January 16, 2009 142 Comments

Small Town Superheroes

Mick Galuski runs the Toy Soldier comics and games store in a town not far from where I live. I’ve been a customer for some time, like, since I was 18 and they were in another town. Mick and I started talking a bit more over the last few months. Just a little bit more. But I got to know a bit more about him each time. He knows what comics I like, and he keeps his eye out for new things for me to try.

Not unlike my friend, Carolyn Jordan, Mick runs what I call a cafe-shaped business. He responds to small, personal interactions, and he has the loyalty of several nearby towns worth of nerds and parents as a reward.

The other day when I stopped by, Mick mentioned that he’s still thinking about his 3 words for 2009. He’s a regular reader of the blog. Do you know how rare that is? I live in northern Massachusetts, not Silicon Freakin’ Valley. The fact that Mick and I even know who each other are is rare.

Personal. Small. Cafe-shaped. Mick Galuski is the kind of guy you want to buy from.

And you? Have you written about the stars in your town?

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http://edsocialmedia.com Steve Ritchie

Not to turn this into a Marvel thread, but… After growing up with comics in the late 70s and 80s, I sort of lost touch with comic books after the mid 90s. But my girls have gotten into the 90s Spider-Man and Fantastic 4 (and Superman and Batman) cartoons showing in reruns, and I have had a lot of fun getting re-acquainted with the stories. They got me the new Marvel Chronicle book by DK for Christmas. Fantastic stuff.

I would certainly love to see a post from Sven about the marketing efforts in the 90s.

/thread hijack
http://edsocialmedia.com Steve Ritchie

Not to turn this into a Marvel thread, but… After growing up with comics in the late 70s and 80s, I sort of lost touch with comic books after the mid 90s. But my girls have gotten into the 90s Spider-Man and Fantastic 4 (and Superman and Batman) cartoons showing in reruns, and I have had a lot of fun getting re-acquainted with the stories. They got me the new Marvel Chronicle book by DK for Christmas. Fantastic stuff.

I would certainly love to see a post from Sven about the marketing efforts in the 90s.

/thread hijack
http://LivingInTexasStyle.com Leigh Ann Barrick

Mick,

Earlier you stated that ” one of the best things about comic shops is the variety of people who have conversations with each other. ” You are so right.
Providing an environment and creating communities where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin is essential to our well being. Too often people worry about how they are supposed to act, what they are supposed to say, or unfortunately, become intimidated before interacting at all. By being aware of positive areas/social communities/friendly familiarities, we create conducive conditions around us. People enjoy coming to the Toy Soldier because of you. They appreciate the way you make them feel along with the personal customer service you consistently provide. Any one can have a book store, game store, video store or coffee shop…but not everyone has the ability to create “likability”. Thats an innate skill and one in which others could learn from you simply by visiting. For each new comic fan you meet, your super powers become that much stronger thus increasing your brand.
http://LivingInTexasStyle.com Leigh Ann Barrick

Mick,

Earlier you stated that ” one of the best things about comic shops is the variety of people who have conversations with each other. ” You are so right.
Providing an environment and creating communities where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin is essential to our well being. Too often people worry about how they are supposed to act, what they are supposed to say, or unfortunately, become intimidated before interacting at all. By being aware of positive areas/social communities/friendly familiarities, we create conducive conditions around us. People enjoy coming to the Toy Soldier because of you. They appreciate the way you make them feel along with the personal customer service you consistently provide. Any one can have a book store, game store, video store or coffee shop…but not everyone has the ability to create “likability”. Thats an innate skill and one in which others could learn from you simply by visiting. For each new comic fan you meet, your super powers become that much stronger thus increasing your brand.
http://LivingInTexasStyle.com Leigh Ann Barrick

Mick,

Earlier you stated that ” one of the best things about comic shops is the variety of people who have conversations with each other. ” You are so right.
Providing an environment and creating communities where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin is essential to our well being. Too often people worry about how they are supposed to act, what they are supposed to say, or unfortunately, become intimidated before interacting at all. By being aware of positive areas/social communities/friendly familiarities, we create conducive conditions around us. People enjoy coming to the Toy Soldier because of you. They appreciate the way you make them feel along with the personal customer service you consistently provide. Any one can have a book store, game store, video store or coffee shop…but not everyone has the ability to create “likability”. Thats an innate skill and one in which others could learn from you simply by visiting. For each new comic fan you meet, your super powers become that much stronger thus increasing your brand.
http://LivingInTexasStyle.com Leigh Ann Barrick

Mick,

Earlier you stated that ” one of the best things about comic shops is the variety of people who have conversations with each other. ” You are so right.
Providing an environment and creating communities where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin is essential to our well being. Too often people worry about how they are supposed to act, what they are supposed to say, or unfortunately, become intimidated before interacting at all. By being aware of positive areas/social communities/friendly familiarities, we create conducive conditions around us. People enjoy coming to the Toy Soldier because of you. They appreciate the way you make them feel along with the personal customer service you consistently provide. Any one can have a book store, game store, video store or coffee shop…but not everyone has the ability to create “likability”. Thats an innate skill and one in which others could learn from you simply by visiting. For each new comic fan you meet, your super powers become that much stronger thus increasing your brand.
http://LivingInTexasStyle.com Leigh Ann Barrick

