Friday, January 19, 2007

Who is watching your marketing SUCCESS?

Every Restaurateur needs a break. But not a break from marketing, that is, unless you have someone helping you manage your successful marketing campaigns.

Who is helping you grow your business through your marketing? More importantly, who is monitoring your success?

I was at one of my favorite New York City restaurants last week and can share with you how easily it was for them to make an impact with their marketing. The story goes like this; I arrived with a party of five. I informed the hostess of my name and she verified my reservation. Almost immediately, she asked me if I wanted to check my coat. Then, my party was promptly escorted to our table. After a fabulous meal, our server asked us if we wanted to join the restaurant’s email list. Did I wait and think about it? No. “Add me to it”, I said.

A few days later, I was curious to know if they measured their marketing. I called. They answered. I said my name. Instantly, the voice on the other end of the phone said, “Mr. Thompson, let me thank you for recently dining with us and what may I do for you today.” I informed the voice that I enjoyed my experience and thanked them for their wonderful service.

Now, what made this possible? Was it a fancy marketing system? Who knows? It really doesn’t have to be something technically amazing (although it helps tremendously). Creating real results like this are simple. All it takes is someone (hopefully your whole staff) to monitor your marketing. The next time you create a marketing program try:

- Delegating the data entry to one of your servers
- Promoting one of your staff members to marketing manager
- Using technology, like email, to gather patron data

Whatever your next marketing initiative, put someone other than yourself in charge of making it HAPPEN!