ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - December 8, 2006

Since everybody will be otherwise occupied this month, I will try to keep the EHC a bit shorter so you can scan it quickly and get back to work.

This has been the first week of my unexpected vacation -- time at home with absolutely nothing on my schedule. (Remember we had been planning to be in Italy until the 19th.) No doctor appointments, no teleconferences, no presentations. Nada. I rather like the idea of not having to pay attention to an appointment book.

So what have I been doing with all this free time? Sending out the BFOE packages (72 so far), getting a new car for Margene (and probably for myself,) trimming the Christmas tree ... about everything except organizing my office! Well, there's always next week!

ADOPT A STARVING ARTIST
Nothing will destroy your professional image faster than a poorly hand-written sign or scribbled chalk board specials. I know many operators think they can't afford to have all their signs done professionally, but I'll bet there are art students in your town who would gladly trade their talents for a few good meals!

This is a great way to clean up your image while supporting the arts in your community. I always like it when something so simple makes so much sense. Make the call today.

DECK THE HALLS
At this time of year I always remind you to stock up on those small, clear Christmas tree bulbs. The clear ones don't necessarily carry a holiday connotation at other times of the year and they're an easy way to add sparkle to a room.

Look for dark corners and "black holes." Fill them with lights and watch the energy of the room come up. Put them in the landscaping outside your place to catch people's eyes, particularly during the dark days of winter. I have used them to add interest to buffets and receptions all year.

You cheapskates will want to wait until just after Christmas to get them on sale (to save two bucks a string?) Even at full price they are a cheap fix ... and right now the stores are full of them. In another few weeks, you won't be able to find one to save your soul. Get busy.

FREE IS GOOD!

My BFOE packages continue to fly out the door -- 72 of the first 100 are already in the mail to operators all over the world. If you have not already taken advantage of this amazing deal, you better take a look and grab it before I come to my senses. You really can't lose!

Take me up on the Best Free Offer Ever.

SUPER SUMMIT 2007

Just as your car needs a major tune-up from time to time, your restaurant periodically needs some detailed diagnostic attention to continue to perform to its full potential. When a concept has enjoyed success in the market over time, it is easy to start taking it for granted. The concept gradually – almost invisibly – gets stale.

With the quantity and quality of the dining choices that consumers have, stale concepts can't survive for long. Super Summit 2007 will provide you with specific skills, ideas and plans to make your operation more competitive and allow you to appeal to newer, larger markets.

BTW, the dates for the Super Summit have been changed to February 27-March 1 in Charleston, SC. Space is limited and the next early registration scholarship expires on January 14th, so now is the time to check it out.

Find out more about the Super Summit.

THE DECEMBER SURVEY
Nobody will have time to spend filling out surveys this month, so let's take December off! In January we will collect the best sales-building ideas you have ever seen!

In the meantime, you can download copies of all past EHC surveys, including the massive WOW ideas collection.

THE PERPETUAL QUESTION
What did you learn from your staff today?

If you can't answer this question every day, you are not listening. If you are not listening, you are not learning. If you are not learning, you are going to end up as road-kill on the road to prosperity!

Never doubt that the most critical -- and perhaps profitable -- management skill you can develop is your ability to truly listen.

So what did YOU learn from YOUR staff today?

I will continue to collect your answers to this important question ... and you can add comments as often as you want. Contribute your insights for the common good (and your own as well!)

© 2006 Restaurant Doctor