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What entrepreneur lesson did we learn from the latest American Idol castoff Pia Toscano

04/13/2011

Pia Will You Ever Learn
Yes I know it seems odd that I am using American Idol to make a business point but here goes. I have watched Pia Toscano sing beautifully and look hot week after week. I have also heard her say she could do more and would show us the next time.

As each week went by she wore more hot outfits and sang another great song masterfully. But, and here is where it becomes more about business. She like many other businesses made a promise to me, the audience, that if I rewarded her with another chance to prove she could do more on stage (like move) she would not let me down.

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Marketing Starts Long Before You Create a Brochure Or Ad

04/06/2011

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Marketing Starts Long Before You Create a Brochure Or Ad
I have been talking to my hairdresser for the past two years about his marketing efforts. We haven’t actually developed any specific marketing tools yet. We meet once a month and while he cuts my hair we discuss his salon and where he wants to take his company.

Just because he has not created the standard tools (brochure, ads etc.), doesn’t mean he has not been developing and executing a marketing programme. More importantly he has been thinking about his business from a marketing perspective. He and his partner (his brother) recognized the absolute necessity for the role of marketing in the success of their business.

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2 Guys Walk Into a Starbucks

04/01/2011

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2 Guys Walk Into a Starbucks
This is a good news bad news customer service story. Went into a Starbucks located at a busy intersection in downtown Toronto. My associate ordered a blah blah blah au lait. The server asked in somewhat broken English what the order was as she didn't understand. My friend was a little miffed and said just make it a latte and then went to find seats for us. The server then leaned over the counter and asked me what 'au lait' was. I said other than being at the core of your business it's milk. She said thank you.

When I went to pay she had only rung up my order a venti Pikes coffee. I said I'll pay for both at which point she apologized for the previous kerfuffle and said my friends drink was on the house. I left with a bit of bewilderment but still a good feeling about Starbucks and thought she saved the situation. Kudos to the server. However, attention front line staff - learning the basics of your business is always a good idea. :)

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