Those Whom You Rely On
Barber Hair Stylist Painter Landscaper
We all have that special, small business, service provider whom we have been doing business with for years! We’ve heard friends’ declaration of: “best, dependable, wouldn’t trade them for the world, honest, irreplaceable, great prices”…..etc.
While getting my every-three-weeks trim at my favorite salon this morning, it occurred to me how I have come to rely on Missy, the fantastic stylist who has been making me look my best (or at least my hair) for nearly six years…. she just gets me!!!
It is but a 20 minute drive “over the Bridge” from my home to Great Lengths Hair Salon located in Sandwich, MA.
Great LengthsI sincerely would drive an hour each way for an appointment with her. Missy knows precisely how to cut my hair, which is no small feat as I have stubborn hair.
She has seen me through stages of my insane requests of “let’s let it grow” (my hair remains short) to my telling her, “don’t ever let me try that again!” She has promised me next time I ask her to let it grow she will NOT listen to me…per my pleading with her to help me keep it short!!
She advises me as to what looks best and is a magician and artist with the scissors.
We have always made small talk. That comes easy for each of us as she is also a family member: my daughter-in-law’s sister-in-law! So, that DOES make us family!!
But, I do not patronize the salon because I am related to Missy. More∼so, because Great Lengths is an awesome place to receive the service you expect from friendly, courteous professionals.
There is great synergy in that group of women who work long hours (on their feet) to provide a service to hundreds of clients, both women and men. Yet when you walk in, the manager knows you by name, greeting you with a fabulous smile and “how are you today” and converses with you because she wants to, not because it’s part of her job.
There is never a wait due to “double-bookings” such as you experience in many other salons!! I consider that a tremendous degree of respect for each and every client. Although there is a very clean and nicely decorated waiting area, unless you arrive early to check out the latest magazines, your stylist is ready to sit you in the chair at your appointed time. That is rare!
Today I finally asked Missy how long she has “had a chair” at the salon; 17 YEARS!! Why it never occurred to me previously to ask her almost seems poor etiquette on my part. These days, 17 years is a long time to be employed in any vocation!
During the past 6 years I have witnessed the salon manager being extremely accommodating to callers who are in need of an immediate appointment or trying to reschedule. This salon ALWAYS is willing to work within the closest time˜frame for the clients request. Have an “emergency”…they will squeeze you in!!
The reason I am writing (in detail) about this salon is Great Lengths Hair Salon is the epitome of “excellent customer service” and a “thriving small business“. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Missy. The fact that she has been at the same salon for 17 years speaks volumes about the owner and management of the salon, as well as Missy’s loyalty to her crew at the salon and her clients.
If you are a small business owner you understand the degree of importance that “loyal customers” provide. But none of us should ever become complacent about repeat customers. It is they who spread the word if you treat them as THE most important customer you have!!
Thank you Missy Dean and Great Lengths Hair Salon for never forgetting!
