Many businesses use those signs with rows of spaces in which they can change around letters, either as stand-alone rentals, or often on the bottom part of their main "logo" signage. This clever marketing tool allows them to keep their messaging current, informing potential customers of the latest specials, or simply offering clever messages to help build their brand and get noticed.
On a one block span of my city, I saw two businesses today who are failing miserably at utilizing this key marketing tool. Not only are they not using it properly, it actually detracts from their business.
One is a bar/nightclub, whose sign said "TONIGHT" in big red letters on the top line, and then had....nothing....on the bottom three lines beneath it. Wheweee!! Let's round up the gang and head in there tonight!! Are they closed...or just boring??
The other is a computer sales/rental place, who has a sign high-up on the side of their building. The sign is still advertising "XMAS TOYS", which is bad enough itself for the obvious lack of attention that has been paid to keeping it current, but the bottom part of the sign now says "GET DRUNC", thanks no doubt to the clever work of some of the local students. This could be forgivable if the "GET DRUNC" was fixed as soon as it was noticed....but I know it has been that way for at least a month!!
Your signs say a lot about your business...especially those "temporary" ones where you get to change around the message frequently. What is your sign saying about you?
Action in Atlanta!
We had a great time with the two training sessions we did at the JCI MetNet conference in Atlanta. Attached are a few pics of our participants in action. We've always warned you that at our sessions you don't simply sit in your seat and listen to us talk...and here's the proof!
Thanks to all those who attended in Atlanta for being such good sports and making it fun for us too!
Hotel California Complex
So our International readers may not get this, but the Canadian readers sure will. The Eagles had a successful song called Hotel California. The last line is 'You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!'. Last week in Atantla I had that exact experience, and it made me think that first impressions are not the only important thing - last impressions are equally important.
As I was trying to check out of the hotel (which otherwise was exceptional), the line-up was out the door and the staff all seemed very panicked with the large crowds. Checking out took over 1/2 hr - which is the last contact I had with them and leaves a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth when I mention their name to anyone.
Then again, at the airport our flight experienced a 1 hour delay in the airport and then another hour and half delay once we boarded. Now, we can't exactly blame them for the weather (although some people tried), but there were still things they could have done better so that I wasn't so frustrated:
As I was trying to check out of the hotel (which otherwise was exceptional), the line-up was out the door and the staff all seemed very panicked with the large crowds. Checking out took over 1/2 hr - which is the last contact I had with them and leaves a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth when I mention their name to anyone.
Then again, at the airport our flight experienced a 1 hour delay in the airport and then another hour and half delay once we boarded. Now, we can't exactly blame them for the weather (although some people tried), but there were still things they could have done better so that I wasn't so frustrated:
- more frequent updates on the situation
- food & beverage service
- de-board until ready for departure
- music or movies
Maybe the Hotel California complex is part of their tourism strategy, but I don't know if it's a good one. Lasting impressions are a combination of first and LAST impressions. What impression are you leaving your customers with?
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