Archive for June, 2008

More On How Coaching Can Help You

Getting a little help from those who’ve been there before can come in handy. Now there’s evidence that, in addition to the weary worker receiving the tips, coaching is a boost to the whole company. Coaching used to carry a stigma because it was more frequently directed at problem employees. continue

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icip.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

On How To Kill Your Margins And Your Brand

Jack Shipley just wrote to me about a Wall Street Journal article wherein they write about Cold Stone Creamery’s woes with franchisees citing the company’s BOGO coupons as one of the factors that undermined their margins. You can read the article here.

Another good lesson on why focusing on value, and not price, is your only successful option if you want long-term success.

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icip.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Are You A Victim?

As MY Coach says, “I can guarantee you one resounding success in life: If you insist on being a victim, you will be one.” - amen to that!

Are you listening to the extremely loud and boisterous voices who say that the sky is falling? Or are you working on your business by innovating your processes, service, food and experience to grow and build something bigger and better now and in the future?

Jeffrey Summers
Restaurant Consultant

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icip.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Texas Minimum Wage Increase Set For July 24

The minimum wage rate will increase to $6.55 on July 24, 2008. The cash wage for tipped employees will remain at $2.13, however the overtime rate for tipped employees will increase. continue

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icip.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Top 15 Things I Look For Before I Hire A Client

1. Leadership. Do you or someone on your staff provide it? Nothing will happen unless you can.

2. Engagement. Are you ready, willing and able to do whatever is necessary to be successful? Don’t tell me you want to lower your food cost and not be willing to invest the time in doing the work of costing out recipes, doing food inventories, etc…

3. Flexibility. No plan can be successful unless it is flexible in both its scope and execution. Nothing stays the same in this business and you need to be able to take advantage of opportunities as they are presented.

4. Honesty. Tell me the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And absolutely no hidden agendas!

5. Integrity. Do not tell me two (2) days into a project that you haven’t paid your payroll taxes in over a year! Or that you pay some people under the table because everyone has told you that you have to in order to make any money in this business. I will leave as fast as I arrived

6. A basic understanding of marketing. You need to be able to answer the question of why your sales dipped or rose over a given period. “We got lucky!” doesn’t cut it.

7. People skills. How can we work on building you a better restaurant when you yell at your staff? And I’m sorry, but not everyone is out to steal from you.

8. Vision. Covey said it best, “Begin with the end in mind.” What will success for you look like?

9. Values. Do you walk the walk?

10. Resources. If you haven’t made any money in six months, what resources can you use to turn this around?

11. Grit. You have to have the determination to see things through – no matter how tough they may seem. Giving up isn’t an option when the goal line is within reach.

12. Sense of humor. Do I really need to explain this one? Dull and boring are contagious.

13. Technology. Bragging about how you have never used a computer to help you do your job isn’t endearing – it’s just plain dumb. And stop using Antsinmypants@hotmail.com, or Iworkinthenude@gmail.com as your professional email address.

14. Confidence. If you act like you’ve already lost the game, you’re right

15. Passion. If you don’t really love this business, get out and fine one you do!

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icip.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it