Recently, I had the opportunity (or maybe the adventure) of staying with a friend while they recovered from surgery. In a bold burst of pre-op determination, my friend decided to make a series of major life changes—about two days before surgery. Step one: quit smoking cold turkey after 40 years. Step two: reject all painkillers post-surgery because, in his words, “I don’t like the way they make me feel.” Add in a life-altering surgery, and let’s just say… the vibe in the recovery house got real interesting.
It was a masterclass in how one person’s personal growth can deeply impact those around them.
While caring for my friend, I went from being a respected home cook to suddenly not knowing which spatula was best for eggs. I was promptly reminded that I might have been “born in a barn.” Apparently, barn-born people are notorious for attracting house flies to indoor life..
This experience reminded me of something we often overlook in business: when we make changes—whether it’s switching vendors, adjusting a recipe, rotating staff, or dropping a longtime product—it doesn’t just impact our systems. It impacts people around us, and sometimes, those people get grumpy.
Take the favorite barfly in the back booth—sober now and suddenly unamused by your new kombucha menu. Or the customer who swears the only reason they ever ordered the turkey sandwich was because of the sprouts (which you just removed due to high waste). Now, they’re not just hungry—they’re betrayed.
While I genuinely admire my friend’s brave, healthy choices, I’ll admit—a heads-up would’ve been nice. Something like: “Hey, I’m quitting nicotine, rejecting painkillers, and might possibly become a touch irritable for the next 72 hours. Just FYI.” This might have softened the blow when I was corrected mid-egg scramble for reaching for the “wrong” spatula
The same principle applies to your customers. When you make a change, let them know why. For example:
- “We’ve stopped serving sprouts due to spoilage and waste concerns.”
- “Our beloved “Oly” beer is no longer being brewed (we’re sad too).”
- “We’ve switched vendors to better support local producers.”
Transparent communication not only builds trust—it reduces shock and mood swings (yours and theirs). People may not always like the change, but at least they’ll understand it.
As for my friend? I’m thrilled to report he’s recovering well, on the road to what we all hope is a cancer-free future. We’re still friends. I have adjusted to the switch from smoker to spatula connoisseur. And I’m willing to investigate the claim that I was “born in a barn”— and not name the new pet flies living inside this house.
In the end, people can adjust to change—with time, communication, and a little grace.
Thanks for Reading!
Even if you’re not a subscriber (yet), I truly hope today’s post gave you something useful to think about or apply in your business.
I’m building my own business too, and I’m currently taking on new clients—so if you know someone who could use support with [insert your main service, e.g., website development, business coaching], I’d be grateful for the referral.
Want more posts like this sent straight to your inbox every Tuesday? Subscribe here.
And if you have thoughts, questions, or feedback—I’d love to hear from you. Just drop me a note at misty@webfootmarketing.net
Let’s keep building,