Show vendors some love: People & Companies

Our bookkeeper, Kristen, recently left after 8 years of service. Her husband was transferred to another city, so she resigned.

As is customary for departing employees, we provided a send-off luncheon with pizza, cake and a group photo so she will always remember her motley co-workers. She was gracious and appreciative, but life moves on.

The day of the party was filled with sunshine, fresh blooms and the promise of spring. The scene made me eager for nicer weather and ways to use it to our advantage. I don’t mean increasing parts production, but leveraging the season for promotional and “we appreciate you” events, such as luncheons and open houses, to mingle with and thank good customers and vendors for partnering with us.

We’ve always enjoyed hosting functions, and there are inexpensive ways to promote a shop and show appreciation. Friday cookouts or catered pizza parties are usually effective.

If providing cooked food isn’t possible, hosting an open house in a tidy shop with lots of good part samples and refreshments effectively promotes your services and people. Even if you have ample business, an event to thank customers and suppliers for contributing to that success is a sound business practice.