Generosity and The Little Things

If you're a regular reader at Sonny's Cozy Tavern, you know that Butch likes the brand philosophy defined by Fallon's "Culture of Generosity."  People like to do things for people who do things for them.  Good brands understand that the more you give, the more you get.  Generosity inpires loyalty.

Sometimes, the simplest little thing is all you need to do to make someone's day, to change an attitude, to spark a smile.  Like this story:

At our house, we love Halloween.  We set up a full experience in our driveway for all our friends and neighbors.  We play music, project strobe lights and light up the fog machine; grill hot dogs and dispense adult beverages; and provide a warm fire, fresh water and an open bathroom for the revelers. We love to give on this night.  But it wasn't our giving that made my night.

Late in the evening, a little girl (maybe four years old) dressed like a princess and her mother made their way through the cold air to our driveway.  The princess was excited to see that we were serving hot dogs.  As I extended a perfectly-grilled dog, she looked up with a big smile -- but then stopped before she took the treat.  She reached into her goody bag and said, "I want to give you something," as she raised her hand and offered me a bag of Skittles.

She didn't have to share.  It was her treat to take home all for herself.  But, at the age of four, she already embraced the Culture of Generosity.  Her gesture was so unexpected, so genuine, and so befitting of her princess costume.  I accepted her offer and told everyone this story for the rest of the evening (and now I'm telling you).  Her simple, genuine gesture made me smile, inspired goodwill and generated positive word of mouth.

Remember the little things.  Sometimes they make a big difference.  Be a brand that embraces the Culture of Generosity.

What's your story?
- Butch