4-10-20 I am especially grateful to live on Whidbey at this time

Even though I usually define myself as an optimist, I’m finding it difficult to feel that way during this difficult time. The combination of the lack of leadership from our President and the horrors of this virus are slamming me, as I am sure they are lots of people.

But, living in our Whidbey world I do see a lot of the best in people. I see and hear a lot of evidence of people looking out for their neighbors and friends. I see many of our local businesses doing what they can to help and survive.

I signed up for a local organization called Whidbey Help (www.whidbeyhelp.com) which invites people to share where they can use some help and asks people to volunteer to help with these jobs. I am noticing that often, by the time I sign up to help someone, another person has already taken on the assignment.

I also take time to notice this beautiful environment in which we live.  Each day I drive down the road toward Freeland and I can see the beautiful Olympics, or I can look at the beautiful blue water that surrounds this island, I take a deep breath and say “Thank you” for this world.

We are supposed to have beautiful, sunny weather all week. Take time to step out into our beautiful world.

3-12-20 Please patronize our local businesses

In this crazy time, I hope we will all help our businesses on Whidbey to survive.  If you don't want to visit a store in person, call and see what you can have sent to you or made available for pickup.

We need to support each other.

2-27-20 Obtaining a zip code is a simple tool to learn about your customers

One of the most basic pieces of information you need when you have a store front business, or a business out of your home, is knowing where your customers live.

A simple method to answer this question is to create a system where you get the zip code of every person who comes into your business or contacts you to make a purchase. This can be done on a computer or by doing listings and hatch marks on a piece of paper near your register (OK, I know this doesn’t sound very high-tech, but it works).

You can keep track of these zip code tabulations by the month or season, or after you have done a new advertisement or a special promotion.

Once you see the patterns, it can provide you with valuable information about where, geographically, to focus your energies and your advertising dollars.

2-20-20 Another unique business is doing well on Whidbey

In my Blogs I have written a lot about how filling a niche market – creating a business that is needed and is unique – is an excellent formula for having a successful enterprise.

I just had a story published in the Business Spotlight of Whidbey Local about Ultra House in Langley.  This business, created by Denis Zimmerman and his wife Cheryl, brings a style of cooking and a menu that is unique on the island. On their website (https://ultrahouse.us/), they describe their restaurant and shop as “An eclectic mix of transcontinental offerings featuring delicious Japanese ramen, import craft beers, sake and snacks, Loveskull design and gear boutique, and personal treasures for well-being from The Apothecary.”

So far, the article has caught the attention of hundreds of readers, as well as the followers on the Whidbey Local Facebook page.

Congratulations to the owners of Ultra House for having the courage and the creativity to open this unique business.

2-13-20 The most important job for a retail business owner: Making a person feel welcome in your store

Recently, my husband and I stopped off at a takeout restaurant on our way back to Whidbey.  We had been to the place before.  The restaurant was busy, and we stood in line behind two people waiting for service.

We waited for our turn....and none of the staff looked up from what they were doing; no one made eye contact or said “Hello” or “We’ll be with you in just a minute.”  We waited.  Finally, my husband said, “Let’s go somewhere else.”  And, we did.

I can imagine the young staff had had a long day, or some cranky customers, or were just anxious to be done with their work day and head home.  

But, as the customer, my only concern was being waited on, or at least having someone greet me and say they would be helping me soon.  I wanted to feel welcome.

Anyone who is meeting the public in a business must always be aware of the power of that first moment when a potential customer walks through the door.  More than anything else, a customer must be noticed and made to feel welcomed.