People Should Like LOVE Talking About You!
I’m finally getting around to reading Beyond Buzz: The Next Generation of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
like love talking about? Apple or Dell? Target or Wal-Mart? Burger King or In-n-Out Burger? Your local Mom-n-Pop Vietnamese joint or TGI Friday’s?
My “I heart” list is almost all local. (Hmmm…relationship marketing anyone?) I love ‘em and want others to know about ‘em. Everyone that visits Albuquerque gets dragged to to visit at least one of the following:
The Flying Star. A locally owned chain of low-key coffee/food/pastry shops with free wi-fi, magazines (pretty much anything on any topic) you can read for free while you eat, and just generally cool vibes. (They also own Satellite coffee which is a successful competitor to Starbucks.) Most of their locations have wonderful patios where dogs are welcome (and they provide a box of freebie dog biscuits.)
The Barelas Coffee Shop. Another family-owned place with great red chile and hometown ambiance, and it’s walking distance to The National Hispanic Cultural Center (way cool architecture, unusual exhibits, and another wonderful restaurant where all the waitresses act happy to see you and keep your iced tea glass full.)
Hey Jhonny! in Nob Hill A little bit of everything for your life and home, exquisite and exquisitely displayed. Can’t afford the big Japanese chest? Pick up some totally cool Japanese wrapping paper for a buck. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to look! (It’s also next door to one of the Flying Star locations.) Oh yeah, and the people act glad you dropped in, even if you don’t buy anything.
Then there’s the Sandia Tram, Jackalope, The Botanic Gardens…I’ve got lots more, but I’ll stop now so you can join the conversation.
What companies, organizations do you love to talk about?
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Tags: customer service, customer loyalty, marketing troubleshooting, word-of-mouth marketing, relationship marketing, Albuquerque business, Lois Kelly
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July 3rd, 2007 at 3:26 pm
I have to add Cervantes Restaurant, tucked away on Gibson and San Pedro. Awesome food. Take chiles and salsas with you thanks to Cervantes Food Products. We ate there with out-of-town family Sunday evening. But it’s the little things that you don’t think about that are local — Violet at Appliance City and Furniture trading out a box springs that was too high; Denise at Viola and Company calling to tell you about a trunk show; Debbie at the Candy Lady in Old Town remembering that your husband loves chocolate dipped strawberries; not to mention the flowers from Manning Florist, needlepoint from A Different Drummer, my chiropracter, Herb Beatty, Maria, my nail tech at Hair Obsessions and so on. Close to the heart? You bet. Keep it Querque!
July 4th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I love Aqui in Nob Hill for unique clothing and accessories and Out of the Blue toystore on Rio Grande in the North Valley for gifts for my nieces and nephews. Sunshine Cafe just opened on 12th and Mountain, but I haven’t tried it yet. There are several sweet little shops and a tiny cafe on 8th and Mountain in that area now!
July 5th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Mary - Great post and great reminder to shop local. Two of my favorite local stores (in Boston) are Charles Supply and Gary Drug - both long neighborhood fixtures and places that go the extra mile.
Does stuff cost more at Charles Supply? Is the inventory less than at Home Depot? Sure. But I get to ask Jack at Charles Supply all kinds of dumb questions, they’ll lend you a drill or a saw, they have great “themed” windows (decorated by Jack’s wife), and they’re very involved in neighborhood events.
Gary Drug is pricier than CVS, and I’ll admit - given that they’re ubiquitous in Boston and some are even open 24/7 - I buy plenty at CVS. But I make a point of doing some shopping at Gary Drug. And wouldn’t think of filling a prescription anywhere else. Where else would they spend 10 minutes rooting around in their basement looking for something for you?
I recognize that some people are more price sensitive and have to watch the pennies by shopping at Wally’s. (Although I do suspect that those pennies saved on necessities go into buying completely unnecessary fall-apart crap.)
July 6th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Ditto re Cervantes…and then there’s Dos Hermanos, Terra, Church St. Cafe in Old Town, May Cafe, Sadies, Scalo’s, Bumblebee Grill, Relish, Krung Thai, Thai Orchid, Mykonos…all locally owned. Why so many people prefer chains is beyond me (Yes, I’ve heard PF Chang’s service is excellent, and the one time I was there it was..but the food was - well - okay. And, I can’t talk to Mr. Chang…)
I’ll have to check out Aqui next time I’m in Nob Hill.
Maureen - I’ve got to come visit Boston one of these days! It’s been nearly 30 years since I worked there and at least five since I visited. And, when I do, I might just have to drop by those stores. Not typical tourist destinations, but sound wonderful! (Explaining a drill to airport security could be a trick though…;-)
July 20th, 2007 at 8:31 am
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