Wednesday, March 7, 2012

LittleBigStuff

Enjoy The Little Things- Antiqued Plank Typography Sign


They DO Add Up

In this edition of Work It Wednesday, I'd like you to think about the little things and how they affect your business.  (Remember, I've said it before, a lot of the stuff from Work It Wednesday can be applied to life in general).


Do you pay attention to the little things? Or do you think 'little' things won't make a difference? Do you subscribe to the belief that you need to make a 'big' splash to get noticed and be successful?

Personally, I am a big proponent of 'little' things. I think it's the little things, that are often overlooked, that give us the biggest bang for our buck and make the most impact.

Porcelain Little Things Tray

What little things am I talking about? Well, these are just some of the little things that I do, that I believe make a difference and helps to set me apart from others:

  • letting a customer know that you've received their order
  • thanking a customer for visiting your store
  • writing a personal note to go along with a product shipment 
  • offering a 'thank you discount' to people who have purchased something from you
  • including 'something' extra in a product shipment, that a customer is not expecting (think--- blue dinosaur) with their purchase
  • sending a link along to another shop owner I know, that I think they'd be interested in
  • saying thanks to those who take the time to include our shop in a treasury
  • paying it forward by sponsoring giveaways, not just here on Mercantile Muse, but on other blogs to give them a helping hand
  • package my product thoughtfully and include our logo on each thing that leaves my little office/studio
That's just for starters. What? You're not convinced that these things make a difference? Consider this:

"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito." -unknown



The little guy, that's you and me, can be effective,when we use our 'littleness' to our advantage and employ all the things we have at our command. Some of the easiest, and least expensive marketing tools you've got are your very own 'little things'.

Lessons To Be Learned From The 'Hangry' Pillow

Remember the 'hangry' pillow I featured last week, from the etsy shop mybeardedpigeon?

decorative pillow hunger plus anger equals HANGRY  eco friendly organic cotton cushion cover, pillow, 16", 41cms

As I do with any post where I feature a fellow etsy shop owner, I sent a message to each one that I had included in my favorite finds that day.  Most people usually respond with some kind of thanks, which is nice. On more than one occasion however, some shops who could probably do with some more sales, have not responded. Not at all. Not with 'I'll check it out', or 'thanks so much', or 'hey that made my day'. With nothing. Nada. Zippo.  What's interesting is, on more than one occasion, a successful shop owner that I've featured, one whose shop is rocking and rolling, has taken the time to say even more than thanks.

Case in point, Cath, from mybeardedpigeon who sent this nice note:

"Thank you so much for the lovely feature on your blog. My daughter says to me mum you need to eat something... you are HANGRY. Before I made this a cushion I didn't know anyone else who got HANGRY, seems to be a lot of us.

Now off you go and eat something!

Kindly
Cath"

See, the thing about this note is that it made me stop and think. Here's this woman over in New South Wales, Australia, a world away from me and who has had close to 1700 sales since March of 2010, who still managed to take to time to say thanks and make a personal connection.

Then I thought to myself, hhhhmmmm, I may have read something by Cath before and if I remember what she wrote correctly, she is doing exactly what she advised others to do. 

A few messages back and forth between us and we figured out that I had read some of her thoughts on Epheriell Designs, Jess Van Diem's blog. I think you should read it (btw, if you don't subscribe to Jess's blog, you should do that too).  It's all about doing the little things and how doing those things made a difference to her etsy business. (Don't miss what Cath has to say about marketing your product. She is really tuned into what makes her product unique and how that helps her market her product, something we've been discussing on Work It Wednesdays).

Butterfly Coaster Collection

Now, before you dismiss the little things and decide they aren't what will make a difference to your business, think long and hard. When was the last time you did business with someone who went above and beyond what you expected and how did that make you feel? Pet Peeve Alert: What about the last time you walked into a store and the clerk, who may have even been the owner, didn't even acknowledge you? How that made you feel? Personally, I choose to spend my hard earned money when and where I feel appreciated, not when I am made to feel like I don't matter.   

To hit the point home about little things, check out this great story about LaCoste on Jim Joseph's blog The Experience Effect, which also addresses how little things make a difference. Please note the name of Jim's blog......because whether you're selling and product or a service, it's all about the 'experience you create' for your customers.

What little things do you do to set your business apart? What experiences have you had as a customer that proved to you that little things make a difference? What new 'little things' do you think you can employ to make your business stand out from the crowd?

I encourage you to share in the comments so we can all help each other learn and grow. That's what it's all about here on Work it Wednesday.

