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The Donald Cooper May Business Newsletter


Volume 5,  Issue 4 - May 2006

Donald’s “Quote of the Month”
 
"Process ain't sexy...but I don't want to fly on an airplane that doesn't have them!"
 
Greetings ~firstname~.  We have several excellent and thought-provoking articles for you this month...all of which will take about 6 minutes to read.
 
To view our Newsletter as a PDF version, click here
 

1. 'Process' ain't sexy...but your business is in big trouble without it.

(time to read this article is about 60 seconds)

Printable version.

 
Creativity and innovation are ‘sexy’ right now.  They’re all the rage, and I applaud that. But, in the end, it’s boring, unsexy ‘process’ that actually gets things done.  Even ‘creativity’ is most often a process.  Sometimes it’s just dumb luck…but mostly not.

In fact, most successful companies have developed a disciplined ‘creative process’ that delivers innovative products, more efficient operations, consistent quality, employee safety and an amazing, perhaps even tailored, customer experience.
 
'Process' is what keeps airplanes from falling out of the sky.  It’s what makes a Big Mac exactly the same in Montreal as it is in Moscow.  Process is what gets cars designed and made and gets a spacecraft launched and safely back home.  Process is what allows a hotel chain (except Hilton, who just can’t seem to get it right) to know that you want a non-smoking room on a low floor, near the elevator, with a king size bed, foam pillows and a USA Today at the door.  Process is what gets priority luggage onto the airport baggage carousel before all the other luggage.  Okay, so clearly that’s not the best example.
 
In fact, everything that happens between ‘intent’ and ’delivery’ is process. As a business, you can have the greatest intentions in the world for your customers and staff, for the environment and for your bottom line.  But without clear, effective and well-communicated processes, these wonderful intentions will be just that…’intentions’.

To quote the late W. E. Deming, the internationally renowned authority on quality and efficiency, "If you can't describe what you’re doing as a process, you don't know what you’re doing."
 
What is a process anyway?  Simply put, a process is…
1.
An effectively communicated sequence of activities,
2. 
Supported by the necessary resources,
3.
Designed to deliver a consistent, efficient and effective result,
4.
To a specific standard.
 
Ok, so it's not so simple.  But that's what a process is...and there are no shortcuts. Re-read the definition above one more time and, while you're at it, rate your business performance, on a scale of 1 to 10, on each of the four elements.  Then, what does your rating tell you about what needs fixing in your business?
 
For our customers, effective processes will deliver world-class products, services and experiences. For our business, effective processes will deliver customer loyalty, employee satisfaction and operational efficiencies that allow us to be price-competitive, service-competitive and profitable.

So, when something goes wrong in your business; when a customer is let down, when productivity falls, when deadlines are missed, or an ‘accident’ occurs…whatever it is that goes wrong, don’t just look at the surface problem.  Ask, “What went wrong with the process?”  If you don’t fix the process, you haven’t fixed anything.

 
Here’s a simple two-step approach to getting started on this process thing...

The 2-Step Process Generator: 

Step #1:  Sit down with a few of the best minds and hearts in your business and start two lists. First, make a list of all the things that you always want to happen in your business... and be specific.  You can’t measure performance and hold people accountable if you’re not specific.

For example, we will always…
-
ship all rush orders within 24 hours.
-
have accurate sales information within 3 days.
-
produce 15,000 units per day.
-
ensure that all employees are properly trained to do the job they’ve been given.
-
turn our inventory 5 times a year.
 
Then, make an equally specific list of all the things that you want never to happen in your business.

Step #2:  For each thing that you want to always or never happen in your business you must have a simple but effective process in place because, without a process, sometimes they will happen and sometimes they won’t.
 
So, what will you do to create simple but effective processes in your business that will deliver extraordinary products, customer experiences, safety, efficiency and profitability? 
 

2. Who or what is answering the phone in your business?

(time to read this article is about 35 seconds)

Last week I had to call Abell Pest Control in Barrie, Ontario to schedule their annual Spring visit to our cottage to deal with an ongoing problem with carpenter ants. 

