The last few articles have focused on the challenges of shed building when rain and mud and eccentric customers complicate the day.
That’s really no wonder; conflict produces stories. If every day were sunny, with smooth roads and level yards, we would run out of stories to tell. Shed building might even get boring.
So, while there is no end of stressful stories to tell, in this, my final column, I would like to focus on the positive side of the trade.
So many of our experiences are normal and happy, leaving both sides with smiles on their faces.
Customer satisfaction is our highest priority in shed building. We want everyone to be pleased with their new building, and we want them to go tell their neighbors where to buy a great shed.
Buyers today are more informed than ever before. Word of mouth is still important, but it takes on different forms.
Today people are looking to Google reviews and social media to establish value. We want our customers to be so satisfied with our product and service that they will spread the word wherever they are.
But our focus on excellence goes far beyond trying to please customers so they will tell others. We need to do it because it’s the right thing to do.
It’s really an extension of the Golden Rule Jesus gives us in Luke 6: Do to others as you would have them do unto you.
I am grateful for the many happy customers we have had over the years. It is so rewarding to get texts like, “I’m loving my new shed. Thanks so much!”
These customers become friends, and when they come back for another shed, we get to renew that relationship.
One of these friendships goes back to the very first shed I built over seven years ago. It was a 12 by 16 building painted red. Marty and his wife wanted to use it for a chicken coop, so I finished out the inside with insulation and added a loft and a chicken door.
This building was delivered to their vacation property in the wilderness of northern British Columbia.
A couple of years later, I went up there again to attach a large, covered run to the chicken house. Later, I took him another building for his ducks.
Currently, he is talking to us about building a cabin. This long-term friendship is satisfying. What brings customers back again and again? Maybe your price is the best around.
But people are also attracted to quality. Often, they are willing to pay a higher price when they are convinced that you are delivering a building that is worth every dollar you charge.
Always do the best you can. I have an employee who challenges me in this. When he sweeps the floor, he does an excellent job.
He carefully sweeps out the corners with a small broom instead of swiping through them with the push broom. When he is finished, the whole shop looks great.
It is such a delight to start the day when the floor is so clean.
Those around us will notice when we are doing our best and going the extra mile to satisfy them.
It’s a win/win situation because we also feel rewarded for a job well done.
And that’s what makes life worthwhile.
