CAROLYN'S BLOG
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.