Much the same as everybody else on the planet, I like feeling special.
I like being recognized at shops and restaurants I visit frequently. I like getting discounts for being a loyal customer. I like belonging to clubs and programs that say I'm an elite client. I like getting catalogs with offers for members only. I like getting personal notes from company execs who recognize my value to them. I like knowing that I matter. That I'm valued. That I'm recognized. That I'm... special.
When I was in Chicago last week, one of my big goals was to drop by the LEGO Store so I could pick up a V.I.P. Card for their new rewards program. I don't buy a lot of LEGO anymore, but their shiny new card makes me feel special just the same...
It's all an illusion, of course. Absolutely anybody can walk into a LEGO Store and get a V.I.P. Card.
And I realize full well that the minute I stop spending money at a shop they'll drop me off their "elite" list like a hot potato. And if I stop spending money at a restaurant, they'll forget I ever existed. And if I don't spend enough money to make a sales quota, I won't have membership privileges any longer.
Yes, it's all an illusion.
And I know it's an illusion.
But I don't care.
In a day and age where all too many companies just don't seem to give a shit about their customers, even fake recognition is better than no recognition at all.
Or so I keep telling myself...
I love comments! However, all comments are moderated, and won't appear until approved. Are you an abusive troll with nothing to contribute? Don't bother. Selling something? Don't bother. Spam linking? Don't bother.
PLEASE NOTE: My comment-spam protection requires JavaScript... if you have it turned off or are using a mobile device without JavaScript, commenting won't work. Sorry.
Atom Entries Feed Comments Feed
I must be doing it wrong then. I know most of our clients by first name, I know their kids names, their dogs names, etc. I am going to the memorial service for the client who last week let his depression get the better of him and committed suicide and burned the family home to the ground. I am also checking on the client who is in the hospital, sent a congratulations card to the couple who just had a baby boy, and making sure everyone who has a child graduating this month gets a small note of celebration. Hmph.
Awww- you’re totally right, but it does make you feel special, doesn’t it?!
You’re definitely special.
I bought some Legos at the store at Downtown Disney and when they asked if I wanted to join Lego VIP, I said, ‘Hellz yeah.’ I still carry the card around in my wallet.
I wish I had a LEGO store to visit to get a V.I.P. card.
That card totally rocks.
Omg, my husband would love one of those. He’s so into Lego it’s ridiculous (making robots with them using NXT’s and some other things). He’s an MCP as well but we don’t have any really big Lego stores over here for him to get cool things like that. Now I need to find someone in Chicago to try to get one for him 😛
I have a goal for this summer….finally make the trek over to the Lego store with my boy.
I get rewards cards to all the stores I shop at, even if it’s just once, because I feel bad telling the people no 🙁
I picked up my Lego VIP card the first day it was available- I have felt special ever since!
At the Lego store at least…
Funny. You come to Chicago and sign up for the VIP program. I leave Chicago and sign up for it in Orlando. Heh. Yep, I got my card, too.