My wife and I just returned from spending a few days in Québec City.
It was the first time for both of us.
Wow! What a great trip.
Btw, a very drivable 10 hours from Halifax, but it felt like a world away.
Vacations have a great way of slowing you down.
Our days were planned, but never rushed.
We left room to be tourists and to notice things.
And when you start noticing, you see patterns, especially (for me) in businesses.
For example, one morning we stopped at a small, owner-run coffee shop.
The barista asked what kind of coffee we liked, described the taste profiles of different beans, and then casually suggested a fresh scone with their homemade jam.
SOLD!
We left with great coffee, a better breakfast, and the feeling that someone actually cared.
The next day, I was “forced” to grab a coffee at a big chain.
No eye contact.
No “good morning.”
Just “What do you want?” → tap card → “Do you want a receipt?”
Transaction complete.
Efficient, sure. But indifferent.
Both gave me the caffeine I needed.
Only one gave me an experience worth sharing.
That’s the lesson and my reason for this post.
Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a professional services firm, or a software company... it’s the little touches, the genuine care, the attention to detail that set you apart.
Let’s be honest.
Most products are pretty similar.
The majority of prices are pretty comparable.
But products and services made with love are the ultimate differentiator.
I’m willing to pay more for that.
Are you?
Do you go out of your way to support businesses “made with love”?
Drop your local favourites in the comments.
I’d love to help spread the word and check them out.
