News & Events
Survey Says....
July 01, 2009
Survey Says....
I recently conducted a survey on LinkedIn asking members to list the three most important things they look for when purchasing goods or services for their companies. The number one response was Customer Service. It was so important to one respondent, that he listed Customer Service as number 1, 2 and 3. I agree.
Price may bring clients in, but it's good customer service that keeps them coming back
I used to think being a one person operation was a negative to operating a business but I changed my mind. Here's why:
At Laurel Mountain Basket Company, I am the receptionist. It's my job to see that you always get to speak to the right person. No matter what you need, you won't have to press button after button or be transferred from department to department to get an answer.
I am the purchasing agent. It's my job to see that you always get the best quality products at the best prices.
I am the designer. It's my job to see that you always get gift baskets filled with quality products, not a lot of stuffing.
I am the line person... the one who puts the gift baskets together. It's my job to see that each gift basket is constructed to insure that every item is secure and not crushing or being crushed by any other item.
I am the shipping manager. It is my job to see that your gift baskets get hand delivered or expertly packaged so they arrive looking as beautiful as when they left the Studio.
And finally, I am the owner. It's my job to see that I deliver what I promise every time.
Bear Fest
In our last newsletter, I touched on Easthampton Bear Fest 2009. The official unveiling took place on June 13th. It was a huge success. Jim from Mt Tom Ice Cream made up a special flavor especially for the event. I didn't get to sample it but I understand it was a big hit. For the adults, Opa Opa Brewing Company brewed a beer in honor of the event.
On Father's Day, I took my husband and our two dogs on a Bear Walk. We all had a great time. Even though I had seen the bears several times before, I was still amazed at their beauty and at the level of creativity and talent of the artists who produced them. The streets were filled with families, all enjoying a nice walk down town.
The photo accompanying this newsletter is of Astronaut Bear. Astronaut Bear is suspended in space high above the luncheon entrance to the Apollo Grill. The lunar landscape, complete with the Lunar Module make a wonderful backdrop. After viewing Astronaut Bear, stop in to the Studio and say hello. I love catching up with friends and clients anytime.
The event runs through October ending with the auction of the Bears. But don't wait. Pile the family, including your dogs, into the car, and follow the bear tracks around town. (Yes, there are big orange bear tracks to guide you). Pick up a map showing the locations of all of the bears, as well as their names, their artists and their sponsors. You can get maps at the Chamber of Commerce office and Jones News Stand on Main Street.
Is your hybrid a mutt?
I'm not talking about cars, I'm talking about dogs. July 31st is Mutt's Day, a day we honor "mix breed" or "half breed" dogs, fondly referred to as "mutts". Purebred owners, and even the public, view mutts as inferior to purebred dogs but those of us who choose mutts as our canine companions, know better. When you buy a purebreed dog, you supposedly know what you are getting as far as size and personality. With a mutt, it's always a pleasant surprise. So what if they don't have expensive price tags or papers to trace their ancestry. Each mutt is unique and special.
I'm talking about "real" mutts, not designer dogs. A designer dog is one that is purposely bred from two different breeds to produce a new breed. If you mix a horse and a donkey you will get a mule. If you mix a Pomeranian and a toy poodle you will get a Pomapoo. A Buggs is a Boston Terrier and a Pug mix and a Yorkipoo is a Yorkie and a poodle. You would think they would at least come up with better names. Honestly a Pomapoo!
(Editors note: I research holiday to find their origins before reporting them. I did find websites dedicated to Mutts Day but I could not find an origin. But having two great mutts of my own, I like the idea of Mutts Day and felt it worthy of reporting.)
Happy Mutts Day to all our friends from Dana and Fox!
- 4th Independence Day (Fourth of July)
- 5th Whately Triathlon
- 6th Take your Webmaster to Lunch
- 7th Chocolate Day -- Did you know? Chocolate is a vegetable. It comes from the Cacao tree found in rainforests.
- 13th Gruntled Workers Day
- 17th Get to Know Your Customer Day
- 20th Ice Cream Day
- 21st Cow Appreciation Day
- 31st Mutt's Day
