Category Archives for "Operations"

Q & A – Online Reservations and Email Collection

Marketing , Operations

Question:
I’m in Canada but I imagine many of the companies are offered here, too. Yelp reservations and Open Table are for sure. What are some of your opinions and experiences with online reservation systems? We want to build an email database and I like the sounds of Open Table but not the costs associated with it.

Answer:
You’re right, reservation systems have come a very, very long way and most services can do the same thing at this point:

-seating
-allow offline/online reservations
-text a wait list
-build a guest portfolio/list

So it’s going to boil down to what you want your system to do for you:
Do you really NEED the exposure of the users of the platform?
Or do you think you can drive your own traffic to a site for making reservations?
Ultimately, with systems like OpenTable, that noticeably higher fee you’re paying is for exposure to their list of diners and promotional engine.

Lastly, you mentioned using this system to build a guest email database, while this does work, generally the most efficient way to then email those guests is from WITHIN the system’s marketing functions. Otherwise, you’re having to export the list from one application into a mail service and most of the time ask for a double opt-in in to the email list to meet FCC regulations. I know, eyeroll, it can be a headache.

I think I mean to suggest that gathering guest emails can happen in lots of different ways, but using your reservation system as your main source of gathering and actually emailing your guests may not be the most streamlined option. Mailchimp, Zenreach (which also offers guest wifi) and constant contact are some easy pieces of software to manage email marketing.

Persistence via Napoleon Hill

Growth , Marketing , Operations , Uncategorized

Four steps to developing persistence:

Step 1: A Definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment. 

Step 2: A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

Step 3: A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences (including friends and family).

Step 4: A friendly alliance with one more more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose. 

How powerful is that? Talk about a plan that you could stick to. I nearly printed it out and stapled it to my forehead.

Q & A – Kitchen and Dining HVAC

Operations

New construction

Question:

I spent a small fortune when I built my new place on HVAC approx 13yrs ago. We installed an ARES tempered makeup air system for the kitchen that uses a gas fired furnace to “heat” the makeup air during winter months and an evaporative cooler to “cool” the makeup air during summer months (most of the year we just vent the outside air to save money when the temps are comfortable). In the dining room we had a local contractor recommend a hydro-air system with air handlers in our drop ceiling and a Peerless boiler that we also use for our hot water. We have upgraded our exhaust fans in recent years and have been having problems with the makeup air unit. Furthermore, I am told that the gas for all 3 condensors for our dining room A/C is soon to be outlawed and cannot get replacement condensors. My buddy told me that this is a HUGE job as all the handlers would have to be replaced as well.

I guess my question is if anyone else is in this situation where they re-invested in a new system and any advice they would have to do it right the second time around (split systems, etc.) Not sure at what point it has it gone past it useful life so I am looking for any advice.

Answer:

Sorry to hear about this, I definitely know the feeling.

First off, have you asked to have your fully adjusted on the make-up air to get more volume out of it? Sometimes that will do the trick.

As for the potential replacement system, I will say that the technology has come a long way in the last 15 years and you should find the work less expensive than it would have been. One place to save some dollars is with friends that are plumbers and electricians, there’s a bunch of connections and modifications that will likely have to be made to the system as well. DO NOT allow the HVAC contractor to sub the trades, they’ll mark it up on top of their cost.

Lastly, I’d probably have to have a discussion with building ownership (if it isn’t you), as this work will likely stay in place far after you’re gone from the building. This is an improvement to the BUILDING too. At minimum, I’d try to negotiate for a generous lease extension to help cover the costs.

-Joe