The $5.75 Lesson Every Small Business Owner Needs

There’s Always More Going On Than We Realize

Melissa and I were on a day date in downtown Clarksville.

It was one of those summer days where it feels like the pavement might melt. Naturally, we started craving something cold.

We went back and forth. “Ice cream or iced coffee?” My heart said ice cream. My mind said coffee.

As we were debating, we spotted a chalkboard sign outside of a coffee shop with drink specials. That sealed it. Coffee won.

The moment we walked in, though, I knew something was off.

The place felt stuffy. Dark walls. No real airflow. The kind of place where you’d rather grab you drink and go rather than hang there. Behind the counter was a girl glued to her phone. Melissa and I were the only customers there, yet we were barely acknowledged. We ordered two small iced coffees.

“$5.75 each.”

Ouch. That stung a little. What stung more was the experience. The barista looked miserable. After taking our order, she turned her back and started washing dishes. No smile. No thank you. No attempt at conversation.

Melissa and I just looked at each other. It was astonishing.

Here’s the kicker. Just a few months earlier we had visited this same shop during their grand opening. The vibe was completely different. The owner was there, full of energy, chatting with customers, showing gratitude. The place felt alive.

So what happened?

Here are a few possibilities:

The owner got complacent. “I worked hard for the launch. I can step back now.”

The hiring process was weak. The barista didn’t even seem capable of faking it.

There were no systems, training, or playbooks in place.

Or maybe it was just an off day (though I doubt it).

What fascinates me is that the owner may never know this happened.

I probably won’t go back. And if the shop eventually closes, like many small businesses do, the blame might go to the economy, the competition, the industry, or “bad staff.”

But the truth is, it won’t be any of those things.

In small business, everything matters.

The vibe when someone walks in.

The way your team treats clients when you aren’t around.

The consistency of your systems and training.

The level of care that flows from leadership all the way to the front desk.

You never know who’s walking through your door. They may become your best client, your biggest referral source, or someone who leaves and never returns.

At the end of the day, people don’t just buy coffee or training sessions. They buy the experience, the energy, and the way you make them feel.

If you want your business to stand the test of time, focus on the little things. Build systems. Train your team. Show gratitude. It all counts.

Because success or failure rarely comes from the “big reasons” we like to blame. It comes from the small, daily choices we make and whether we keep showing up with excellence when no one’s watching.

So here’s my question for you: What’s one small detail in your business that you may be overlooking right now?

If you need help lying your daily activities to your goals and bottom line, I’d love to help.

👉 Book a quick call here to I can hear what you have going on.