Business in Beast-mode! part 5

Beast-mode your business, part 5

Bar lesson #152: Know your business inside and out.

Taking extra time to position yourself as the expert on your products and your services as well as your industry, will make you much more valuable to your clients.

This is a quick lesson but oh-so-hilarious. It's one of my favorite restaurant stories ever.

Picture the scene: Many years ago a few of us waiters finished work after the dinner shift. Naturally, we decided to go for a cocktail. Fortunately, there was a late-night national chain restaurant nearby. The dining music mixed with the soft buzz of the sports news from the televisions at the bar. It was the perfect after-work wind-down spot for a snack and a drink.

We were greeted by a friendly young hostess with long blonde curls. She described the late-night specials as she walked us to our table. “The appetizers are half-price and it’s $3 off pitchers of margaritas.” “Great,” we said “How much are the pitchers?” She looked at us with exasperation and said “Oh my gosh, I don’t know. People have been asking me that ALL NIGHT!!” We couldn’t wait for her to leave so we could burst out into laughter.

Managing a situation where you don't have all the information can still generate trust if you handle it properly. Solid knowledge of your business and your industry, especially at the most basic level, and communicating that knowledge to your clients makes you the expert. They'll come to you for advice and help over and over.

Twenty five years later I still remember our exchange with that hostess. I often wonder about where she is now. Could she be in an office somewhere handling clients? Could she be responsible for executing projects? Could she be working for YOU?