Lots of small business owners bump their heads against figurative walls when trying to grow. No matter what they do, nothing seems to change.
I would like to suggest that perhaps the simple Goldfish can offer some aid in illustrating my point today. Anyone who has owned more than one Goldfish, for more than a month, can attest to the fact that these fish will grow only to the extent of the size of the bowl or tank they live in. So, if you're experiencing problems growing your business, maybe it's not the fish, maybe it's a problem with the size of your bowl.
Here's a little of what I mean -
If you want to grow, it's not enough to just do more of what you are currently doing:
You must grow your definition of what's possible
You must be confidently willing to charge much more than you do currently
You must clearly raise your sites on what makes an ideal customer for your center
You must re-evaluate how you go to work each day and what you decide is a priority
You must consider finding vendors that can help you get where you are going
You must make receiving a referral from every customer the goal of customer service
You must enjoy swimming in open water, trusting that the other side of the tank will appear!
OK, maybe a little goofy to make a point, but it's better than getting flushed down the toilet; the fate of far too many a Goldfish and small business
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You must grow your definition of what's possible
ReplyDelete--Sometimes knowing what's possible is not possible. But the ability to dream big, however...
You must be confidently willing to charge much more than you do currently
--This seems to be the hardest thing to do in a small community, especially in the grips of the media-advertised recession. I gladly upped my top rate to $3.99 per game, and aggressively coupon/package against that price to establish value. But some folks cling to that "I remember when bowling was xx cents per game..."
Yeah, and I remember when girls where cootie-laden acky-pants. I got over it.
You must clearly raise your sites on what makes an ideal customer for your center
-- On this point, i must take exception. While I'm not afraid to fire a customer for being abusive, I don't have the luxury of pre-screening customers.
You must re-evaluate how you go to work each day and what you decide is a priority
--Outside sales is our priority. Building our email database is a priority. Expanding Bowling Rewards in our center is a priority. Getting to work is pretty easy, tho'. I live 2 mins away ;p)
You must consider finding vendors that can help you get where you are going
-- and be willing to fire them if they can't get you there after representing that they could...
You must make receiving a referral from every customer the goal of customer service
--AMEN. This should be everyone's GOAL #1!
You must enjoy swimming in open water, trusting that the other side of the tank will appear!
--it gets awfully tiring treading water this long.
Bowling is a terrific business, and living in a small town has it's up side; but sometimes these two items don't seem to cooperate.