Why a Trash Can Made Me Rethink Client Experience

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I never thought I’d say this, but one of the best business lessons I’ve ever learned came from… my trash can.

A couple of years ago, my husband went on a solo Costco trip and came home with a trash can.

This thing had dual compartments, built-in trash bag storage, and sample pack of perfectly fitted trash bags. It solved all the problems we were having with our old trash can.

But the magic happened weeks later, when we reached the end of the sample pack of bags. My husband pulled one out and—tucked inside—was a sticky note that said:

“You’re running low. Use this coupon for 20% off. Scan this QR code to reorder.”

That QR code took us directly to the page with the exact bags we needed. No hunting for where can I get these bags, no confusion on what size bags I needed, no wasted time trying to find if those bags fit the exact trash can model we have. Just scan, click, reorder.

And my business brain lit up like a neon sign.

Because that right there? That’s how you create loyalty with systems that anticipate client needs.

The Problem Most Businesses Face With Retention

Most business owners are great at selling the first time. Someone opts into the freebie, buys the product, or signs the contract. Awesome.

But after that? Crickets. Clients disappear—even if they loved what you delivered.

It’s not because your offer isn’t good enough. It’s because your systems aren’t built to anticipate what they’ll need next.

This is where the trash can lesson comes in.

The Systems Script

Since my business is called The Systems Rx, I like to break this down “prescription-style.” That way, you can see what’s really going on underneath the surface of your business.

Symptom:

You’re losing clients after the first “yes.” They sign up once, but they don’t renew, buy again, or stay engaged.

Diagnosis:

The real issue is that you don’t have “trash bag moments” built into your backend. These are the proactive touchpoints that remind your client: we see you, we’ve thought of you, and here’s your next step.

Without these, clients feel forgotten or confused about how to keep working with you—so they drift away.

The Script:

Build those sticky-note moments into your systems. A few examples:

• Automated renewal reminders before a retainer or program ends.
• Testimonial requests sent right after a client wraps up.
• Next-offer emails timed perfectly to go out at the end of a client’s container, guiding them into the next step of your offer suite while they’re already primed to keep working with you.

These don’t have to be heavy lifts. A single automation can mean the difference between a one-time buyer and a loyal, long-term client.

Why These Systems Matter

When you anticipate your client’s needs, you’re not nagging them—you’re making their next decision effortless.

That’s the difference between businesses people forget about… and businesses people rave about.

And the best part? Once these systems are set up, they run quietly in the background—supporting your clients while freeing up your brain space.

Ready to Build Your Own “Trash Bag Moments”?

This is exactly the kind of work I do inside The Systems Pharmacy.

Every week, members send me a quick video of their backend—whether it’s onboarding, email funnels, or offboarding—and I send back a personalized plan + tech walkthrough in 48 hours.

Together, we create those seamless “trash bag moments” so your clients feel supported, seen, and excited to keep saying yes.

Check out The Systems Pharmacy here

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