My Musings: FOCUS Magazine May 2023

After all, one year in small business is the equivalent to 15 human years, right? Oh no, that’s dog years, but you get the picture!

Sometimes that’s what it feels like… I’ve touched on it before, but so much has changed in the world of retail and small business over the last 10 years. A lot of it is in direct response to advancements in technology (and my determination to keep up and not be left roaming around with the dinosaurs).

For instance, as much as I vowed never to “go online” because the Meg + Me experience is about a personal connection and building community, the events of late 2019 forced my hand and now our online presence is an integral part of the Meg + Me experience.

There are so many benefits to taking our Boutique business online.

For you, my lovely locals it allows you to window shop from the couch with a glass of wine in the evenings, casually adding to cart for a click + collect when the sun comes up; while for tourists our online presence provides an opportunity to discover us even before they arrive in our beautiful town; and of course now it doesn’t matter where you live, you can enjoy any aspect of our collections wherever you are in the world (one day I might tell you about the time I sent a Gold Gun to Phoenix Arizona, of all places…!)

The other benefit of embracing technology when it comes to running a small business, is the increase in efficiency and the ability to build relationships with loyal regulars, both immediately after they’ve physically been in store or connected online.

This is where our latest exciting advancement comes into its own. I don’t know about you, but I’m a die hard devotee of Loyalty Programs… I’ve been a Qantas Frequent Flyer for I don’t know how long (I’ve got the stamps in the passport and the selfies in the Business Lounge to prove it!); I’m working my way up the tiers with my Mecca Cosmetics Membership (I think I’m so close to top tier it’s not funny, which reminds me I best finalise that cart that’s sitting there under my profile, that will help!).

But honestly, as a consumer I love it when businesses show they value my ongoing support. So that’s why I’ve introduced a Loyalty Rewards Program just for you! When it comes to flying and buying makeup that can’t be found in town, there’s no question, I’m logging in and using my online account with Qantas and Mecca.

Yes, I could try Jetstar or some other online beauty mob, but why would I when I get can rewarded for my loyalty? And this is why I’ve launched our loyalty program.

I know that when you are after something special, something that you can’t find everywhere else you head straight to Meg + Me, and I’ve always appreciated and valued your loyalty.

Now, I have a clear formula for showing you how much I value your ongoing support. Which brings me back to technology. Without embracing technology, there is no way I could keep up with or remember where each and every customer is up to in their rewards journey.

However, now each and every customer who signs up either in store or via our online VIP Rewards Program automatically gains membership. Yes, just like Mecca, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Frequent Flyer in store or online, your profiles are connected and I will take huge delight in thanking you for your ongoing support, each and every time you hit a new tier.

In fact, just this week we had our first Rewards Redemption.

I cannot tell you how happy it made me, seeing the delight in my customer’s eyes when I gave her a “little something extra to say thanks” after she’d just bought what it was that she wanted anyway…

And to me, this is what it’s all about. Giving back and showing appreciation for YOU!

For more info on joining our Rewards Program, visit megandme.com.au and click on VIP Rewards.