Cherie, who answers the phone and schedules appointments at Abell, is so chirpy, so helpful and so much fun that by the time I got off the phone, I hoped that the ant problem would never be solved so that I’d get to call her at least once a year for the rest of my life, just to get cheered up.

Cherie is absolutely extraordinary…and she’s in the perfect job for someone with her ability to add emotional value to any telephone transaction. But the question for you is, “Who’s answering your phone?”.  Do you have a “Cherie” or do you have one of the following…
 
a)
An annoying machine with endless instructions to press buttons?
b)
A grumpy person who makes people wish that they’d called your competitor?
c)
A totally hyper person who rattles off the name of your business so quickly that people think they’ve called the wrong number and hang up?
d)
Someone answering the phone for whom English (or French, if you’re a Quebec based business)  is a second and barely discernable language?  I’m a huge supporter of diversity but it makes absolutely no sense to have people working the phones who cannot clearly speak and understand the language of your customers.
 
I urge companies to have a real live person answer their phone whenever possible and to give that person the title of “Director of first impressions”, because that’s what they really are.  If, for some reason, you just can’t have a live person, at least get a user-friendly electronic system. 

For example, with most electronic systems, if we don’t know a person’s extension number, we must first press the # button to access the company directory.  Then, we must key in the first and last name of the person in order to connect.  But, most of the time, the system doesn’t state the person’s extension number as it’s connecting you so that you can save it in order to shorten the process the next time.

So, every once in a while, when you’re out of the office, call your business just to see how the phone is answered.  You may be appalled!  If you are…fix it.
  

3.  Announcing the business management seminar that's so simple, it has taken 30 years to put together!

(time to read this section is about 35 seconds)

My newest and now most frequently asked for presentation is…

“How to sell more, manage smarter, make more money…and have a life!”
 
This program, specifically designed for business owners and their management teams, has taken me 30 years to put together…30 years as a world-class manufacturer, award-winning retailer, business speaker and coach.  Sometimes making things "simple" takes a little time...in my case, 30 years.

Here’s what one business owner wrote recently about this transformational program.  “I attended Donald's Tuesday seminar at the Pizza Expo Conference in Vegas and something happened that morning.  I finally GOT IT.   I got the ideas, the reality check and the passion that I need to create a clear and profitable direction for my business…and I got the management tools to make it happen! Thank you Donald.” 

This presentation can be delivered as a Keynote, a half-day Workshop or a full-day Management Boot Camp.  Here are three ways that it can be helpful to you...
 
1)  If your company or your industry Association has a national or international Conference coming up that needs simple, innovative ideas on how to sell more, manage smarter, make more money…and have a life, then we should talk.

2)  If you’re a large business selling to smaller businesses, we can help you create an extraordinary “Client Appreciation Educational Event” that will make your customers love you even more.  We’ve already done programs like this for companies such as Jacuzzi,  Samsonite,  Dupont,  Monsanto,  Sheridan Nurseries,  Nissan, Husqvarna,  H Y Louie,  Beachcomber Hot Tubs,  Brett Young Seeds,  Rogers Broadcasting and DSC Security.

Warning:  This program is not for wimps. To get the most out of it requires self-awareness, the ability to see extraordinary possibilities, the courage to face reality and a willingness to change.

For more information on this incredibly powerful program or to pass on the name of a possible lead, just contact our Director of Marketing, the wonderful Sharen lady, at sharen@donaldcooper.com  or by phone at 1-416-252-3704.

 

4.  Do you have a simple positioning statement that defines your value?

(time to read this article is about 20 seconds)

Some time ago I wrote an article on how to create a powerful ‘positioning statement’ for your business.  A positioning statement that will define your value, 'grab' your target customers and clearly differentiate you from your competitors. It’s well worth checking out. You can connect to it simply by clicking the link above or visting Free Articles on our website and selecting Section A, Article 8.

