Ever had a few weeks where you had to channel extra energy into staying calm and positive?

(And what has that to do with wanting to be like a yoga/fitness clothing store?)

Like you, at some point in your life, I was there, having that week.  Despite the big stuff, it was a jar of olives spilling in the fridge that almost sent me into a full ‘woe is me’ grump-a-thon. Sound familiar?

There I was, still a bit grumpy, when I saw a free yoga event being hosted by lululemon and decided to go, and all these wonderful things happened…

• There were lovely staff on the main street, to help us find our way to the hired venue (it was a bit hidden).
• I was greeted with the warmest of welcomes. I genuinely felt they were pleased to see me. They didn’t know me.
• I was given a handwritten tag with my name, for my yoga mat, making me feel even more welcome.
• The space was beautifully lit (they had brought in their own lighting) and it was warm.
• They asked me to select a teabag of my choice (with an inspirational message on the tag) for afterwards.

Before I even got to my mat I was feeling wonderful, cared for and valued. After the lovely class (which by the way included chocolate)….

• We opened our eyes to find a beautiful crystal at the bottom of our mats.
• We were invited to take our pre-selected tea back to our mat.
• They then came around with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Cookies!

Sigh. It was pure luxury.

lululemon always do something a little bit special. They run events at different locations, including their store, with varying themes, freshly made juices (and seem quite happy with all the washing up), intention trees, wish banners, and other lovely gestures. They could simply put on a free class and it would still be more than expected. However, they appear to want to do more.

If selling is their ultimate motive, it doesn’t feel like that. Their recruitment of staff, marketing, and whole approach, comes across as reflecting the lifestyle of their products.

I felt special and valued, as a person. It also made me feel that if I did buy something in the future, I am buying into a wonderful community of like minded, positive, and warm people.

More than that, this experience reminded me of the person to be, more consistently, in my business and my life (especially on the days when the ‘olives’ are sent to try me!).

When I am in full flow, I know that I naturally bring this to my clients. It is genuine and feels good. The small touches and extra moments. However, at times I lose that. I can get caught up in motion and being busy. During those times I can try too hard and over think what I can do to improve the experience (or ‘customer service’). The same happens in life, with communications and relationships. I lose the ease of being there, of spotting something that will make someone smile, or fully engaging. Do you find something similar happening?

Whilst I can now think ‘lululemon’ to quickly recapture what I want in my life and business at that moment. What about for you? How much easier would it be for you, if you could do the same?

lululemon in your business

How about bringing lululemon into your business? I invite you to think about an experience that gave you the ‘lululemon’ touch (or use this experience if it helps). What did it look like? Try to remember as much detail as possible. What did it look and feel like?

Now, how could that look like in your business?

Get brainstorming. Don’t filter anything as being implausible, keep generating ideas. You might want to do the same with the opposite of a great experience. (In this example a cold hall, with harsh lighting, no one to greet you, holes in the mats etc). Then go back to brainstorming how you can make it wonderful.

The next step is to pick one or two for now. You can come back to that list time and time again, and do keep adding to it. Remember one tip. You have to mix it up! For example, if you have repeat clients and give them a bottle of wine every year, it eventually becomes expected and the norm. Then if you stop, they notice it.

lululemon in your life

How about creating a ‘lululemon’ experience in your life? Your career or hobby?  What might it be in a friendship or romantic relationship?  We often think about what we don’t want, now is a great time to think about what you do want. What it looks and feels like.

So grab your pens and pencils, and start brainstorming experiences for your wonderful life. Go on, make it happen for you. You deserve it.

And wherever you bring your ‘lululemon’ moment into your business and life. Enjoy.

OneLife.YourLife.LiveIt

Simona is a professional coach, mentor and speaker, working with motivated individuals to achieve successful careers, grow businesses, and create fulfilled lives. The best way to know how coaching works is to try it! If you are ready to change something in your life, or want to make a big goal happen, apply for your complimentary session to talk to Simona here (limited spaces available). In the meantime, have an amazing day.