Let's Chat

I miss talking with strangers.

I began my working career as a cashier at my local FOOD CITY grocery store. At the age of 15, I was thrust into the world of memorizing produce codes and mentally working out how to count the cash into change for the customer. What I recall about the job that I miss today was the brief and yet powerful connection I would have with each customer.

Each person I greeted with a smile, a look in their eyes and depending on the energy, it would be a lovely chat about the weather, the store, or anything that would come to mind. Then once their purchase was packed and paid for, I'd hand them their receipt with a smile as I said goodbye, looking into their eyes.

During these years, I learned how to connect with whom would seem difficult or abrasive by listening to their concerns and offering what I could that I was able to do. All the while never responding in kind, but meeting with kindness. There is one incident that, to this day, I still remember. A gentleman (okay, let's just say he was a guy), who showed up to my customer service counter that demanded a refund for a collection of bottles. Unfortunately, the store policy didn't take these specific bottles in. So I informed him of it, which he kept at me getting more and more frustrated, and I managed to stay calm, speak kindly and respectfully saying I understood his frustration but insistent on the store policy. He left in a huff.

Then other scenarios bring me joy. I loved the challenge of a customer whom I could tell was grumpy. For them, I'd smile even bigger and make a little more of an effort to be helpful and also engage in some positive topics, whether the weather or the great sale they snagged. Most of the time, these people would leave a little lighter and even a little bit of a smile back at me as they checked out.

My career in

Where I am coming from with all of this?

I miss talking to strangers.

My business does allow me to chat with prospects, and zoom has been an invaluable tool. But they are very few and far between.

I recently was blessed to meet with a local woman who has the most amazing life story that she had been working on writing in her memoir. As with any first-time author, she is learning all the in's and outs' of self-publishing. I was happy to share some industry information I have myself learned over my 20+ years designing books and other publications.

I will admit I was disappointed when she let me know she chose a different designer based on price. Rejections based on fees are a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I respect each person's budget. Still, on the other, I know a successful book design needs to look professional and unique. The lower the fee, the less creative work from a designer, whether using a generic template or less investment in time and effort.

I'm not touting that designing a book should cost you a downpayment on a home. At the least, understanding the impression and reach of your book is going to be judged by your cover and readability to some extent.

I would have loved the chance to have been part of what will be a fantastic memoir. I will be keeping an eye out for her book in the future so I can do my part by buying her book and supporting her. (And you know I'll be critiquing the design. Whether I feel justified when it's lacking a professional feel, or impressed by the designer's skills.)

I'd love to offer up time in my schedule for a chat, even if and especially we have nothing in common. I'd love to hear what projects you are working on, and if along the way I have any advice I could share, I'd be more than happy to.

I'd like to book in one chat a week for the rest of 2020. If you'd like to snag a date, please book now!