Eat. Drink.
Client recognition is so important. It keeps customers returning to your place versus trying out a new option. Competition has always been fierce, but it will be even more so once your doors fully open and people are ready to entertain again.
When defining “recognition”, I do not mean seeing a customer’s face and remembering it. Recognition to me is actually creating a dossier on your most important customers, either via your memory or with a ballpoint pen and paper and noting everything important to them. By showing your customers you remember their likes and dislikes on their second visit, you are actually showing them you are observant, listen and genuinely care. This will bring them back a third, fourth and infinite number of times. You will create a customer for life.
Inspire
I just returned to Puerto Vallarta after 11 months away. Everyone asks me why I love it here. I always give the same answer, “I love the people in Puerto Vallarta”. Of course, there is the natural beauty of sandy beaches, great weather and stunning mountains. There is also fresh and delicious seafood, fruits, vegetables and of course, margaritas. However, it is visiting the friendly faces at my same old stomping grounds that make me the happiest.
I arrived in PV at noon today. After unpacking my suitcases, I headed out for a walk to see what has changed during this pandemic year. I was hopeful that all my regulars were still in business and employed. Luckily, everyone I looked for was not only “surviving”, but also adjusting to this new way of doing business. They also exemplify why I come back year after year, just in the manner of how they reacted to my arrival:
My Favorite Juice Vendor – He remembered my daily order of mixing fresh grapefruit and oranges, always on ice. I ordered a small to take on my stroll. As he was about to squeeze, I realized I hadn’t visited the ATM yet. I had a quick panic and said “wait … I don’t have any pesos!”. He just looked at me and said, “No problemo, pay me tomorrow when I see you again”. I will pay him with a little extra when I get my juice tomorrow morning.
My Favorite Bartenders – I stopped by Joe Jack’s to say hello to Tony and Adi. They told me they would have a seat waiting for me at the bar later on so we could catch up. I told them I would be back at 6pm.
My Favorite Pharmacist – I stopped in to say hello to Freddy. I was sick with bronchitis last year when I was in PV and Freddy healed me. He was in his normal spot behind the counter. I told him “I hope I really don’t have to see you much this year Freddy”.
My Favorite Beach Club – I visited La Carreta to say,“hola” to the entire gang. Ricardo, Enrique, Manuel and Romy were all there. We didn’t hug each other as we normally do, but we did catch up and have lots of laughs. They told me they would have my table ready for me tomorrow at 9am in the front row. They even asked if I wanted the same set up as last year.
My Favorite Restaurant – After my margarita at Joe Jack’s, I headed over to Don Chava and Tre Piatti for dinner. Ulises, Chanan, Natalie and Daniel were all there, as lovely as ever. As I always do, I sat down and asked what I would be eating and drinking that evening. They took it from there.
This was just my first day and I still have a few more stops to make. I also know I am a paying customer to everyone I wrote about above. They don’t make me feel that way though. They make me feel like a friend and that they care. I also know I will make even more new friends this year. This is the magic of Puerto Vallarta. My community continues to grow each and every year I return. Sure, eighty degrees is wonderful to escape to every December, but I will take these warm conversations with my “old” friends over the great weather any day.