How to keep them coming back for more...

It’s that time of year when I’m gearing up to make my holiday Christmas cake. For the past few years, I've been making a gluten-free, dairy-free version that’s been a big hit with family and friends. It’s become so popular that I bake extra to give away as holiday gifts.

While shopping at the farmer’s market for fresh fruit and veggies, I came across a stand with preservative-free dried fruits. I was there to grab some mixed nuts, and after sampling the goods, which were salted with Himalayan salt and tasted amazing, the vendor asked if I needed anything else.

I asked if he had a dried fruit mix for Christmas cake, and though he didn’t, he invited me to create my own custom blend. Excited, I started picking from his unique selections: sour cherries, black figs, and hanepoot grapes.

It was then that I recognized his company’s label. They’re the same people who make my favorite oats!

I’ve tried lots of organic oats, but theirs is by far the best, and I’ve been a loyal customer for years.

Now that I’d met the person behind the product, I’ll definitely be looking out for more of their offerings.

It was a reminder that when you build a positive, trusted connection with a customer, it can grow into loyalty over time.

This experience sparked some thoughts on the importance of nurturing relationships with our customers in business. Here are a few takeaways:

1. Build trust and quality first.
Your first interaction with a customer sets the foundation for a lasting relationship. By consistently offering quality in what you do, customers will keep returning, just like I have with the oats!

2. Create opportunities for personal connection.
Even if your business is mostly online, taking time to interact personally with customers can make a big difference. A smile, a kind word, or simply asking if they need anything else helps them feel seen and valued.

3. Nurture loyalty and growth.
When you’ve created trust, your customers may return to explore other products or services you offer. Just like I’m excited to see what else my favorite brand produces, your customers will be curious and open to new offerings.

Here’s to building businesses that keep customers coming back, inspired by the trust and quality we bring.

Lenore