customer connection

If You’re Paying for Loyalty, It’s Not Loyalty

If You’re Paying for Loyalty, It’s Not Loyalty

Loyalty Isn’t About Transactions—It’s About Connection

In my 30 years in hospitality, I’ve seen loyalty shift from meaningful gestures to mere transactions. Decades ago, offering a free coffee or a bottle of prosecco for a birthday felt special—a heartfelt way to thank customers. Now, these gestures are tick-box exercises, part of the cost of doing business.

True loyalty isn’t built on loyalty cards or discounts; it’s about forming deep emotional bonds where customers feel they belong. Loyal customers stay longer, spend more, and become your advocates. The key? Focus on meaningful relationships, not more customers. Build your tribe, not your mailing list.

5-Star Reviews Are Useless: Why Your Loyal Customers Don’t Care About TripAdvisor

5-Star Reviews Are Useless: Why Your Loyal Customers Don’t Care About TripAdvisor

Are 5-star reviews truly a sign of customer loyalty, or are they just a fleeting moment of validation? While glowing reviews can attract new customers, they often come from first-time visitors rather than your loyal tribe. Your most devoted customers—those who visit regularly, value your experience beyond price, and share your story with others—don’t need to post online to show their support. True loyalty is built on trust, connection, and the role your business plays in their lives. Measuring loyalty requires a deeper understanding of your purpose and aligning your values with those who matter most. Are you focusing on the right metrics?

Crabs in a Bucket: Why the Hospitality Industry Is Stuck and How to Break Free

Crabs in a Bucket: Why the Hospitality Industry Is Stuck and How to Break Free

Why Hospitality Businesses Are Stuck in a Crab Bucket

The hospitality industry is overcrowded, competitive, and facing rising costs. Many businesses, afraid to stand out, fall into the trap of copying what others are doing—offering identical menus, services, and experiences. This creates a sea of sameness, where customers see no reason to choose one venue over another.

The opportunity lies in being purpose-driven. Customers today crave unique, meaningful experiences and spaces where they feel a sense of belonging. By reconnecting with your purpose and offering something different, you can break free from the crab bucket, stand out, and become the place customers truly love. Is your business purpose-driven? Take our quiz to find out.