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Getting to the Point A newsletter about the business of life
June 29, 2005

In this issue
  • Baskin Robbins vs. Bespoke
  • Others have said
  • On a personal note
  • Profitable Horseman Newsletter

  • Baskin Robbins vs. Bespoke
    icecreamcones

    I had been working on a logo idea for several weeks before I finally realized that it would take from several months to never before I came up with something that would work for me. Scanning the Internet for sites that resembled Logos 'R Us, I found one that had a portfolio that I liked. I contracted for 10 logo ideas figuring that there would be at least one that would suit me.

    Presto, just like the site said, I had ten ideas in my e-mail box four days later. Gathering input from others, the field was narrowed to one by me. I needed an expert opinion to reassure me, however. I had veteran advertising executive Bill Wheeler take a look at all ten with no other instructions than which one do you like?

    To my relief, he liked the same one I did. Unlike me, as an experienced professional he had no problem rattling off the reasons why it would be a good choice.

    Choice is what this newsletter is about. Sometimes our customers and clients are looking for a variety of choices; Baskin Robbins offers 31 flavors for a reason. Other times our customers are looking for an answer, a recommendation, a professional opinion. Bill told me a story about how his former business partner, also very experienced with logos and tag lines, would present his logo ideas to clients. His partner would spend hours on ideas for logos and tag lines and over time, with the aid of years of experience, would come up with the best logo and tag line concept to present to his client.

    After presenting the logo and tag line, a client once asked him, " That certainly is a great design, but what other ideas did you come up with?" The partner paused then responded, " I have put a great deal of work into this design. This is the best. Would you like me to get ideas numbered two through five out of the wastebasket to show you?"

    The English have specialty tailors they define as bespoke tailors. Bespoke means "made to order". You get a suit cut just for you. Bill's business partner was a bespoke logo and tag line designer. Offering too many choices is like putting your customer in a candy store, Bill said. Everything looks good to me in a candy store, too

    In your business, are you offering 31 flavors for products and services that should be bespoke?

    The next time you want to close the sale, try starting your closing statement with: In my professional opinion . . . Customers love conviction and courage.

    I help business owners act as a catalyst for customer service in their businesses. Would you like to know more? click here


    Others have said

    "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

    "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." -- Henry David Thoreau

    "The page of life that was spread out before me was dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import." -- Nathaniel Hawthorne


    On a personal note
    capand diploma

    We attended daughter Elizabeth's high school graduation ceremony this past Saturday and heard words of encouragement and advice during speeches from both graduates and adults.

    The recurring theme: strive for your goals, keep your nose to the grindstone and be the best your can. Carpe Diem !

    No argument, great philosophies.

    One speaker partially quoted Thoreau, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation..."

    He omitted the rest of the quote, "... and go to the grave with the song still in them."

    I wish that the class and the audience could have heard that goals are outstanding. However, always keep in mind your number one goal in life is to be happy.

    Without happiness, you will lead a life of quiet desperation.


    Deewochagall

    Thanks for reading. Please forward this newsletter to anyone that you think might enjoy it. The subscriber list continues to grow thanks to your efforts.

    Newsletter topic ideas and comments are always welcome. Send me an e-note.

    Life is short, ride hard.

    Doug


    Profitable Horseman Newsletter

    I also write a weekly electronic newsletter for Professional Horsemen. If you are interested in the business world of horsemen, or have friends in the horse business,take a peek. I am spurring others on to help me promote this newsletter.


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