Follow-Up

March 27, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Proactive

Our recent carpet project: visited three local established retailers….all three measurements were different and price varied primarily because the carpet selection varied by label…. though they most likely were made by Shaw Industries. However….there was no follow-up by any of the retailers.

Why this is important?: Good salesmanship means asking for the sale….customers want to be confidant that the business really does want their business.

Two principles of extraordinary business sales:

Follow up on a customers proposal – If the customer choses another retailer….wish them well in their selection….and ask them for the opportunity to serve them in the future.
Follow up after the sale and delivery of the product – Thank the customer again for choosing the business….and ask if everything is 110% to their satisfaction (If not take immediate action to make it right).

Both principles are proactive in helping any business in developing long term (LTV)*customer relationships.

* Life Time Value

Baker’s Drive-Thru

March 24, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Since 1952

“In 1952, in his hometown of San Bernardino, Mr. Neal Baker opened his first modest hamburger stand on Highland Avenue.”

We lived off Highland Ave. in San Bernardino, CA and cannot recall Baker’s Drive-Thru….what did we miss?

Baker’s Drive-Thru now has 39 locations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and positions itself as America’s First Twin Kitchen® operation–an offering of both American and Mexican entrées (and Loma Linda+, vegetarian menu).

An unique local fast food concept++….in the Inland Empire of Southern California.

+ Loma Linda is home to the world famous Loma Linda University and Medical Center.

++ It was not until 1986 that a complete overhaul was undertaken on the concept and established operations as they exist today.

https://www.bakersdrivethru.com/

Potato Chips

March 19, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Route 11

The potato chip business is not completely dominated by larger companies….there are also numerous and local regional brands….Route 11 being one of them. And where is Route 11?….it is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginial.

What makes Route 11 Potato chips unique (and highly rated) is that they are sold on-line and at the plant in Mt. Jackson, VA. Only one location in North Carolina (Carrboro) sells the chips.

Other chip makers: https://www.potatopro.com/product-types/potato-chips/united-states

https://www.rt11.com/

Evolve

March 17, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Kutsche’s Hardware

From crainsgrandrapids:

https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/retail/162-year-old-hardware-store-in-grand-rapids-changes-hands/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter-Morning5-20240311

Kutsche’s has roots dating back to the Civil War (1862) era and has supplied most of the major West Michigan contractors and construction companies for decades.

There are not many businesses that have this longevity and able to evolve as an ongoing business. Kutsche’s certainly has stood the test of time.

https://kutscheshardware.com/

Consistency

March 11, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Expectations

Customers want to see consistency in businesses that they they support….the same with organizations.…members want to see consistency within the organization and in what it does.

Consistency is how a business operates in the same way, has the same attitudes toward people or things, or achieves the same level of success in doing business.

Every day we were consistent in the fundamental operation of the business….in general, there were minimal surprises. By being consistent that also allowed the business to be creative and innovative….something we had to do since our business was on the north side of town.

The customers expectation was that we were a well-run (consistent) business doing some unique things to set us apart from the competition.

Closing

March 5, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

Nowell’s – 103 Years

From North State Journal: https://nsjonline.com/article/2024/03/century-old-raleigh-clothier-to-close/

“Nowell’s Clothing, a Raleigh institution, announced it will close its doors after 103 years. The family-owned and operated clothier offered high-fashion men’s clothing and attire for all occasions.”

Nowell’s is a family business that began in 1921. Upon our moving to Raleigh in 1986, it was the main store for traditional men’s (and ladies) clothing. Located in one of the first shopping centers in Raleigh….Oberlin Village.

A primary reason for closing….no family members to continue the business.

Different

March 1, 2024jimbaker Leave a comment

The Customer

Seth Godin: All customers are the same (and all customers are different). Customers are why you’re here. They pay the bills and they are the primary driver of your growth.

The only reason for our existence as a business was to serve our customers. Once they walked through the front door….everyone was different.

The challenge was to connect with each customer in a short period of time. Once the relationship was established….only than the selling….buying process could begin.

Understanding customer psychology was a vital part of the business….that was real on-the-job training.