I try to frequent the small businesses in my neighborhood rather than the larger chains. We have a wonderful small market that makes the best tofu hoagies and will order requested items. They will also front you the items if you are short on cash. More than once I’ve walked in there without much money and their ATM has been down and they’ve said just bring the money later. This is the way to treat a regular customer and it would never ever happen in a large chain.

Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..February Special: 15% off All Services (I Love My Clients)

Hi Jannie – Where would I find this charming ditty? I’m beginning to think I ought to follow you around to the places where you hang out. I’m not a stalker, I swear, just find what you mention so fascinating. Thank you.

Their business vneture reminds me of the song that was last week (and still may be,) on Christine Kane’s blog as a free dwonload. “Right Outta Nowhere.” In her triple-pack, free. Have you heard that song? Very nice song, and inspiring.

Jannie Funster´s last blog post..3 & 1/2 days

Business survival in a small town – especially in the “rust belt” has always required a high level of creativity combined with a killer work ethic and a complete obsession with customer service (as illustrated beautifully in this post).

When I moved east and south – I was horrified at how businesses down here treated their customers. At first I reasoned that the horrible service was probably due to the high tourist traffic – however,as I ruminated on the state of affairs – I decided that the large population base (250K) insulated these businesses from the consequences of their poor customer service actions.

(I spent the first year down here storming out of restaurants and swearing to never eat there again. After a year, I had to make a decision – I’d either better lower my standards or learn to cook!)

Then came the meltdown and I’m actually HAPPIER down here now that “times are tough”. The level of service in businesses that have managed to survive has improved 1000%. Suddenly – customer service isn’t defined as “resisting the urge to spit in the customers face before you take their money”.

It’s about time – I really didn’t want to have to plug in my oven! (I hear they’re REAL energy hogs. )

Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog post..First Impressions and the Placebo Effect

Hi Patricia – I’ve heard Barbara’s observation about being unaffected by recession because they’re ‘used to it’ in more than one place. Smaller communities often have to be resourceful. I recently heard of another coffee shop using twitter to receive to go orders. I think we’ll see lots of innovation like these examples. Thank you.

I like the idea of the subscription members! and the give a ways…good ideas of community spirit.

My parents grew up in Ontario and Saskatchewan and trained us to be fairly recession proof. Now we live close to computer slickness and it is hard to be immune – we just are

Nice walk down memory lane with creativity, community and imagination tucked inside. Thank you

Patricia´s last blog post..Mug vs. Heart

Hi Davina – It’s fun to remember the places we hung out in and why we did. It was the atmosphere that made us feel at home. Capturing that magic doesn’t have to be difficult for businesses, and reaching out isn’t either, no matter your location.

Hi Brett – You’re on to how strong the sense of community can be when you build one, and you’re right, every community needs a hub. Thanks.

Hi Dot – We wrote about the Fireweed Roadhouse last summer in our Alaska series. We were so impressed with the owner and her proactive ways, but I’m not sure where Dana hangs out. I think anyone opening a business like these would do well. People really want a sense of belonging, as you mention. Thank you.

Dot´s last blog post..About Your Business