ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - December 7, 2007

Buenos Dias from Costa Rica. We finally escaped the big city of San Jose (and the clutches of my dentist!) to spend a few days in the mountains around Lake Arenal and a few more on the beach. The dental work is going to take a little more time than we thought, so we must head back to town next Tuesday.

It hardly seems like we will have enough time to properly unwind ... but it also makes no sense to come this far and only get 90% of the dental project completed. Life is like that.

I continue to post daily reports of the trip on my website under "Trip Reports” if you want to follow along. In the meantime, the next few issues will offer some tested ideas for cashing in on the holidays. Stay warm :-)!

CLASSIC HOLIDAY IDEA #1
It's a Wrap
Each year, my friends Peter and David Troutman, owners of the Scargo Cafe on Cape Cod, do something that I think is really cool. They supply rolls and rolls of wrapping paper, tags, ribbon, tape, scissors, and anything else their guests might need in order to wrap their holiday gifts.

In their mailing to their e-mail list, they point out that it is a great place to get away from prying eyes, relax, and enjoy the true spirit of the holidays in a friendly and relaxing place. The encourage guests to bring in their gifts to wrap ... and to bring a friend! Best of all, this service is free.

It is the Troutmans' way of saying Happy Holidays from Scargo Cafe. How could you use an idea like this to pick up some points with your guests? There is still time to implement ... if you are willing to do the work!

CLASSIC HOLIDAY IDEA #2
Get Lit
At this time of year I always remind you to stock up on those small, clear Christmas tree bulbs. The clear ones do not carry a holiday connotation and they are 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 used them to add interest to
buffets and receptions all year.

Pennypinchers will want to wait until just after Christmas to get them on sale, but even at full price they are a cheap fix ... and right now the stores are full of them. In another three weeks, you will not be able to find one to save your soul.

Get busy and Do The Work!

CLASSIC HOLIDAY IDEA #3
Here Comes Santa Claus
Those of you with sit-down service and a full bar, pay attention. The next three weeks are the time when your staff, particularly your bartenders, are most likely to get caught up in the holiday spirit and give the store away.

I am all for taking good care of the guests, but make sure that you review your control procedures and let your staff clearly know what is OK and what is not. Otherwise, you will do a lot of business ... and lose a bunch of money at the same time.

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

I learned that it is very difficult for my staff to sweep the carpets with a broom. So they are apt to forgo sweeping the floor. We have bought carpet sweepers in the past but they break very easily (about a month into owning them) and they cost around $50 bucks to replace. I did some research and found a sweeper you can replace the roller (the part that breaks). My floors have been noticeably cleaner ... and my staff noticeably happier. -- Phil, Bennigan's, Rockville, MD

My perpetual question is really a lot deeper -- and a lot more important -- than it may sound. The answers you get do not have to be life-changing, but just the fact that you ask ... and really listen ... will do more to improve the climate in your operation than anything else I can think of.

If you have ever worked for someone who didn't listen, you know what I mean. Now just don't turn into someone like that yourself!

Never doubt that the most important (and profitable!) skill you can develop is your ability -- and your willingness -- to truly listen.

What did you learn from YOUR staff today?

I will continue to collect your answers to this important question until they put me in the ground. Just click on the link above and contribute your insights for the common good ... and your own as well!

LIGHTEN UP!
The Noble Experiment Continues
Since I won't have a scale in Costa Rica, I won't be able to report my progress (or lack of same) until the 21st. I'll be interested to see if I can lose weight in Costa Rica without sacrificing a good time!

© 2007 Restaurant Doctor