Kindness is wisdom

Kindness is wisdom and helps you think beyond just yourself in the moment.

A brand doesn’t have to be kown as the least expensive or best product - it can also be how you make people feel.

Last week I had a client meeting at a lovely little neighborhood coffee shop. We talked strategy, dug into my client’s brand and the story I’m going to help her tell. Great meeting.

I next went to the grocery store, one I don’t usually go to, but it was nearby which works for this busy mom. Inside, I got what we needed and headed for the checkout. While in line I observed a sweet little lady, chatting up the cashier. They clearly knew each other, sounded like this was part of her regular daily routine.

It reminded me of my grandfather, who in his eighties walked to the grocery store every single day. At the time, I didn’t understand why he would go every day, why not bulk up, buy what you needed for the week or at least every few days?

Until I went with him.

He knew everyone who worked there, saying his hello’s, greeted by warm smiles and, “hi, Wally.”

Getting his few necessities every day gave him a sense of routine, community and connection and likely contributed to his living into his nineties.

So today, I was reminded of him, observing this sweet lady talking with our cashier like she was a good friend, because in a way, she was. She and I also made small talk, and I patiently waited as she continued her conversation, with a warm demeanor and happy attitude.

As she went to leave, she looked and me and paused, before saying, “thank you…”

I smiled warmly, saying it was nice to meet her, and she cleared her throat and continued, “thank you for…” and she paused again, she seemed to be thinking of what she was thanking me for, and she continued, “for being kind.” And with a warm smile, she was on her way.

Something I hadn’t really noticed until I took my cart outside was the number of senior citizens who were patrons coming into the store. Sure, it’s a reflection of the age of the neighborhood and location near a retirement home, but I’m sure it had a little more to do with the kindness of the staff, who by the way, knew my new acquaintance by name.  

Now this store is not a mom and pop shop, it’s actually a large chain, but the feel It gives off is one of a community grocery shop. The staff is friendly, warm, and clearly kind enough to happily and genuinely connect with their regular shoppers.

That’s the power of differentiation.

Price doesn’t always need to be the thing you’re known for, or even the very best product – a brand can also be how you make people feel.

So, do me a favor today: be kind.

Kindness is wisdom and helps you think beyond just yourself in the moment.

Find a way to be the reason someone smiles today – tell us about it in the comments.

And if all else fails, do it for Wally.

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