When my nephew Josh was 14, he loved digging into the statistics of different countries, their population, latitude and longitude, GDP, GNP, and the products they produced.
Is Your Company Evolving?
Growing up, I would beg to go with my dad to get his car serviced. The waiting room in the mechanic’s garage was filled with locals drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and exchanging gossip. Always prominent were the Snap-on Tool calendars.
Have You Watered Your Customers Lately?
A friend is engaged in a serious conversation with the United States Postal Service about why it is taking a package eight days to travel 400 miles. To their credit, USPS is doing a commendable job of keeping her informed of their activity on her behalf. The product isn’t arriving any sooner, but the open communication does make it more
What Is Your USP?
Tennant has always had a reputation for producing top-quality products. They were loyal to their suppliers, paid within 15 days (with a discount), and were door openers for attracting other respected manufacturers.
13 Strategic Planning Questions
Strategic Plan! What are your thoughts when you hear those words? Do you roll your eyes? Do you dread the process? Do you know what to do with a strategic plan?
Moments of Magic
Every time a potential customer comes in contact with a product or service, there is an opportunity to create a MOMENT OF MAGIC. It’s the moment when every aspect of a transaction is simple, easy, and pure joy.
Four Simple Questions To Improve Your Business
Cleaning out files last week, I ran across a list of questions one of my roundtable members shared 10 years ago. They are as relevant today as they were then.
Can You Afford to Ignore Customers?
Jim went shopping for a high-end, luxury car. He showed up at six dealerships in jeans, driving a compact rental. All sold expensive cars, yet only one showed genuine interest. The manager took all the time Jim needed, was highly knowledgeable, and even told him when he could come back to look at a soon-to-be-released new model.
I Can’t Fire Him!
At a recent Roundtable meeting, David shared his concern regarding an employee who was padding his timecard with overtime hours he wasn’t working. This wasn’t the first time Joe had been caught stealing; the last time it was for taking scrap material. Unfortunately, Joe is the only person who performs a complicated assembly process in the factory. So, David has
An Opportunity or A Vacation?
Jim spent the better part of a week in Las Vegas at the annual Furniture, Home Décor, and Gift Market. People from all over the world annually attend. Jim spent long days talking to exhibitors and negotiating prices on unique items to fill his store.