You Can Still Have Fun in the Sun - episode 153
I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with this week’s guest, Shannon Ziolkowski. Not only is she kind and thoughtful, I learned a lot about sun-protective clothing. She works at Coolibar. The name “coolibar” is a tree found in Australia that offers shade. We met because I emailed the company asking them if they would soon be offering additional colors of a jogger pant I like. They actually responded. Really, how often does that happen anymore? Enter, Shannon. We struck up an email chat that resulted in a Zoom call request to talk more about my thoughts regarding their products. Now that is outstanding customer service. I can get behind a company like that. One that goes above and beyond what is expected. In other words, a commitment to excellence.
Before our chat, I did not know our day-to-day clothing offers such little sun-protection. There are many who have conditions that make it challenging to enjoy activities the rest of us take for granted. And that’s a quality-of-life issue. I feel compelled to help share their message. I am grateful this company exists and is committed to creating clothing that allows you to enjoy your time outside while keeping you protected from sun damage. Thanks Coolibar.
Positive. Compassionate. Easy-going.
— Shannon Ziolkowski of Coolibar
Keeping it Real
Thoughts from You Can Still Have Fun in the Sun
When was the last time you had great customer service? Companies rely on marketing strategies, and word-of-mouth to grow but is enough attention being paid to after they make the sale? I approached Coolibar, met Shannon, we chatted, we Zoomed and then I asked her to be a guest on the podcast. I enjoyed connecting with her. Now anything I’ve shared about Coolibar has been completely unsolicited. They haven’t asked me to do anything for them and in fact they sent me some products, gratis. I wanted to let you know I thought their customer service was stellar, exemplary really, which unfortunately is a rarity these days. I learned more about the philosophy behind the brand, and why it is needed by many. I did send them an inquiry letter to see if they wanted to officially sponsor the podcast, (Why not?) but I haven’t heard back. I think it’s a pass and that’s ok with me. I feel if it’s ever going to happen it will happen naturally. (That does not mean I won’t be putting out any feelers.)
A couple of points about that. I have said for many years if I was ever going to have ads on the podcast they would need to be done in an “Adam Grant” kind of way. He is an organizational psychologist who has a podcast called, Work Life, with the tagline, “How to make work not suck.” At the time I listened to it, several years back, he explained he believed ads did not have to suck. (Sound familiar?) So he invited his first sponsor, Bridgewater, to share their story, what makes them who they are. I listened to that episode and it was quite remarkable. Not only was I not tuning out as soon as the ad came on, or pressing the 15 seconds forward button, I was rapt with attention to hear more. Because it was a story, I was interested. Grant believes ads should “minimize misery and maximize enjoyment.” (Another aside: isn’t that why so many of us got rid of cable? I know that’s why I did.) Well, I for one could not agree more! And I still remember the “ads” he did for Bonobos and Warby Parker. I was just looking for a reason to shop at both. I wanted to be a customer of a business that had that kind of integrity, creativity, and appeal.
The other reason I want things to happen more organically is that I am not in this for the money. First off, I haven’t made any! Second, I’ve been doing this close to three years and it costs me money to create this podcast and blog for you. Clearly I am motivated by something more. For the record I will keep doing it in this fashion. I get to do this and that’s reason enough for me. Now that doesn’t mean I don’t want to monetize this venture because I do. Behind the scenes I am learning all kinds of things about Instagram, podcasting, coaching and the media. I have had a course, and a coach, for each. The things you can learn online are endless! I’ve headed into territory that is complementary to what I’m already doing so I am feeling expanded and motivated. I told Ron the other day I am bursting at the seams with all I want to share. Stay tuned. There will be opportunities forthcoming if you care to partake. And a big thanks for your support and encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.
— Adam Grant