While in Australia last month, I noticed that True Value hardware stores there have come up with a very clever positioning statement that clearly defines their value to busy shoppers and clearly differentiates them from their big box competitors.  Their storefront sign announces…
 
True Value Hardware
The 10 minute hardware store

Now, I would have changed it to “Your 10 minute hardware store” rather than “The 10 minute hardware store” because I think that subtle change makes a better connection with people.  My Father used to talk about putting "you-ability" into our customer communications…and he was right.

Other than that little suggestion, I love their simple way of positioning themselves as the time-saver.  The message is clear and becomes a key part of their Brand promise…which means they darn well better deliver on it! 

So, check out my free article by clicking on the link above and use it to inspire and guide you to come up with a clear and compelling positioning statement for your business.


5.  Bits & Pieces:

(time to read this section is about 60 seconds)

Item #1:  It always amazes me how big companies can do such dumb things:  Last month, during Spring Break, Mercedes Benz in Canada ran radio ads announcing their "Mercedes Spring Break Sales Event".   Now, what exactly is the message here?  “Hey, the kids are out of school so bring them down to your neighbourhood Mercedes dealer and buy them each a car.”
 
What on earth were they thinking?


Item #2:  There’s a huge need throughout the world and right where you live for donor organs.  Every day, thousands of people needlessly endure incredible hardship and pain…and, ultimately many of them die because of this severe shortage.

If it’s not against your religion to do so, I urge you to get and sign an Organ Donor Card.  Carry it with you and to let your relatives know of your wish to be a donor. In some parts of the world there’s a place on your driver’s license to sign up to be a donor.

I went on the internet to find out if there’s a way that we could all sign up quickly and conveniently, get a Donor Card and be registered on some universal database…but it’s a real ‘dogs breakfast’.

There are hundreds of websites set up by states, provinces, hospitals and, support groups. Nothing is clear and it’s a mess.  Not one of these websites has a big flashing “button” on the front page saying “Click here to be an organ donor”.  They have a huge marketing challenge, they don’t get it…and people are dying.
 
I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do about this yet…but somebody sure needs to muck in here and get this thing fixed.  In the meantime, take a few minutes to find out how you can sign up in your part of the world.
 
 
Item #3:  On a lighter note…here’s a sign seen by a friend of mine on the side of a plumber’s truck, “We repair what your husband fixed.”  What could you do to put a little humour into your business?
 

Item #4:  I nipped over to Melbourne, Australia in April to work with a long-time client and was once again reminded what an incredible country it is.  Sydney gets most of the limelight but Melbourne is just as deserving.  It’s a magnificent, world-class city…and Aussies are such wonderful people. 

The entire country is vast, varied and absolutely extraordinary.  Keep in mind that Australia is about the same size as the continental United States, so you can't do it justice in a short visit.  If you haven’t been to Australia, move it way up your list of things you must do.


Item #5:   Just in case you think that whatever you did for exercise last week was pushing the limits, check this out.  A 43 year old French woman, Raphaela le Gouvello, is currently windsurfing 6300 km (4000 miles) across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Reunion Island…and she’s all by herself. The journey is expected to take three months.

Her specially designed 7.8 m (26 feet) solar panel equipped windsurfer has a satellite phone, GPS navigation, watermaker and a supply of dried and canned food…all stored in a tiny, waterproof sleeping compartment.

Why does she think she can do this?  Because she’s already windsurfed across the Atlantic Ocean in year 2000, across the Mediterranean Sea in 2002 and across the entire Pacific Ocean from Peru to Polynesia in 2003.

You can check out her website, including daily reports, at www.raphaela-legouvello.com, in both English and French. 



6. If a laundromat can create an amazing experience...what's stopping you?

(time to read this article is about 40 seconds)

If you’re searching for inspiration on how to make your business more amazing, your local laundromat is probably the last place you’d look. Well, think again.

