At a busy junction in Kano, there was a young man who sold recharge cards and airtime. His kiosk was tiny. Just enough space for a chair, a table, and a small display board. Every day, hundreds of people passed by. Most bought airtime and left without saying much. But the young man had a habit. He greeted every customer by name whenever he could remember it. "Good afternoon, Aunty Zainab." "Welcome back, Musa." "How is your family, sir?" People appreciated it. Years passed. Mobile apps became popular. Many people stopped buying physical recharge cards. Other vendors closed their shops. Yet somehow, his business survived. One day, someone asked him why customers remained loyal despite having easier options. He smiled. "I don't just sell airtime. I serve people." He explained that he remembered birthdays, checked on customers during difficult times, and celebrated their successes. The kiosk was small. But the relationships were big. That conversation taught me something important. In any field, products can be copied. Prices can be matched. Technology can replace processes. But genuine human connection is difficult to replace. People may forget what you sold them. They rarely forget how you treated them. Success isn't always about being the biggest. Sometimes it's about being the most memorable. And people remember those who make them feel valued. What simple habit has helped you build stronger relationships with people around you?