See you on the flip side,




32 comments:

  1. Pam - this is an awesome post, and great advice for all biz owners, big or small, or somewhere in between. You are spot on with the idea that the experience is as important as the purchase. I love your 'checklist' of ideas as a reminder/refresher of what's important. And of course I love that the blue dinosaur got a little more love [he's still sittin' on my bathroom shelf and he reminds me everyday that the little things count]. The mosquito quote is hilarious in that Seinfeld kind of way - we can all undeniably relate. I have an image that has been on my desk as work for years, that fits in perfectly here: "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra" Thanks for the extraordinary tips and encouragement! Cheers!

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    1. dang bonnie, I meant to link to the Work It wednesday post the dino appeared in and to your blog! gotta go back and do that.

      LOVE that quote!

      Delete
  2. The first time I bought jewellery on Etsy, the seller included an extra pair of earrings as a gift. I was blown away.

    Now I'm a repeat customer, we're on first name terms and have exchanged emails getting to know each other. I found out later that my purchase was her first sale. I can wholeheartedly recommend Green Tea Jewels.

    She's oh so successful now too:
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/greenteajewels

    Loved this post, thanks Pam, great as always, I really appreciate your helpful spirit ;)

    Don't forget Etsy Stock Take, free promotion for Etsy sellers, we're on week nine already, months are speeding by!

    http://lifesjewelsonstring.blogspot.com/p/etsy-stock-take.html

    Cheers m'dear! :)

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    1. That is an awesome story Kat!!! how fantastic and doesn't it just prove how the little things do make a difference in the end. will be checking out green tea jewels for sure. Thanks for the kind words and for sharing. Go Stock Take!

      btw, my bil in dublin always says that 'sign off' to me.

      Delete
  3. I so agree! The little things are important! I was recently at the SewExpo, saw a booth from my home town and engaged the clerk in conversation. You know . . . "I live near your store", etc. We chatted for a second or two, then I said, "I really don't use much wool." The clerk just turned around and left. He never tried to engage me to be interested. As a result, I've been wanting to visit their store, but now, I am rethinking my visit. Little things, how you treat people is so important!

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    1. How rude! Just walked away? Do you think he didn't hear you and thought your conversation was done? If not, I wouldn't step foot in the store. I'm sure there is someone else close who would value your business who sells the same stuff!

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    2. wow! ouch! Sincerity goes a long way! This guy obviously didn't have very much. What if you had friends THAT DID use wool and you wanted to get a gift for them? OR 'I really don't use that much wool' oh, well, why don't you come along to our in-house knitting class (if they had one). A missed opportunity - and I would be the same - I wouldn't EVER want to go in that shop.

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  4. The little things are the most important when doing business. People remember you by the little things, the extra effort you take, and we all want to feel special when we are making a purchase. Thanks for sharing your tips and the links to new sites.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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    Replies
    1. Definitely check out the other sites Valerie.........super info that hit this point home.

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  5. Thank you again, so lovely of you to feature me in this nice way.

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    1. More than welcome Cath. Nice to see a successful etsy seller who 'gets it' and puts her words into actions. Keep up the good work.

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  6. Thanks for such a great post. I recall stopping by a small, unique shop some years ago and was pleasantly surprised to see that the dishes I had been collecting were "on sale." I gathered my purchases and took them to the counter. When I questioned the amount that was rung up and pointed out the 'Sale' sign the owner turned quite rude. She did give me the sale price but it was such an uncomfortable situation that I never shopped there again. They're no longer in business...I try to take it to heart that people are spending their hard-earned money when they buy from me and they deserve to be treated well!

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    1. That is so odd Leslie. Why on earth would you put a sale sign on something and then make people have to ask for a sale price. Us business owners should be all about making a purchase as easy, as comfortable and as nice an experience as possible for our customers. They shouldn't be made to feel like you're 'doing them a favor' to be waiting on them. I am not surprised they are not surprised. I amazes me the people who get into retail who really do not have the demeanor or the focus on the customer to be successful.

      Delete
  7. Absolutely great post! When I was in corporate I would always send a handwritten thank you note both to clients when they made a purchase and also when we didn't get a contract (to say thank you for the opportunity, and though we were not able to be of help at this time, should they require anything in the future, I be happy to be of help.) - Our contracts ranged from thousands to million dollar ones. What I always found interesting, was at conferences, when I ran into many of the people they would mention the note they received and how they appreciated it. Also, some contracts we did not win, the clients ended up working with us on other projects (and noted that it made a difference to having had received my Thank you for the opportunity thank you ~ noting the supplier awarded the contract we didn't - had bother to thank them for the business).

    In a world were technology makes doing business so impersonal..adding a little old fashion pen, paper and manners .. can (and usually does) make a difference.

    This also applies to everyday life ... the simple things really are what people remember. xo C. (HHL)

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  8. What great advise. Although I am not doing Etsy much anymore this totally applies to my store at The Barn as well. I have to start thinking small. I am always thinking of the next great thing that will get sales soaring but now I am going to take a good hard look at the small. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Traci, it certainly does apply to The Dented Lampshade too. It's not just applicable to online and as evidenced by a etsy convo this morning from one of the shops who items I featured, it also has a lot to do with life. Some of it comes right down to manners which many people seem to have tossed aside. I'm glad I've helped you think about the little things you can be doing at the barn! I'd love an update when you initiate new things!

