Friday, February 5, 2010

Coupon use will make you feel like a champion if...

Not to harp on these tougher than dirt modern times but the best thing to come out of Corporate America’s struggle to survive is a perfectly printed buy one get one free lunch or dinner. Nothing says yummy for the tummy more than knowing one of you is eating on the house.



Such pieces of paper are perfect for families on a serious budget, best friend nights out, your personal journey to discover new tastes and treats and more importantly for business people who are set inside situations where taking care of a client is top priority—that means you owe me something to eat.



Had these chunks of cha-ching savings devices been invented during my early days of radio…I’d still be in charge of the music.



I didn’t survive a year as music director—nothing makes me feel guiltier than knowing the tab is on someone else. I remember telling a record rep, “You’re wasting my time…and more importantly my space. Save your efforts for someone who’s easily sold during such a purchase. I need to get back to the world of radio where making a difference has nothing to do with mashed potatoes and Michael Bolton.”



I honestly believe the situation would’ve been different if the record rep used a buy one get one free coupon then split the cost. In doing research on such embarrassing behavior, I learned my “not for sale” attitude isn’t alone and that a stronger relationship is capable of being created if paying your own way is the understandable game.



Decision makers who walk through life expecting people to buy them lunch end up eating alone when the name tag falls off the company door. The last thing I wanted to hear coming through that mid-1980’s cell phone in a box was, “Dude we had thick steaks the other night…give me a couple more Madonna spins.”



Because of economic conditions the “suck up to the client” approach to building a solid line between each others pockets has changed not a little but a lot. Most companies can’t afford the dollar menu at McDonalds. They elect instead to scan the mail, newspaper and magazines for incredible BOFO’s…buy one get one free offers.



But how do you creatively introduce this hot idea to a potential client? What you don’t want to do is look desperate, “Hey Bob…um…make sure you order a sandwich and a soft drink…sweet tea doesn’t count.”



According to Anne Marie Sabbath, the Queen of business manners and ethics you’ve got to step up to the plate and display some good business leadership, “Hey Mike, I scored a buy one get one free from Build a Better Burger—wanna go in with me? We’ll split the cost and still come out looking better than our nations banking system.”



Warning: If you truly want to impress your potential client or friend…make sure you tip on what the entire bill would’ve cost. The wait staff should never be put on a buy one get one free budget.


Ok…so what happens if the person treating you to lunch or dinner is a bad tipper? Is there a good way to handle it or should you quickly run the moment you’re excused from the table? Who wants to look into the eyes of a food server barely making $2.25 an hour when Captain Business man just laid out a few coins and no dollars?



I grew up in the restaurant world—The Muzzle Loader Café in Billings, Montana. I cleaned tables to afford my passion for air hockey and late night bowling. Nothing torched my soul more than having conversation with a waitress who received pennies from the fat farmer with a full tummy. This is why you’ll see me physically get up and casually walk to the employee of the restaurant and share with them the tip. Dinner isn’t Easter…they shouldn’t have to search for something they’ve earned.



When locked in an uncaring situation where the coworker, boss or client didn’t drop enough on the table, walk with them toward the door than instantly remember you forgot something at the table. Guess who’ll never forget your decision to go back and make it a better tip? Waiters and waitresses are like elephants…they never forget.



I’m always accused of knowing way too many people…that’s because wherever I go I take the time to talk to everyone including the Sushi Chef stuck behind a wall of glass. If you want to impress a client, get to know the people behind the scenes. Nothing says importance more than a busboy or secondary server coming up to you to ask, “How is your spouse? Or…it’s incredible to see you again.”



Winning a ratings race isn’t always for radio and television. How you treat people affects everyone. Shake hands, bump fists, make more than eye contact…share real conversation…ask about the bracelet your waitress is wearing. Take the time to notice them and they’ll always remember you.



Restaurant customers should come with ratings numbers too…Johnny is wearing the number 83. That means he only tips when he’s trying to impress a lady. Look at Kevin the Dodge Ball Champion—he’s got a 99.9…holy cow, we have someone who honestly gives a rats tail about those who make up his circle of success.



Steal his art…



arroecollins@clearchannel.com

No comments:

Post a Comment