[LWN] ?? THIS SIMPLE RULE CHANGED MY BUSINESS

Back when I had my company in Tampa, I went out one night with a friend to one of the local bars.

It was a casual evening—nothing out of the ordinary—until I went up to grab a couple of drinks at the bar.

There was an older gentleman standing there, puffing on a cigar.

He glanced back at me and, almost out of nowhere, asked, “Hey, are you a cigar smoker?”

I told him I was, and that sparked a conversation that lasted well into the early morning hours.

At some point during our chat, he reached into his right pocket and handed me a cigar.

Naturally, I was curious, so I asked him about it.

That’s when he told me something I’ll never forget.

He said, “Son, I don’t waste good cigars on people who don’t appreciate them.

In my right pocket, I keep my premium cigars—those are for people who truly know and enjoy cigars.

In my left pocket, I keep the no-name cigars for anyone else, like first-timers or folks who just want to try it while they’re having a drink.

I learned to stop wasting good cigars on people who wouldn’t know the difference.”

As we got deeper into the conversation, he shared something incredible: he was the nephew of Dick and Mac McDonald, the true founders of McDonald’s.

I was talking to the real Ronald McDonald!

He had even worked in their very first store.

It was a fascinating insight into his family history and the values that shaped him.

What struck me wasn’t just the practicality of his cigar method, but the level of thought he put into making those decisions.

Over the years, that moment turned into a friendship, and to this day, I follow his method.

When I meet someone who enjoys cigars, I ask them a few questions before deciding which one to offer.

It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.

Business Lesson: Be intentional about your business relationships.

?Not all customers or connections are the same.

In business, you need to know your audience—whether it’s your clients, your employees, or your partners.

It’s all about making intentional, thoughtful decisions to build lasting relationships.

Tailoring your approach to the people who truly value what you’re offering ensures that your resources, time, and energy go to those who will appreciate and respect them.

Amazon Seller Lesson:?Know your buyers.

Just like the cigar connoisseur with his two pockets, you need to know your audience and tailor your product offerings and listings to meet their needs.

If you’re selling a premium product, emphasize the quality, benefits, and exclusivity.

If you’re targeting a broader, less experienced audience, adjust your approach to meet their expectations.

Not every buyer is the same, and recognizing this can help you build trust and loyalty while maximizing your sales.

You can find the rest of this newsletter -> here

Which includes:

• ?? Top Amazon News and Updates
• ???Sneaky Fee Policy Changes
• ?? The Underrated Power of Press Releases
• ?? 30 Badass Amazon Seller States
• ???Insane Luxury Marketing Strategies

— Norm