Getting The Business

Getting The Business was Originally Posted on April 12, 2014 by lavarock

I enjoy watching Kitchen Nightmares and realize that it is a “reality” show that is popular because of the controversy. Gordon Ramsey often does not like the meals provided and shows you up front, the grease and uncooked products. While some of his tastes may be different from the general public, many of the observations are difficult for the majority of the public to miss.

When a restaurant has lost customers, it comes down to perhaps the food and service.

I have seen an episode or two where the owner tried almost everything to try to solve the problem, but in many cases they just think they are right and the public just doesn’t understand.

One thing I learned working for a large company was that you need to survey your customers, adjust your processes and survey again. When I was working at a condo site, we encouraged guests to fill out a survey and took the comments to heart. There were some things we could not change, but changed what we could.

I did some research before I decided upon my coffee bags. AT the big computer company I asked men and women who bought their coffee. The women said they did, so I showed them my proposed label and various bags for the coffee. Most popular was the copper one. When I asked why, the women said it reminded them of kitchen pots and cooking.

I chose zip-lock type standup pouches with a clear window for smaller sized coffee selections. The clear bag was chosen to allow customers to easily determine if the coffee was whole bean or ground, when seen on a store shelf. The solid front and back bags were chosen to ship to online customer, who ordered whole bean or ground and did not necessarily need to see that. I put myself in the customers place. I also have toyed with “less frills” packaging for those who don’t need the full retail advertising.

My coffee business has been active for 10 years. I have had a couple people who did not like the product, however have seen many repeat customers. A business relies upon its customers, but some companies don’t treat them properly. Hawaiian Airlines recently decided to change credit card affiliated providers. Those of us who have an existing card get a hearty handshake and a new card. New customers get 35,000 miles. I can tell you how it feels to not get the miles!

So if you have a business, check with your customers, listen to your customers and prosper.