Joe. I could see him coming; walking along my window line, smiling and looking in. We had quite a few other customers in the store that day, but Joe stood out; it was the way he looked at the art. He gazed and smiled, especially while looking at the pottery more so than anything else.
I asked him to please wait until the other customers left, so we could chat. Well, he did, and that was three weeks ago. It turns out that Joe loves pottery as much as I do. He comes in about once or twice a week just to discuss artists or go hunting for pottery.
Over Mother’s Day weekend, I could not have made it through the day without him. The store was busy, busy; add gift wrapping into the mix, and still learning the “dang-on square,” we were all over the place. I would just say, "Joe, finger,” and he'd help secure the bows.
When starting a business there is always that question, “Is this the right thing to do?” Slow days are part of the business, and we need them to catch up on marketing and other tasks. But on a slow day, when one of your favorite customers comes in, it makes everything worthwhile.
Well, it’s just about time for Joe to come in again. I think I'll text him.
Update, I didn’t even text him and he was on schedule. To be honest my first newsletter would not have gone out with his help. I am getting there.