Trying to save independent restaurant owners from themselves.
Open letter to local resturant owners (and their fans) continues:
Today’s economic meltdown may well prove to be the perfect storm as our neighborhood small businesses close up shop one after another. Fellow Foodies know that it is essential we support the small business hero that brings the local flavor and spirit to our communities. I believe you are trying everything you know how to turn things around. Here’s the problem: You are trained in FOOD. It is what you do. Maybe all your life. You may be the very best at what you do…..but you are not trained in sales, merchandising and the art and science of customer behavior & influences.
I am not talking about MARKETING. I am talking about MERCHANDISING STRATEGIES. Stay with me here………Marketing costs money. A Merchandise Strategy does not. A Merchandising Strategy will give you distinction in the eyes of the customer. (And it will be Uniquely your own…..satisfying that hungry ego of yours.)
If you can’t answer ‘what is unique about your business’, without hesitation…… you have a very common problem and one of the reasons you are not reaching your customers. ( If you say “our people”, that is a cop-out.) You need a Merchandising Strategy so people know why your business is different and or better than the competition.
