Do You Stick With the Right People?

We all have our defaults—where we shop, who we call, where we place that next online order.
But are those habits actually serving us? Or are they just… convenient?

We might think it’s the cheapest option - but are those added Uber Eats delivery fees making your takeout order cost more than a dine in meal?

Ask yourself -

Am I making purchases out of habit—or intention?
Am I choosing the businesses that truly add value, or just the ones that are easiest to click?
What matters most when I buy—price, experience, or peace of mind?

From Habit to Strategy: Rethinking Who You Buy From

In the business world, we use vendor scorecards to figure out who’s adding real value. It's not just about cost—it's about the overall experience.

Here’s what we look for—and what you can look for too, even in everyday life:

Reliability – Do they show up when they say they will?
🛒 Availability – Do they usually have what you need?
💬 Communication – Are they responsive and helpful, or is every interaction a chore?
💸 True Cost – Are there hidden fees, shipping costs, or extra trips involved?
📦 Support – What happens when something goes wrong?
Vibes - OK, so not a true vendor scorecard metric, but how do you feel about buying from this company?

You might be surprised how often your “cheapest” option ends up being the most frustrating.

Real-Life Example:

I had a friend who started buying directly from a small 🍁 Canadian 🍁 skincare brand rather than a big-box store. Why?

  • 💬 A real person in customer service answered emails (a miracle)

  • 📦 When one shipment was delayed, they threw in a freebie and a handwritten note

  • She feels better supporting a women-owned, Canadian brand directly

Try This Today (Just 5 Minutes):

Personal:
Think about your top 3 go-to stores, services, or brands. Would you recommend them to a friend without hesitation? If not—why are you still buying from them?

Bonus points if you post a review to a business that’s consistently treated you well. Loyalty goes both ways.

Business:
Make a quick list of your top 3 vendors or suppliers. Rank them from 1–5 in terms of communication, reliability, and total cost (not just price).
Who’s actually making your life easier—and who’s quietly draining your time?

The goal of a “run state” isn’t just to spend less.
It’s to spend smarter. To build systems—personal or professional—that feel smooth, aligned, and intentional.

See you next time,

Monica

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