On-Line Business

From Marquette, MI

Marquette (pop. 21,355) is located in the Upper Peninsula of MI….perched on the shore of Lake Superior. A recent story on MLive:

http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2012/05/web_helps_upper_peninsula_stor.html

about two local businesses that have a large internet presence.

QuickTrophy markets trophies….medals….plaques. www.quicktrohphy.com

Getz’s sells outdoor clothing and is one of the largest Carhatt dealers in the US. www.getzs.com

While they both have retail locations in Marquette….their on-line sales are what keeps both businesses growing. A good business doesn’t have to be in Silicon Valley….Austin….oe even Raleigh. If a business/organization does something better/different….it can be anywhere.

Memorial Day

2012

Memorial Day often gets lost in the business world.

It’s not a day for sales….it’s a day to remember.

Lt. Tom Barton, USAAC - P-47, France 1944

Outgoing

Dick (& Annie)

I’ve written in the past about the greeters (Dick and Annie) at our local Krogers.

Dick and Annie are outgoing folks….and that’s what makes this Kroger different. Our Kroger store is average….it’s too small and needs another rehab….yet on the days Dick and Annie are there….it’s different.

Their outgoing personalities filter down to the other associates (not all but enough to dedect).

The secret to any people-centered business is the ability to be guest centric. And by having emploees that work together to accomplish the task and have a positive outlook….makes for a better customer experience.

Why the illustration? Dick was in the insurance industry….that should say it all!

Blu Homes

Precision Built

Building houses hasn’t changed much in the past 40 years. While there have been prefabs and modular….the usual method is to build on-site.

Blu Homes is an architect/manufacturer that features precision-built homes….manufactured in a controlled factory environment. Building homes this manner seems to be a better way….expertley engineered….consistent manufacturing….controlled quality.

While this form of construction may have a limited market….it has a selective market….and it is a better way to build homes.

www.bluhomes.com

Overrated

Good not Excellent

Ratings….reputations often are subjective. On a recent visit to an icon business in Raleigh (restaurant)….the impression after the event was….overrated.

The food was prepared well….service attentive….ambience OK. It wasn’t that this business did anything wrong and didn’t satisfy the customer.

At least from my perspective….it wasn’t excellent. It did not provide the value relevant to its reputation.

Excellence in every aspect is the mark of a great business.

Waupaca

Iron Foundry

Foundrys are the core of manufacturing….out of basic raw materials….iron castings are made for multiple end products.

Foundrys in the past were dirty….smelly plants. I can remember Lakey  and Campbell, Wyant, Cannon growing up in the 50′s. Today these plants are much cleaner….modern….efficient.

A recent story about Waupaca Foundry highlighted the continued importance of  the iron foundry industry.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/waupaca-iron-foundry-to-be-sold-to-private-equity-firm-fs5e3oj-151534555.html

I had a consulting project in Waupaca….a nce small town central Wisconsin. I don’t remember the plant….yet it’s a reminder of the importance of these types of industries in our economy. Especially in the midwest which continues to be the center of US manufacturing.

http://www.thyssenkruppwaupaca.com/EN/Pages/default.aspx

Value

Add Value

“Become the best in the world at something that people value. Easier said than done, worth more than you might think.” – Seth Godin

Adding value is what differentiates one business/organization from the other. It can be the product….service….customer care that people value. Of course it should be all three.

On a recent outing….at the checkout counter….no charge….it’s Mothers Day. This was the added value that would encourage customers to return. A small effort….yet great value!

EVOO

A very niche business

An important business principle is to find a market where the business is the only ones doing it….a niche market.

The latest….at least in Wisconsin is olive oil stores.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/149660805.html#!page=1&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst

Olive oils are like wines….extensive varieties….brands….prices. Olive oil is fundamental to healthy eating so it….for the most part….is a necessity in our diets.

While it is important to specialize and be the expert in a market….olive oil stores may be cutting specialization a little thin.

Disappointed

Ace - the helpful place?

I’ve written previously about the change at the local Ace Hardware. The latest was last Saturday’s promotion of a new paint brand by Ace Hardware. The previous week….Ace  promoted on national TV….a free sample of a new paint line.

On Saturday….I wandered over to the local Ace Hardware….and no sample….not even the promoted paint. How many customers came in to get a sample and eventually purchase the product….yet were disappointed?

The real issue: If this store wasn’t able to participate in the national promotion….they certainly could have thought up an alternative solution.

Or could they?

No Excuses

Make it So

A friend has a home for sale. They finally changed realtors….there was always an excuse why something didn’t work out. It was time for a change.

Businesses/organizations often make excuses….shifting the blame….many times to the customer. Any business should overdeliver….always give more than expected. Often it seems the goal for many folks is to be average.

Bill Parcells advice: “Expect nothing. Blame nobody. Do something.” is lost in a businesses/organizations goal of medicroity.

Make it So – Do Something