This Episode: The “Gratitudisation” of Independent Retail
Lately I have been thinking about the idea of practicing gratitude like a verb. It’s easy to become frustrated by customers that come into your store just to look or team members that aren’t doing exactly what you’d like them to do, but what if you changed your mindset to gratitude?
Those customers are still in your store, the first step to any sale is getting someone in the door. Just because they aren’t buying now doesn’t mean that you aren’t planting a seed for a loyal customer in the future. Be actively grateful for those customers and be actively grateful for your team members who are showing up and trying their best. Tell them that you’re thankful for them and get specific! I truly believe this mindset shift and practice of “gratitudisation” will accelerate your happiness and ignite the rule of reciprocity.
What are your thoughts on this practice? Put them in the comments below, and I’ll see you next week.
I am in that mindset of gratitude. I remind my staff and myself that we are a destination. Our wonderful clients decided to come to our store…they got dressed, put on makeup, arranged their day….so that they could spend time with us. This is such an important mindset….they could have gone anywhere….they decided while they were eating breakfast, while they sat with their coffee…to come to us. What a privilege this is for us! At the same time, our staff could be anywhere but they are loyal and supportive of us…how perfect can this combination be! Clients supporting us, staff supporting us!
You have embraced Graditudisation! Congrats! Thanks for the comment, Sandy.
Years ago ladies were coming regularly to our store to be sized for uniforms only so that their office could then order them online. We thanked them for coming in (although very frustrating) and mentioned if their offices wanted to work with us locally we would be happy to talk to them.
After a couple of years, we finally got the call! They are now a 100k account. Grateful then, and very grateful now!
Way to invest your gratitude in future payout, Craig!
From the first day that I opened my doors, almost 35 years ago, I have been grateful for each and every customer that has taken the time to visit. Every time I pull into the parking lot at my main store (I no longer am the one to open) and my customers cars are parked, I still experience a rush of emotion. Even after all these years! Gratitude, relief, and happiness are all rolled up into a big ball I carry with me throughout my day.
Gratitude is as much about boosting others as it is about boosting our own well-being. I love that your parking lot appreciation impacts you throughout your day!