A Cup of Conversation – by Michael Kell, GoodBean Coffee

Over the years people have asked me how we’ve survived living and doing business in a small town for so long. Here are (33) notable things observed over the past quarter-century. Please note there is no intended order of importance.

  1. Anonymity is a myth. There is no place to hide from stupid things said and done.
  2. Study names and faces of your customers. Anyone consistently spending their money in your store deserves to be on a first-name basis.
  3. Say “yes” as much as possible when asked to donate to good local causes.
  4. Never tout your product as the best unless, of course, you can prove it.
  5. Mind your own business. Meddling is a destroyer of relationships as is gossip.
  6. Just say “no” to that last glass of wine at the local watering hole especially if you like the sound of your voice.
  7. Bad-mouthing should only happen first thing in the morning and don’t forget to brush.
  8. Patronize the competition from time to time especially if they do a good job. You’ll learn something.
  9. Avoid being the lone objection to a popular issue at the local council meeting.
  10. Don’t have political signs or religious icons in your establishment. If you have to post a sign or wear the t-shirt, you’re probably not doing it right anyway.
  11. Use local vendors whenever possible and pay them on time, sometimes easier said than done.
  12. Stay off Facebook except to promote your shop. Small-town is small enough.
  13. Don’t bring the dog to work. You’ll forget Fido as the daily distractions mount and the dog will make you pay.
  14. If you have a potty-mouth, save it for the above-mentioned dog but definitely not in your store or anyone else’s.
  15. Don’t bring the shop home with you especially the part when you pay bills.
  16. Be wise when hiring kids of friends. Nobody wants to see their kid lose a job even if Junior has it coming.
  17. In December, say “Merry Christmas” even if you’re not feeling very merry and don’t necessarily do Christmas.
  18. Avoid working the business with the spouse without well-defined roles, healthy boundaries and right priorities. This means marriage first and business second.
  19. Pick your managers very carefully. They are you when you’re not there.
  20. Always wave to local law enforcement even when caught driving down Main Street a little too fast.
  21. Never park in front of your merchant-neighbor’s business or in her parking spot, designated or not.
  22. Don’t hire your own kids unless you’re disciplined in the art of not playing favorites.
  23. Treat fellow merchants well. Alienated merchants cost you a small fortune in non-referred business.
  24. If you’re not even-tempered, hire an amiable front person and stay safely in the back office.
  25. Treat regulars to a free purchase every now and then to let them know how appreciated they are.
  26. Be reluctant to raise prices and only when the competition does so first or when vendors and or government leave you no choice.
  27. Don’t tow a car parked in your spot unless it’s an emergency. You may not know who it belongs to but they know where to find you.
  28. Do not under-volunteer or over-volunteer. The former promotes selfishness, the latter bitterness.
  29. Avoid alienating the power of the pen and sword. This means the local newspaper and city hall.
  30. Understand the inherent moral contract of employing young people. With the right guidance and encouragement, any one of them just may change the world for the better.
  31. Make it a point to come in after-hours and hit your knees in gratitude for the privilege of a small town living.
  32. If you write a column for your local paper, measure your words thrice and hit the “send” button once.
  33. Be Good not bitter.