I had the most delightful box of gifts arrive for the holidays – a gift of someone else’s local. We talk a lot on this blog and in our marketing training about Buying Local and the benefits of Shopping Small Business because of the great stuff – and the great stories.
Like most of us, for me, the UPS guy ringing the bell anytime in late December is welcomed with anticipation – last week the first delivery had a bold notice: “REFRIGERATE IMMEDIATELY” – which seemed odd, but, opening it to find 3 jars of mustard, I did as I was told. I figured if my friend was sending me mustard, it must be good –
(photo) Lusty Monks in the fridge
This stuff was beyond good – it’s amazing. The folks at Lusty Monk make a mustard so delicious, I could eat mustard sandwiches and be happy. Of course I wondered what kind of name “Lusty Monk” was – there must be a story behind that … and there is, it’s a good one.
I love what they make and I love the passion behind it. Although available in many stores, none are near me – so, even though I’ve tried only two of the three varieties and I have no idea how much it costs, I have already decided to be a customer and order online when I run out (probably in a week or two at the rate I’m going)
The second box was even better 🙂
This one came from Asheville Goods a box of tasty treats – many chocolatey.
(photo) A box of treats from Asheville Goods
When I opened this beautiful package, I realized that each of these treats came from a different local maker – Asheville Goods represents, collects and distributes these artisan wares (or is it foodstuffs?), telling the Makers Stories about every item they sell.
(photo) Asheville Goods – The Maker Story
Eating a chocolate bar or truffle or biscotti and reading about the people who created this deliciousness is a much more rewarding experience than just eating the treats (imagine!).
The takeaway for me is this – this particular gift is one (several actually) that I’ll remember for a long time; the story of each gift – the mustard, the chocolate, the treats, brought it alive, let me know they people who made it and how important that creation is to them.
Was the chocolate good? You bet! World class. Did the story make it better? You bet! Because as important as my experience, is the pleasurable afterglow – I know where to go to get more and buy local – even if “local” is on the other side of the country. The experience of their story is what stays with me – and it’s what will drive secondary purchases, from both the giver and recipient 🙂
Telling your Small Business Story as marketing is an amazingly effective way to make real connections with customers and turn them in to regular buyers and longterm customers. To discover how easy it is to tell YOUR Business story, join us for our next “Business Storytelling Webinar” – a very useful half hour and very much worth your time.
It’s free.
Register now, right here: http://app.webinarjam.net/register/20992/98fcf8635c
