The Coconut Smoothie--Lessons in Voice and Choice in Our Chapters
The president of Delta Omicron, Bea, and the president of Omega Omega, Stella, took a vacation together in Florida. They were looking forward to spending some time on the beach and just chilling out as a result of a tough school year. Stella was also worried because her chapter was foundering.
One day they were walking on the beach and Bea said with delight, "Oh look, there is the Coconut Hut and they have coconut smoothies. Let's go in and get one."
Stella looked at her friend with disgust, ""I hate coconut. Whoever heard of a place that sells coconut smoothies . How stupid. Let's get out of here and go get a hamburger."
Bea responded, "Look around, this place is hopping. There are so many people sitting outside with smoothies. She turned to Stella, "We can go get a hamburger later, but I am dying for a coconut smoothie. I bet they'll have something you like. Come on--give me ten minutes to get my treat."
Stella answered, "Okay, but I don't want anything."
They went inside and there was a big sign,"50 different flavors of smoothies. Take your pick." To make it even more enticing, they had melt-in-your-mouth pictures of the smoothies.
Bea was so excited, " See I told you they have other smoothies. What kind do you want to try?"
"None, I want a hamburger. I bet this place will be out of business in no time. Whoever heard of a smoothie shop. They're probably some fly by night business. Stella was disgusted. " Get your smoothie and let's get out of here."
Stella stood by tapping her foot and playing with her phone while Bea ordered her smoothie. The gentleman who waited on Bea was eager to help Stella.
He smiled and said, : How can I help you, miss?
"I don't really want anything, I'm just here with my friend. How long have you been in business? Can you really make money on smoothies?" Stella asked.
The waiter, who was the owner, looked at her and said, "Why we've been in business for 75 years. My father started it. "He had a sad look on his face, "I sure miss him. We started out just selling ice cream and as the years passed we learned we had to diversify and sell other treats." He stirred a smoothie. " Our customers wanted choice."
Stella answered, "Well no offense but you can't stay in business just selling this stuff. You sure can't make a living."
The owner responded, "Oh, but we have had the best year ever."
Stella still wasn't convinced, "Why is that?"
"Well ,you see that we listen to our customers of all ages and we add and subtract according to their needs. Our customers are our number one priority and we keep them happy and diversify according to what they want.'
"Well then, why do you feature a coconut smoothie. Who likes those? I sure don't."
The owner, as he finished making the smoothie for Bea, said, "Those are our best sellers, but can I give you a taste of a different flavor, or maybe two?" He smiled. "I bet you'd like something."
Stella accepted the offer and then added, " Can I ask you another question?"
"Sure" he answered. He handed Stela two samples of other flavored smoothies.
" These are really good but don't you get tired of doing this every day?"
"Oh no, it is a true labor of love--keeping my customers happy."
As they left the Coconut Hut, Bea said, as she was savoring her coconut smoothie, "Are you ready to go get a hamburger?"
Stella paused, "No I don't think so. Maybe I ought to think about what he said and apply it to my chapter. They walked a bit further and Stella looked at Bea, "I've been selfish. I only do in my chapter what I want to do, and maybe other members don't like the same things I do." She frowned. "Maybe that's why my chapter is dying."
Bea looked at Stella, "Well what are you going to do?"
Stella smiled, " I guess it's time for me to keep what's working, listen to my members, and expand our chapter options. I need to work to keep my members happy. I think the Coconut Hut is on to something."
