simple, but it’s one of those incredibly difficult things to define that makes everything else easier.

And thank you, very much. You made my evening.

Until later,

Kelly

Certain dentists advertise that they cater to clients who are dentist phobic, can’t stand the pain. And there are children’s dentists who try to create a very positive experience for the litttle ones.

Is there a way that you handle editing, that sets you apart? Edit Quest implies all kinds of analogies and words to play with. It makes me think of those guys who sharpened the swords and handed out the correct battle axe to the knights…I am sure they have a name., helped them on with the chain mail and all…

I love this question though. Straight to the point of it all. And refining that focus is always a good thing. Phew, you keep that bar right up there, Kelly. Hell of a business “personal trainer.”

Janice Cartier’s last blog post…Week’s End

When I want to deal with someone I know and trust. Sure, he might be a bit more expensive, but I have a good relationship with him, we chat, and he gives me great service. I’d rather see my money go to his Mom-and-Pop store, than the Megalo-Mart down the street.

In Splat Creek, we have a fishing store just like that. The owner even keeps his dog behind the counter, who comes out, tail wagging, to say hi to me every time I visit. You can’t put a price on something like that!

(Sit, Ubu, sit?)

-Brett

Brett Legree’s last blog post…viking fridays – everything you always wanted to know about life change*