I’m not taking one vote for granted

Here we are in the April and the campaign for the Presidential election in November is in full-swing.  I must admit that I am a bit apolitical.  I have opinions about things as everyone does, but this early in the race, I try not to pay much attention to who said what about whom.  It is exhausting and perhaps I take a page from Tim Ferriss’ when I choose to filter my news and media intake, so that I can focus on the things that I am passionate about and have time to do the things I want to do (although, for the record, it still takes significantly more than four hours a week).  That said, the nation is starting to narrow its focus on the upcoming vote (and this week I gave the DMV my new address so that I’d be able to participate and you should register, too).

I was reading a story in Danny Meyer’s excellent book, Setting the Table, about how Jeb Bush, then governor, called a restauranteer in Florida who had just opened a new location to give him a special number “just in case you need any roads moved or bridges built for your company.”  This story sent a message that the governor was not taking a vote for granted.  Danny went onto explain how this is the view that he takes with his customers as so much of his business depends on repeat visits to his New York City restaurants. 

I actually wish more businesses took this approach.  That they didn’t take my vote (or my order, my visit, my referral, etc) for granted.  I want Creative Outlet Labs to be the kind of company that creates raving fans and shows appreciation in new and unexpected ways.  Along this line, I’d love to hear your ideas on how we might do that as we approach the release of the web application later this Summer.  What are some things that other companies have done (or should have done in your opinion) to appreciate their customers?