The Little Things

It’s the little things in life that really makes us happy.     Yet for some reason, when it comes to businesses, there isn’t more of an emphasis on these “little things,” which makes me all the more curious.  I’m always seeing online “click bait” stories or in local papers, lists of the “best this” or “the best that.” Sure, I see the “best restaurants” which are categorized by the types of food they serve, which is fine I suppose, but do they really tell you what you need to know?  I think these so-called “reader’s polls” are lacking some crucial information.  I want to see the winner of who puts the best “bread and butter” on the table.  That’s important.   Or who has the “cleanest rest rooms”, “the most attentive wait staff”, “the least annoying music”,  or better yet, who uses the best biodegradable “to go” containers.  You never read those on the restaurant critiques.

When flying (unless you are in first class) you already know the airline is going to cram you into a tiny seat, but wouldn’t you like to know which airline gives out the “best snacks” so you can plan ahead, or at least take a few moments of comfort while in the friendly skies?  While recently on a flight to see family, the flight attendant handed me a little snack bag that read, “Mini Pretzels” on it.   Oh, how I beg to differ…seems to me the bag should have actually read “MICRO Pretzels.” You practically needed tweezers to get those little things out of the bag.  But at least the airline I was flying, didn’t have to worry about making up the difference with some silly “keep the whole can of soda” policy.  Also, wouldn’t you like to see a reader’s poll somewhere that told you which airline causes the least amount of damage to your luggage?  I sure would.  However, I did make it to my destination safely, which of course always makes me happy, regardless of which airline I fly.

 How about when you go looking to purchase a new car?  Boy, I would love to see a poll of which car dealership has the best coffee and doughnuts.  At least that way, while you are giving the sales manager all of your personal information, along with a pint or two of blood, and a bodily appendage, you can at least say,  "that's really good coffee." Yup, it's the little things.  But coffee aside, wouldn't you like to know the best place to buy a car that has both the best and friendliest sales people?  I usually get the sales guy who draws a pentagram  on the ground, then sets it on fire while conjuring up Satan, before hitting me with the "hard sell" tactics..."So, what do I have to do to get you to drive this car home today?"  Ugh.

Like you, when I go to the grocery store, I am looking for good quality at a great price.  But also too, I am looking for a shopping basket that has all 4 wheels that turn equally.  Is that too much to ask for?  I hate when I get that cart with the one squeaky wheel that doesn't turn properly.  Or I get the cart that is in serious need of a front end alignment.  You know the one.  As you push the cart, it starts to wander off in one direction or the other, causing you to run into the boxes of cereal on the end of the grocery isle.  I hate that!  Take the basket out of service until you can get it fixed properly I say!!  It's those little things that would make me so much happier as a shopper.  Sure I want to see that my favorite ice cream is on sale, but also, lure me in with the promise that you have good working shopping carts, or that you don't need to wear a parka by the time you get to the dairy isle because it's as cold as winter in your store.  

Yes, it's always the little things that can mean so much.  It's the little things in life that can make such a difference if we take the time to do it right.  Besides, it's never bad to be on a big beautiful beach in great weather...that is of course until a little bit of sand ends up in the bottom of your swimsuit. 

Hope your summer gets off to a beautiful start, and I'll be seeing you in the groves!

-Tony