Archive for September, 2009

Flowers and oil changes

by Nancy Ruspil, MGC

Last month I took my car in for an oil change. I tried a new shop that I’d heard good things about. When they finished, the man at the desk smiled and handed me a long-stemmed flower.  “Wow! Thank you,” I beamed in surprise. “You’re welcome,” he said. “And thanks for coming in.”

Amid the hefty tire displays and the faint smell of engine oil…here’s a fresh, graceful blossom to take away. This simple act of appreciation is an unexpected treat for a customer.

The little things are often the big things. It’s something we all know but it’s easy to forget.  A smile. A warm word. A single, caring gesture. These small but memorable moments make us feel good about our day – and about the person or the business that made us feel that way.

What do I remember about that auto shop? Good service and a friendly flower. Will I go back there? You bet I will.

Appreciation doesn’t have to cost you a cent. How do you brighten the day for your customers?


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Minutes a day to social media success

by Nancy Ruspil, MGC

While you’re sipping that morning java or digging your way through emails, you could also be building the social media muscles of your business.

Here’s a sampling of the ways you could feed your social media strength, in just a few minutes a day.

5 min: Search for a business site on Facebook and see how they approach their page or group.

5 min: Create a Twitter account if you don’t already have one – it’s free and simple.

10 min: Review a few blogs related to your business. Subscribe to one that looks worthwhile.

10 min: Establish a Facebook page for your company. You can start simply and add a little each day.

10 min: Go to Twitter, review some interesting tweets, and add your own tweet.

10 min: Add a status update or an intriguing video to your business Facebook page.

20 min: Create a blog for your business – WordPress or Blogger are both easy, effective platforms.

20 min: Draft a blog post for your company. Choose a relevant topic that will be intriguing/valuable for your audience.

Craft your own approach. Modify the timing and topics according to your business plans, priorities, observations, etc.  The critical key is to stick with it consistently, and be patient about watching it take effect. If you’re dedicated, it will.

Where will you start? And when?


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