When "big" people are real people

You may know that I love reading true crime books. I've read some that were very badly written, so I try to be careful when buying one. While out of town recently, I found myself at a mall eating lunch without a book to read, so I hit the nearest book store. (I don't mind eating alone as long as I have something to read - how about you?)

While perusing the True Crime section, I discovered I had read all the books by my favorite true crime authors (Ann Rule, Jerry Bledsoe and Jack Olsen). But a book by Kathryn Casey, whom I'd never heard of, had an endorsement review on the cover by Ann Rule. I figured if it was good enough for Ann Rule, it was good enough for me.

I loved it - both the story and how well it was written. So when I finished it a few days ago, I "googled" the author to see what else she had written. I found her website. I signed up for her newsletter (how she keeps her fans updated on her writings) and then, upon seeing a"Contact Kathryn Casey" link, I thought I'd give it a try.

I e-mailed her, telling her how much I enjoyed the book, that I'd be reading her others and that she had a new fan in Toledo, OH.

Imagine my surprise when within a few hours, she e-mailed me back. She thanked me for taking the time to write her (!), that she was very happy I liked her book, and said a few kind things about Ohio (!) that she'd visited in the past.

I am impressed. This (possibly best-selling) author took the time to write back to a fan who'd done nothing more than read her book. I guess sometimes I forget that authors are people, too. But I can't help but think that I would have never heard from John Grisham or Dominick Dunne.

Have you ever been surprised by the actions of a well-known person who turned out to be real?

It really is all about "target market"

Earlier this week, I was among several guests of a friend, Ellen Critchley, who treated us all to a local concert. At dinner beforehand, my friend and I were talking about my target market for my business, pregnant women. Ellen and I are graduates of a business course, Certified Networker, which taught us how to identify and then market to a specific type of customer, no matter what one's business is.

Another guest whom I'll call "B", whom I'd just recently met, wondered what the heck that was about. B knew I owned a consignment store for women (she had never been in my store before), but why pregnant women? I told her I had the largest selection of maternity clothes in the area. But she still didn't understand. Ellen and I tried to explain the merits of doing this.

But the proof that having a target market really works happened yesterday - B came into my store and bought $100 worth of maternity clothes for her pregnant daughter!

Now that's what I'm talking about.

So what is your target market? (Ask me if you'd like to know more about this subject. I know just the person who could teach you all about it.)

I am thankful. . . Part I

Thanksgiving is of course the traditional time to express what you are thankful for. But for the last few months, I've become to realize that being grateful and expressing gratitude is the path to happiness. So I'll warn you that this is a long post because I'm thankful for so many things (and thus I'm so damn happy!).

I attended a networking luncheon earlier this week and as each person introduced themselves, we were asked to answer the question, "What are you thankful for?"

My answer may have seemed silly but I was serious: "I am thankful for my parents for giving me the foundation for who and what I am today. And I'm thankful for my husband who patiently tolerates the cracks in that foundation."

These aren't in any particular order, but I am so grateful for:

- my wonderful husband of over 41 years, Dick, who (sometimes begrudgingly) lets me be me

- my son Dave who's a successful businessman, husband and father

- my daughter-in-law Jan who has faithfully loved Dave since they met in '88 at OSU (go Bucks!), provides an artistic aura to their life and gave birth to the most beautiful child in the world

- my beautiful 2 year old granddaughter Emme (Emerson Ann) - whom most of you who know me are probably surprised I didn't list first

- my son Paul who is the artist and the musician in the family, writing and singing his own songs and who has founded and played guitar in more "garage bands" than I can remember

- my daughter-in-law Angie who has brought much-needed structure and organization to Paul's life

- my almost 20-year-old granddaughter Leslie who reminds me what it's like to be young and idealistic

- my good health and the good health of my family

- my broad spectrum of wonderful circle of friends which widens frequently.

I know there's more, but this list makes me realize that, by gosh, maybe I am a people person!

So what are you thankful for?

Walk a mile in her shoes.

A brand new consignor came into the store last week and she humbled me. First of all, she was late for her appointment - not a great way to start a relationship. And her clothes were in a basket (I require them to come in on hangers.). And she had spring/summer items (I'm taking winter.). She had about 40 items (my limit is 30 at a time).

And she began the conversation by saying that she was in a time-crunch and could I go through her stuff right away?

My first thought, of course, was "Wait a minute, lady. Whose store is this?" I mean I was about to blow. But for some strange reason, I didn't say what I was thinking (quite unusual for me).

And before I knew it, she explained her current situation. Going through a terrible divorce. Having some real difficulties with her kids. There will likely be custody problems. Getting 'grief' from her mother over both situations. She's not a happy woman . . . and I'm going to give her more unhappiness and lecture her about my rules?

I immediately changed inside my head. I felt so badly for her. It seemed like it was all she could do to not break down while she talked to me. Suddenly, I didn't care about my policies. I felt grateful that I could help her if only in a small way.

And all I could think of was the old saying about "walk a mile in my shoes." And I felt humbled and so fortunate that I wasn't in hers.

We're all in this together.

Yesterday I visited a resale shop that opened a year ago, but just two weeks earlier had been sold to two women who were friends. (I've heard a zillion times that this type of partnership is seldom a good idea, but that's none of my business).

Having been in the resale business for ten years, I wanted to welcome them to "my world" so I stopped in to introduce myself and of course to shop. They were so open and friendly and I felt quite flattered when they started to "pick my brain."

Like a lot of newcomers in the business, their biggest problem related to pricing. "For example," one said, "look at this Canvasbacks coat."

Now I happen to love this brand - it's good quality and their items always have a unique, characteristic style.

One of the women wanted to price it at $40 and the other wanted to price it at $60 (they had been told by the original owner that it was $400 or $500 new). They compromised at $50. They asked me what I thought and I told them that if it were in my store, I'd price it at $100, with the adage, 'You can always come down' if it doesn't sell.

I could tell they were giving my comment some thought. They removed the price tag and shortly thereafter, someone came in and asked how much it was. "$100" was the reply. She didn't buy it but she also didn't flinch.

Imagine my delight when they called me today to tell me the coat had just sold for $80. They were so excited and loved my advice. Gosh, it feels good to help a newbie.

I will never forget a woman who owned a resale shop about 40 minutes away. She came to my store after I first opened and instead of feeling threatened by a potential competitor, she welcomed me to the fold and was so incredibly helpful.

When is the last time you were able to help out someone new in your business?