      Delete
  9. Oh yes, it's the small things that make the big difference, in business, and in life. great thought-provoking post.
    Debbi
    -yankeeburrowcreations

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    1. Hi Debbi, it's funny how that works, but it really is true. The little things add up to a mountain that you just can't ignore!

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  10. Great article Pam! I love your Work it Wednesday posts. Maybe you can call it Work it Wednesday Wisdom! I read the Jim Joseph article..... great piece. I've had this book for a long time, 1001 Ways to Take Initiative at Work, that tells similar stories. I will be rereading it soon! And will take another look at the little things you outlined as well. Keeping us on our toes! Thanks!!

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    1. Hey Kath, well you know me, I like to keep you on your toes!!! I'll have to check out that book, sounds fantastic!

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  11. I don't have a business but I am a believer in little things. They really do make a difference in everything you do!

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    1. Well, you may not have a 'business' per se tammy but you do things that this can apply too like your blog and the wonderful event decorating you do as a volunteer! You're always nice to connect with your blog followers and include really wonderful touches (that hot cocoa bar) in your event decorating....it all makes a big impact.

      Delete
  12. Great post today Pam! All so true...

    On the personal side, I think it's so imporatant to:
    stop and smell the flowers,
    gaze up at the sky,
    laugh and smile with friends,
    and take a deep breath every once in a while...

    It's these little things that are most important in the end!

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    1. Isn't it just? I love it when I can end my day with a field walk with the hound. Stop and look at the nature around us, enjoy the sunset and take a moment to breathe.

      I needed that reminder today!

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  13. This comment from Celia at high heeled life....came into my email but not showing on the page??? GREAT story Celia!!! Pam


    Absolutely great post! When I was in corporate I would always send a handwritten thank you note both to clients when they made a purchase and also when we didn't get a contract (to say thank you for the opportunity, and though we were not able to be of help at this time, should they require anything in the future, I be happy to be of help.) - Our contracts ranged from thousands to million dollar ones. What I always found interesting, was at conferences, when I ran into many of the people they would mention the note they received and how they appreciated it. Also, some contracts we did not win, the clients ended up working with us on other projects (and noted that it made a difference to having had received my Thank you for the opportunity thank you ~ noting the supplier awarded the contract we didn't - had bother to thank them for the business).

    In a world were technology makes doing business so impersonal..adding a little old fashion pen, paper and manners .. can (and usually does) make a difference.

    This also applies to everyday life ... the simple things really are what people remember. xo C. (HHL)

    ReplyDelete
  14. The little things do make such a huge difference. It's nice to feel like you're not just a number. I'm a big Etsy shopper and some people make me feel really good. Even if I don't always need something from the shop, I fine excuses to shop there more often just because they are so amazing.

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  15. Another comment that isn't posting..........anybody have any ideas on why some comments are not posting?

    CourtneyJo of The Everything Soap Blog has left a new comment on your post "LittleBigStuff":

    The little things do make such a huge difference. It's nice to feel like you're not just a number. I'm a big Etsy shopper and some people make me feel really good. Even if I don't always need something from the shop, I fine excuses to shop there more often just because they are so amazing.

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    1. courtneyjo, i always love getting your soaps in the mail (almost time for more obscure heliotrope!)....they're packaged so nice and you always include a little treat :)

      Delete
  16. Great post! I absolutely agree with you. For example, I thought it was fantastic that you checked out my shop and sent me a message when you noticed that we were both featured on another blog recently. :)

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    1. Oh, that's sweet Michelle! I think it's fun that we were both featured...very cool!

      Delete
  17. On the advice of other Etsyians I contact my customers as soon as I have their order to say 'thank you' and then I let them know when I am going to ship their order. Then I follow up with another message to let them know that the item has shipped and how long I think it will take. I don't use automated messages for this. Then I always put in a handwritten note with the order, use extra pretty tissue paper inside my gift boxes and use a special curly Italian paperclip to attach my business card to the thank you note. And I have had a rubber stamp made up with my 'Hybrid Handmade by Cari-Jane Hakes' which I use with silver ink to stamp my gift boxes, my envelopes and the card I use for my handwritten notes. Phew!

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    1. don't forget to breathe!!! LOL.

      those are awesome 'little things' that make a big impact. let's not forget the other things you do, like imprinting something on the back of one of your pieces, that nobody really sees except the wearer.....i LOVE that. makes it SO special!

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You comments make my day. Thanks for taking the time to visit Mercantile Muse and for commenting. I really appreciate it. ~Pam

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