Mick,

Earlier you stated that ” one of the best things about comic shops is the variety of people who have conversations with each other. ” You are so right.
Providing an environment and creating communities where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin is essential to our well being. Too often people worry about how they are supposed to act, what they are supposed to say, or unfortunately, become intimidated before interacting at all. By being aware of positive areas/social communities/friendly familiarities, we create conducive conditions around us. People enjoy coming to the Toy Soldier because of you. They appreciate the way you make them feel along with the personal customer service you consistently provide. Any one can have a book store, game store, video store or coffee shop…but not everyone has the ability to create “likability”. Thats an innate skill and one in which others could learn from you simply by visiting. For each new comic fan you meet, your super powers become that much stronger thus increasing your brand.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://www.kidsandcomics.com Daniel M. Clark

“Have you written about the stars in your town?” – not yet, no. In a coincidence too good not to mention though, I have it on my list of Things To Do to do a write-up about a local comic shop, Comics Warehouse, here in Albuquerque for my Kids and Comics site. I’ve been shopping there since I moved to this town a couple of years ago, and everyone there is super-cool.
http://everydotconnects.com Sheila Scarborough

Thanks for this, Chris. When I blog about travel I do like to include local businesses, but it frankly hadn’t occurred to me to write about any where I live, in Round Rock (just north of Austin.)

I see an opportunity, though – a new coffeeshop sort of place is opening soon on Round Rock’s nice little Main Street (Friar Tuck’s Pantry – http://www.friartuckspantry.com/) and I’ve spoken with the owners about doing some weekly Jelly Coworking there once they’re up and running. Now I’ll think about a good blogging angle, too. Thanks!
http://everydotconnects.com Sheila Scarborough

Thanks for this, Chris. When I blog about travel I do like to include local businesses, but it frankly hadn’t occurred to me to write about any where I live, in Round Rock (just north of Austin.)

I see an opportunity, though – a new coffeeshop sort of place is opening soon on Round Rock’s nice little Main Street (Friar Tuck’s Pantry – http://www.friartuckspantry.com/) and I’ve spoken with the owners about doing some weekly Jelly Coworking there once they’re up and running. Now I’ll think about a good blogging angle, too. Thanks!
http://everydotconnects.com Sheila Scarborough

Thanks for this, Chris. When I blog about travel I do like to include local businesses, but it frankly hadn’t occurred to me to write about any where I live, in Round Rock (just north of Austin.)

I see an opportunity, though – a new coffeeshop sort of place is opening soon on Round Rock’s nice little Main Street (Friar Tuck’s Pantry – http://www.friartuckspantry.com/) and I’ve spoken with the owners about doing some weekly Jelly Coworking there once they’re up and running. Now I’ll think about a good blogging angle, too. Thanks!
http://everydotconnects.com Sheila Scarborough

Thanks for this, Chris. When I blog about travel I do like to include local businesses, but it frankly hadn’t occurred to me to write about any where I live, in Round Rock (just north of Austin.)

I see an opportunity, though – a new coffeeshop sort of place is opening soon on Round Rock’s nice little Main Street (Friar Tuck’s Pantry – http://www.friartuckspantry.com/) and I’ve spoken with the owners about doing some weekly Jelly Coworking there once they’re up and running. Now I’ll think about a good blogging angle, too. Thanks!
http://everydotconnects.com Sheila Scarborough

Thanks for this, Chris. When I blog about travel I do like to include local businesses, but it frankly hadn’t occurred to me to write about any where I live, in Round Rock (just north of Austin.)

I see an opportunity, though – a new coffeeshop sort of place is opening soon on Round Rock’s nice little Main Street (Friar Tuck’s Pantry – http://www.friartuckspantry.com/) and I’ve spoken with the owners about doing some weekly Jelly Coworking there once they’re up and running. Now I’ll think about a good blogging angle, too. Thanks!
http://www.shuaism.com Josh Peters

I do!

I try to do it at least once a month (missed dec though) in a series about small, local business and how social media can help them. First I covered local coffee shops, and the last one was about <a href=”http://shuaism.com/2009/01/social-media-for-small-businesses-pizzaria/”local pizzarias. In each one I linked to the one(s) I patronize the most.

I see the SB as the backbone of not only our national economy, but our local economy as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more with this series and keep promoting local businesses.
http://www.shuaism.com Josh Peters

I do!

I try to do it at least once a month (missed dec though) in a series about small, local business and how social media can help them. First I covered local coffee shops, and the last one was about <a href=”http://shuaism.com/2009/01/social-media-for-small-businesses-pizzaria/”local pizzarias. In each one I linked to the one(s) I patronize the most.

