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As published in the Hamilton Spectator July 9, 2003: Opinion page
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Cycling championships
Opportunities for Business RE: ‘Residents irate at closures’ (July3, 2003) |
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Life and business is full of surprises, challenges and opportunities.
Surprises must be accepted. Challenges can be ignored, complained over or accepted. Opportunities can be missed, ignored or recognized by the innovative. The hairdresser in this article faced at least one and likely all of the above during the bike race in Hamilton. What a shame he chose to ignore the challenge and merely complain by sending the city a bill for lost business. I’ve had the opportunity to face some interesting choices in business and witness the examples of other business owners who inspired with their positive attitude, creativity and persistence. The key is to start with an appropriate question that gets the owner thinking in the right direction. In this case, what could be done to accept the challenge of the bike race in a way that makes the owner look good and/or grows the business? 1. Close the store for the day and send the entire staff home. 2. Set up a chair outside and give haircuts with all proceeds to charity. 3. Pay staff for the day to work the race route and distribute coupons for hair cuts. 4. Offer free cuts to anyone having a bad hair day. |
5. Invite the race winners for a free hairstyle.
6. Offer free lemonade and coffee. 7. Organize a kids’ bike race on tricycles – proceeds to charity – invite the race winners and mayor. 8. Offer free cuts to the mayor and city councilors. Collect donations for charity. 9. Organize an annual street promenade with bicycle/rickshaws rides. 10. Volunteer to be on the race committee. Each of the above ideas has a varying degree of effort and payoff in terms of promotion, goodwill and fun. These are only ideas – but that’s where positive action starts – right after the positive attitude. My suggestion to anyone faced with this type of challenge: Above all – do something constructive. Don’t whine. Find a way to contribute and encourage others. One year from now business owners can remember how they complained or contributed. How would most want to remember their participation? George Torok Business Owner, Bestselling Author, Radio show host Burlington |
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