Listening to your Customers

I have a love-hate relationship with this small town of Tallahassee – sometimes finding it maddeningly tiny. But today on Valentine’s Day I am reminded why I mostly love it. Tallahassee is full of independent small businesses that do their best to serve customers well, and in a unique way.

Bagelheads is one of those businesses, using the power of social media and the passionate word of mouth of their dedicated customers to thrive. My friend Rachel last week sent out a Tweet wondering aloud what she should get for her baby’s Growing Room daycare teachers as a Valentine’s Day treat. I tweeted back, remembering that she loves Bagelheads, “I wonder if @BagelHeads makes heart-shaped bagels? That would be cute!” Within just a few minutes, the Bagelheads team replied back, “That’s a great idea!” And just like that, Rachel had her treats for the teachers and I had a surprise for my colleagues here at Moore Consulting.

Owner Benjamin Giles, who runs the business along with his wife, took my order via a follow-up e-mail and offered sincere thanks for the idea and for “always looking out for us.” But the truth is, Bagelheads looks out for its customers. They participate in local races (Mrs. Bagelheads is a very fit runner who hasn’t let pregnancy slow her down!), providing the after-race carb fuel. They are part of the community, and are eager to make their customers happy.

This morning, as my colleagues enjoy their heart-shaped bagels, I am a happy, happy customer – grateful to have a business like Bagelheads to make my community better – one “everything” whole wheat bagel at a time!