Lessons from Fast-food

Say what you will about the fast food industry but it still remains one of the strongest and most profitable industries in the troubled economy. People line up daily to get their fill of cholesterol, fat, and carbohydrates. Sadly, on some occasions, I am right there with them.

As I was standing in line a couple of days ago to purchase my chicken sandwich, I started thinking to myself, “Why are these places so successful?” That lead me to today’s article.

My main focus will be on a truly successful chain named, “Chick-fil-a.” Why? Because they do things a little differently than most and in truth, their profits continue to climb. But before I do, let me offer three generalities that all of the big players seem to have.

Generalities to the Industry

  1. Cleaver advertisement and media coverage.
  2. Recognized branding.
  3. Consistency throughout company.

Specifics to Chick-fil-a

Chick-Fil-A's signature chicken sandwich

  1. Quality food including low-fat choices
  2. Polite service. It is not unusual to hear, “My pleasure,” when being served.
  3. Community involvement. They don’t just throw cash as causes, they get involved.
  4. The main thing is the main thing. Although the company has expanded its menu over the years, the main thing for them is and will continue to be the chicken sandwich. They don’t muddy the waters with burgers or dogs. There is a key business lesson there.

Okay, so as you can see…my lunch trip has given me much to think about. I hope you now have something to “chew” over too.

Wishing you much success in 2012.

Dr. Keith

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Square Peg and Round Hole

Have you ever watched a young child playing with the geometrical puzzle that is a standard in day cares and elementary schools across the country? For some, there is the natural ability to immediately be able to discern the shape of a puzzle piece and then find the proper fit in the box. For others…not so much.

Unfortunately, the same can be said for many of us. We determine that our lives are suppose to go in a certain direction. We focus on that direction. We work toward that direction. Then…nothing. All of our work, our effort, our energy, our hope…doesn’t make any difference. Things just don’t seem to go our way at all.

It is in these circumstances that we must understand the square peg and round hole principle. Many times, when we are facing such constant and long-term “failure,” we may very well be trying to place our plans (the square peg) into the alternate plan of God or universe (the round hole).

Is it time to change?. Perhaps…but use caution–not every sign is a green one. Sometimes what we perceive are signs are not. Examine the sign and test it against your inner voice.  All of us have had those moments when we just knew something was wrong. The same can be said when we have had that gut feeling that something was definitively right. Tap into that more often, but again, remember that patience is important.

When you are truly on the right page…things fit, things work, and true wonder can occur.
Best wishes in your journey,
Dr. Keith
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What does your word mean?

Recently, I entered a business relationship with a company to utilize my magic in their marketing campaign. The result…true success. The problem…I couldn’t trust them. Why? The owner would make small promises such as promising to return a call, pay by a certain day, etc. What happened? He never did what he said. Perhaps he is just that bad at administration but to me…it is a total lack of professionalism and respect.

Here are just a few reminders for us all:

1. Don’t tell someone you are going to call and not do it. If you don’t have the needed information, at least call and tell them that and apologize for the delay. This is not only good business…it is common courtesy.

2. Don’t make promises to deliver if you aren’t sure you can. That is not a successful way of doing business and word will spread.

3. Be nice…even when you have to be tough.

4. Remember that relationships in business are critical in this economic world. It takes a lot to build one…nothing to destroy it.

I guess what it all comes down to…just use common courtesy and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Simple…don’t you think?

Make it a great day.

Blessings,

Dr. Keith

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