No Holes In Shisler Cheese Customer Service

Rita Shisler owns Shisler Cheese in Orrville, Ohio and not long ago she was the focus of a million dollar business owner column in the Plain Dealer.

I have the pleasure of knowing Rita, both from a shared acquaintance of business coach Norma J. Rist and our membership in the NEOhio based Women’s Network.

The article: Rita Shisler Built a Business on a Conversation by columnist Marcia Pledger chronicles the history of Shisler Cheese and Rita’s dedication, perseverance and savvy business acumen.

There is one quote in the article that really grabbed me:

One elderly woman used to stop by four times a week. When she died last year, her niece found 25 bags of cheese and bologna in her refrigerator.

“We thought she liked our food,” Shisler said. “Clearly our conversations meant more.”

Rita’s focus is on building customer relationships.  She said:

Work hard and hire people who are a good fit for your business. You have to love what you do. It reflects back on to your business. People like doing business with happy people. They want to be part of it.

People buy from those they like and trust. Those that take the time to have a conversation; to get to know their customers. 

Norma Rist, our mutual friend and business coach said: “She has developed the most outstanding customer service you can imagine. “Her business is built on repeat customers.”

Now I’m sure YOU work hard on building relationships with your customers.  But what about your employees?  Do they work as hard as you to create an environment of fun and conversation? 

Are you in the back office or out front listening, encouraging and leading by example?

What conversations have you had with customers today?