I see the SB as the backbone of not only our national economy, but our local economy as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more with this series and keep promoting local businesses.
http://www.shuaism.com Josh Peters

I do!

I try to do it at least once a month (missed dec though) in a series about small, local business and how social media can help them. First I covered local coffee shops, and the last one was about <a href=”http://shuaism.com/2009/01/social-media-for-small-businesses-pizzaria/”local pizzarias. In each one I linked to the one(s) I patronize the most.

I see the SB as the backbone of not only our national economy, but our local economy as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more with this series and keep promoting local businesses.
http://www.shuaism.com Josh Peters

I do!

I try to do it at least once a month (missed dec though) in a series about small, local business and how social media can help them. First I covered local coffee shops, and the last one was about <a href=”http://shuaism.com/2009/01/social-media-for-small-businesses-pizzaria/”local pizzarias. In each one I linked to the one(s) I patronize the most.

I see the SB as the backbone of not only our national economy, but our local economy as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more with this series and keep promoting local businesses.
http://shuaism.com Josh Peters

I do!

I try to do it at least once a month (missed dec though) in a series about small, local business and how social media can help them. First I covered local coffee shops, and the last one was about <a href=”http://shuaism.com/2009/01/social-media-for-small-businesses-pizzaria/”local pizzarias. In each one I linked to the one(s) I patronize the most.

I see the SB as the backbone of not only our national economy, but our local economy as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more with this series and keep promoting local businesses.
http://www.yogamansfield.com Kathleen

I wrote about how I achieved enlightenment as a result of an interaction with a ladder salesman at Walmart. There are Buddhas everywhere! (here’s my junk: http://www.yogamansfield.com/yoga-mama-says/2007/5/9/climbing-toward-enlightenment-may-2007.html

Thanks for this post!
http://www.yogamansfield.com Kathleen

I wrote about how I achieved enlightenment as a result of an interaction with a ladder salesman at Walmart. There are Buddhas everywhere! (here’s my junk: http://www.yogamansfield.com/yoga-mama-says/2007/5/9/climbing-toward-enlightenment-may-2007.html

Thanks for this post!
http://www.yogamansfield.com Kathleen

I wrote about how I achieved enlightenment as a result of an interaction with a ladder salesman at Walmart. There are Buddhas everywhere! (here’s my junk: http://www.yogamansfield.com/yoga-mama-says/2007/5/9/climbing-toward-enlightenment-may-2007.html

Thanks for this post!
http://IslandWhispers.blogspot.com/ Michelle Kafka

No I haven’t. It’s something to think about though.
http://IslandWhispers.blogspot.com/ Michelle Kafka

No I haven’t. It’s something to think about though.
http://IslandWhispers.blogspot.com/ Michelle Kafka

No I haven’t. It’s something to think about though.
http://www.jimmacleod.com Jim MacLeod

It’s great to see everyone’s comments on the topic of promoting your “real world” community online. It raises some good points. I’ve been a “regular” at many different comic stores over the years, and it’s amazing how some stores have owners or staff that are “above” mainstream comics. The good shops stick around and they keep my business. My regular shop is in Salem, MA, but I’ll take a trip up to Amesbury one of these days to check out Mick’s store.

@Sven, I’d love to hear about that particular era of Marvel Comics.
http://www.jimmacleod.com Jim MacLeod

It’s great to see everyone’s comments on the topic of promoting your “real world” community online. It raises some good points. I’ve been a “regular” at many different comic stores over the years, and it’s amazing how some stores have owners or staff that are “above” mainstream comics. The good shops stick around and they keep my business. My regular shop is in Salem, MA, but I’ll take a trip up to Amesbury one of these days to check out Mick’s store.

@Sven, I’d love to hear about that particular era of Marvel Comics.
http://www.jimmacleod.com Jim MacLeod

It’s great to see everyone’s comments on the topic of promoting your “real world” community online. It raises some good points. I’ve been a “regular” at many different comic stores over the years, and it’s amazing how some stores have owners or staff that are “above” mainstream comics. The good shops stick around and they keep my business. My regular shop is in Salem, MA, but I’ll take a trip up to Amesbury one of these days to check out Mick’s store.

@Sven, I’d love to hear about that particular era of Marvel Comics.
http://www.jimmacleod.com Jim MacLeod

It’s great to see everyone’s comments on the topic of promoting your “real world” community online. It raises some good points. I’ve been a “regular” at many different comic stores over the years, and it’s amazing how some stores have owners or staff that are “above” mainstream comics. The good shops stick around and they keep my business. My regular shop is in Salem, MA, but I’ll take a trip up to Amesbury one of these days to check out Mick’s store.

@Sven, I’d love to hear about that particular era of Marvel Comics.
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I haven’t. It’s something to think about though.
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It’s good! Chris.

Small Town Superheroes

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