A Story About Joe – a great way to do business
May 7, 2010
Today I walked into a frame shop in my local town of Chestnut Hill. I have to be honest – my initial urge was to go somewhere else because I really wanted to save money. I was initially going to go to one of those cheap-o framing places but I decided that I wanted to support my local businesses.
That was a big deal for me. I could feel my hesitation on the way in the door. Should I save money or buy local?
Sometimes it’s a dilemma, especially in this day and age. Do we match our values or our wallets? It can be a hard choice.
But let me tell you why I’m very glad that I chose Joe’s shop. It’s because Joe sold himself on me in the first 15 minutes. Here’s what he did.
When I walked in, he gave me a very cheery hello. He immediately jumped up from his desk and asked how he could help. First impression very good!
Joe passed the first test. He made me feel glad that I walked in the door - that he was happy to see me and happy to help me.
I told him I wanted to frame a piece of hand done artwork in a cost effective manner. Joe gave me several options without being pushy. He was honest and gave me his real opinion, but there was very little selling there.
Point number 2 for Joe – he made my experience relaxed and easy. I needed that. When someone is too pushy in a small space, I want to run.
I was still working through my wish to save money but Joe was gently winning me over even without knowing it. He wasn’t trying to do anything, he was just being himself – a natural salesman.
Then came the clincher – the price. Was it more than I had originally intended? Yes it was, but I took a breath and said, “Let’s do it!”
So why did I bank on Joe and the Chestnut Hill Gallery and Frame Shoppe? Well honestly because of Joe himself. He made me want to buy something from him and support his business.
After we decided on the price and while I was putting down a deposit, Joe mentioned that he is a musician – very cool. I asked him what kind of music he plays and he told me about his band called, “Fify-Six Men.“ I love the name!
So now, not only was I supporting a local business but I was getting to meet a local artist – two things that matter to me.
While Joe was writing up my receipt, he reached into his desk drawer and gave me a CD of his band! What a bonus – just for shopping at his gallery.
Now I loved him even more. He was easy-going, generous and a true artist. Joe is a great example of how art and business can be done well together.
But here’s the best part – after I got my receipt and was heading out the door Joe shook my hand and said, “Thanks for doing business with me.”
Wow! Little did he know that that was the whole reason that I chose him and not a price tag. Joe made the entire deal worthwhile and valuable.
I know we think this is the way that business should be, but it rarely is anymore. In this modern world where price really matters – it is genuine friendly service that can win out over anything.
Price is not the bottom line. We think it is but it’s not. This was a great reminder for me, that what I care about more than saving money is being treated with care and respect.
If everyone could make their customers feel as tended as Joe did, it would be the single best thing we can do to ensure the future of our small businesses.
Congratulations Joe! You are a real winner. Can’t wait to get my framed artwork photo and listen to my CD.
Tackling Technology: Tips From A Former Technophobe
October 28, 2009
From Annie:
This week I wrote an article for my local paper in which I shared the story of my business success using blogging and social media. Wow, I would never have predicted that I would be a person to to overcome my fears of technology and go so far. But thanks to Bea Fields and her wonderful blogging course, I am more than happy to share this story.
From Bea Fields:
Less than 10 months ago, Annie Hart dug her heels in and told her friend Jeff Simpkins …”No way will I ever want to blog…I can’t do that.”
She then caved into peer pressure from Jeff (Jeff is a super salesman!) and signed up for the Become a Blogging Maniac program.
Not only has she become a a blogging maniac, she is now actually speaking to and teaching others in her local community about blogging and the use of technology as tools to reach a wider audience. And, she is being sought out by others for her storytelling expertise and is in the early stages of writing a book…wow…what a transformation!
So, Annie is now being sought out by the media for her story on being a former technophobe who is now a techno-wonder kid! Here you go…an article in the Chestnut Hill Local in Philadelphia, PA by the title of Tackling Technology: Tips from A Former Technophobe by Annie Hart. Congrats Annie!
If Annie can do this, so can you!
From Annie: My success was so surprising and unexpected and I feel committed to helping others overcome their fears of technology as well. I plan to write several more articles for my local paper and even launch an initiative to help my community work together for our collective business success. I hope my story inspires you to know what’s possible in your business. Feel free to contact me.
My Beautiful Town
May 30, 2009
My Town
I live in a beautiful little town. It’s name is Chestnut Hill and it’s actually part of Philadelphia. But my town is unique and stands out in the crowd!
I love living in Chestnut Hill because it is quaint and picturesque and reminds me of a little European village. We even have cobblestone streets here because we we used to have a trolly.
Our Main Street
The main street is wonderful here with lots of shops and restaurants. You can get just about any kind of food or drink that you’d want which is great since I love food! Our town is very friendly and you can get to know people quickly. The shopkeepers are wonderful and they treat you with real caring. They even know you by name which definitely doesn’t happen in a mall.
My dog Miss Sweetie
Chestnut Hill is the most wonderful place to live. I’m lucky to live here. But if you don’t and you want to come visit, I assure you that you’ll have a great time. There’s so much to see and so much to do here and the weather is always great (just kidding). It’s typical Pennsylvania weather.
- Our Train Station
Hey and it’s easy to get to Chestnut Hill too! We have two different train stations.
Oh and by the way, I was born right here in Chestnut Hill Hospital and even though I didn’t live here all my life, I really am home here on the Hill.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little bit about my wonderful town. Coming up, I’m going to be featuring the great businesses and businesses owners that make this town special and unique.
Stay tuned!
Connect With Annie Hart
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