Sunday, November 9, 2008

LOYALTY

I have had the same bank account since I first opened it when I was 16, the same auto insurance company since I first started driving, I have the same red comb that I have had since I took it from my mom when I was 15 and I use the same brand of eye liner ever since I started wearing make up. I am a loyal person.... well, except for those few friends in High School that I may have betrayed for a boy or something frivolous like that, don't comment please. I like familiarity. I like knowing that people know me on a personal basis and can call me by name. I like knowing that when I walk into the Guadalupe Farmers Market in Gilbert, owners TJ and Julie will say "Hi Cutie!" They will call me at home to let me know that they just received a box of my favorite organic pears and will keep a case for me. I like the fact that Bret at my Fresh & Easy will let me know when I walk in that he has some New York strip steaks for half price in the back for me. I like knowing that our family dentist will wave fees that our insurance won't pay just because we are long time clients. Being loyal has its' perks. I don't really care if Geico can save me a few bucks, I will never change my auto insurance as long as my company has kept up their side of the loyalty bargain. And, they have. I am taken care of. I love that feeling. America has in general lost that small town feeling. It is about cost and convenience, not quality or customer care.

I went to a breakfast club meeting at Joe's farmhouse grill the other morning and we noticed that Joe himself was there. I had to go over and introduce myself to him. I had to let him know how much I love his restaurants and all that he stands for. He has worked hard to preserve the landmarks around here. He has restored some old buildings, kept up his farmland and uses his own produce in his restaurants. I wanted to thank him for that, for keeping things real and not selling out. He is the real deal. It just so happened that that day they were giving out 3000 free 1/2 pound burgers, fries and a drink for the locals. That is just how he is. I of course came back and got my free burger along with a coupon for a free breakfast and another talk with Joe. I shook his hand and with that I will be his new loyal friend. He has his farm stand now open for the public on Saturday mornings and Wednesdays at Agritopia for those who also want to be his loyal friend.
What is my point? We need to take care of each other. We need to support those businesses that go the extra effort and don't sell out to the "man". In return, we will be taken care of. It may take an extra buck here and there, but when you are in need, you have the loyal friends behind you. You will have a real person to deal with, not an automated system that never gives you a real person. I should have been a 50's housewife and lived in a small town but since I am not, I have made my own small town by getting to know those who I do business with and sticking with them. Thanks for all of the perks my loyal friends! Thanks for knowing my name! Thanks for the free burger ,Joe and for the pears, Julie and TJ! They were ever so sweet!

So, here is the deal. Since we all need to take care of each other, especially in these times, let me know on this blog if you have a business that you want some loyal friends to come to. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you have to offer. You can let us know any great deals you have or offer a discount by mentioning this blog. Free advertising. One big happy blogging family. Thanks to all my loyal friends out there! Love ya.

10 comments:

Paula said...

I completely agree! My husband and I own a small landscape company and a travel booking website. My husband loves helping people, he would rather sell winter seed to his neighbors at cost to help them save money than try to sell a winter lawn install to them. So if you are looking for a "good guy" for any landscape needs or your travel needs just email us at paulastravelbuys@gmail.com also check out our website at paulastravelbuys.com and a BIG thank you to our loyal customers!

Linda said...

Shari, I learn so much from you every day!! My husband owns a Tree Transplanting business. There is nothing like having your own citrus growing right in your yard. He brings in trees that are mature and already producing - no more waiting for a number of years to taste those sweet oranges! He also re-locates trees you already own or that your neighbor wants to get rid of. Instant shade! For a great tree at a dynamite price, email us at heymark6@gmail.com. Mention this blog and I'll talk him into giving you a "loyal friend" discount. :)

Shari Goodman said...

Paula's Husband Arlon did our winter lawn and it is the best lawn we have ever had! His price was even better! Two thumbs up for Arlon.

Kate said...

I don't have a business to advertise but just wanted to say that I completely agree with you Shari. Walmart may be the cheapest thing around but unfortunatly their employees are the result of that. I know that some people don't really have a choice and have a very strict budget but I think if we get to know our community businesses we can find great deals along with great service (and better products). This is something I'm actually going to try to be better at myself because I do think it's important. Thanks for the post.

Kristy Treible said...

Shari - You always have great things to post about it. I love it. I sell Premier Designs Jewelry. I started doing this when I was a single mom of two because I needed an extra income besides the full time job I had. I love the high quality jewelry that includes silver and 14K Gold layed over strong alloy metals that give it strength and durability. Premier has a great guarantee and stands behind their product 100%! My favorite thing about premier besides the gorgeous jewelry is the hostesses always gets tons of FREE jewlry. They get 30% of their sales in free jewelry plus bonuses. It is so fun to get free jewelry that is guaranteed forever! I am so thankful to have this business now because it pays for my autistic childs treatments that are helping her so much. My email is kristyblingbling@yahoo.com
Thanks.
Kristy

Sarah Williams said...

I enjoy your blog! i found it surfing. I'm sure we have some of the same friends somewhere! i've been doing 75% Raw food for about a month. It took me about 5 months to get there but i'm loving it. I'm going to start a new blog w/ that emphaisis but my journey from a diet coke addicted low carber to raw foodie is www.staymotivatedeatsmart.blogspot.com (i have a link to our blog on it!) oh- i teach swim lessons and do fitness stuff too- www.swimmingmom888.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. This is my second comment....I wish I lived near so I could take your classes and get to know all these people. It has inspired me to eat healthier and all around be a better person. This was another great post. Thanks!
Stacy from St George Utah

ShelleyG said...

Shari-Jess told me I would LOVE your blog and I do! I love to learn new things and am excited to peruse your thoughts! It was great to meet you guys last weekend. :) Michelle Gilleland

Tracey said...

I don't want to miss an opportunity to promote our. Preparing Wisely: Emergency Supply & Food Storage. Our website is www.preparingwisely.com. I also have a blog for our website. http://preparingwiselyaz.blogspot.com.

I agree with you about supporting our local businesses and there are so many reasons to support local business.

Sarah Williams said...

ok i started a new blog to mostly raw food recipes and whatnot.... www.staymotivatedeatright.blogspot.com
i noticed more traffic since i posted it on here=)