ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - April 30, 1999

DON'T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM
I hope you know not to believe everything you read in your e-mails. It is also important to be factual and informed. I am automatically suspicious of messages that scream "Send this to everyone you know," but even stories that sound plausible may be made up. A good place to check things out before you pass them along is http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/weekly/aa072998.htm. Another source I use, particularly with virus alerts, is http://www.icsa.net/services/consortia/anti-virus/alerthoax.shtml . Taking an extra minute or two to verify that something is real before forwarding it along will help assure that you will not add to the garbage clogging up cyberspace.

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
Here are a few responses to the request last week for games to motivate servers:

From Angi Andrews <lamorenita1@excite.com>:
One of the things that we have is "Monday Night Madness." The manager goes to each table at the end of their meal and rolls a pair of
dice. Depending on what the guest lands on, they receive something for free. For instance, if they land on a six they get their appetizer for free. If they land on a three they get their dessert for free, if they land on a twelve they get their WHOLE dinner for free. The manager does this so that the server does not feel pressured to cheat because the guest is a "regular" or for whatever reason. This is highly motivating and is great PR....

From Rachael at Diva Restaurant <divaSCP@aol.com>:
One of my favorites is Tic Tac Toe. Make a card with 9 boxes with a different item in each box (i.e. cappuccino, dinner special, etc.) that you want them to sell. Give each server a board. Buy lunch for whoever can complete a row.

From DJ Colby at TGI Friday's in Dover, DE <djcolby@msn.com>:
We have been using a few games to promote sales and guest relations between servers, guests, and managers.

Pass the Envelope - (sales builder): Fill 2-4 envelopes with prizes that only the manager knows. On the front of the envelope, place an item that you want to sell. As each item is sold the manager hands the envelope to the server with a congratulatory comment. The next server selling that item takes the envelope from the first server, creating competition. The last person with each envelope gets the prize.

Bingo-(sales builder): Print up bingo sheets on your computer and fill the squares with menu items. The first person who sells five items in a row wins the prize. I suggest to servers to show the sheet to the guests and explain the contest. I find guests really try to help the servers win and usually one person per table will get something listed.

Scavenger Hunt - (guest-server-manager interactive tool): Place lots of really odd things (i.e. penny loafers, Canadian penny, Monte Blanc Pen, etc.) on the list and have the servers show the list to their guests. The guest usually have lots of fun with it. The manager has to come to the table to verify said items and obviously interact with the guests. I usually run 15 items on each shift. All or most win the prize. It doesn't build sales but it does create a lot of interaction.

A note from the Doc:
Not all of these will be appropriate for every operation but they might get you thinking. Of course, when people ask me what they can do to get their servers excited, I suggest that they start by asking their servers what would excite them!

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW
I will send a copy of "There's GOT to Be an Easier Way to Run a Business" to anyone who can tell me what torlunas and snow fungus are! (see the April 16th EHC.)

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