The World's Largest Laundromat has recently opened near Chicago and it’s a model of innovation and ‘WOW’.  It has attracted huge media attention and an endless stream of customers.  Here's a quick summary of what you’d see if you made the trip to Chicago to check it out… 
 
a)
13,000 square feet of bright open space including a snack and dining area, children’s play area, beautiful customer washrooms and large glass atrium full of graceful doves and colourful finches.
b)
On the outside, neon signs "Welcome" guests in 20 languages.
c)
The World’s Largest Laundromat is open and fully staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
d)
157 new high-efficiency washers feature a special high-speed spin cycle that cuts dryer time in half, saving customers both time and money.  Twelve of these washers hold a whopping 75 pound of clothes.  In addition, there are 144 high-efficiency dryers.
e)
Fifteen flat screen TV’s…some of which play programs in the many languages spoken in the surrounding neighbourhood.
f)
Free, unlimited wireless Internet access.
g)
Free doughnuts and coffee all the time and free pizza on Wednesday evenings.
h)
A Saturday-afternoon carnival with magicians, jugglers, face painters and a unicyclist.
i)
Santa Claus poses for pictures at Christmas and the Easter Bunny hands out chocolate in April.
j)
The hot water is provided by the largest solar energy system in the State of Illinois.  The State Government was so impressed with the idea that they funded half of the cost.

Owner Tom Benson has transformed the least glamorous kind of business into an amazing, uplifting and profitable experience.  Many of his customers actually have washers and dryers at home but still bring their laundry to the World’s Largest Laundromat…for the experience!

OK, so here’s the point.  Go back over Tom’s list of innovations above and start making a list of what can be done in your business to be more amazing, more of an experience, more irresistible and more profitable. Think of the possibilities.  Go nuts!
 
Then, figure out what you’re going to do, commit to doing it and determine specifically who will do what, by when, to make it happen.  Finally…follow up.  The world is run by those who follow up!


7. Are your business cards an actionable marketing document? 

(time to read this article is about 35 seconds) 

A while back I wrote an article about how to create business cards that actually communicate in a way that will grow your business.  Well, from what I've seen lately, it’s time to drag that puppy out of the closet one more time.

The article can be quickly accessed by clicking right here.  Don’t spend a nickel on business cards until you read it.

I’ve been doing a lot of business coaching lately and I always ask for a business card. I really shouldn’t, because it just gets me too worked up.  I get all these business cards that are printed on crappy, thin card stock with no company address and no business title for the person handing out the card.  That one really drives me nuts. 

People want to know who you are and what your position is.  They want to know if you’re a sales person, a marketing VP or the company founder.  Trust me, they want to know.  So let’s not get all wrapped up in this, “We’re all equal members of the team in this company. Titles don’t matter.”  It’s a lie and it’s not useful.

Then, I read in Canadian Business Magazine’s April issue, featuring the best companies to work for in Canada, that an agricultural advertising agency called AdFarm has 81 employees with no titles on their business cards.  And, it appears that they’re not just against putting titles on cards…it appears that they’re against having titles at all.  One misguided AdFarm employee is actually quoted as saying that, “Titles aren’t important.  What is important is that everyone is part of the team.”  But the article does mention that she is a PR Specialist.  Hey, sounds like a title to me.  How about, “Let’s not confuse the hell out of our customers and prospects by forcing them to guess what we all do here.”

Picture a football team with no titles…just a bunch of guys who love to be part of the team. There’s no coach, no quarterback, no tight end, no linemen, no punt return specialist.  Just a bunch of really big guys running around the field feeling good because they’re part of the team.  This is just too goofy to think about.

Anyway, click on the link above or go to the Free Articles section on our website and select Section A, Article 11 and read my article on how to create great business cards that will move your business forward…and then let me know what you think at donald@donaldcooper.com 

 

8.  Where in the world is Donald?

(time to read this section is about 15 seconds)  

Many readers have asked that I let them know where I'll be in the next little while where there may be opportunities to attend an open-to-the-public session or to "rent" some of my time on a cost-friendly basis.    Keep in mind, we have new dates and locations added to our calendar on a weekly basis, so if you don't see something near your area, contact Sharen at sharen@donaldcooper.com.
 
a)  Calgary from May 27-28
b)  Edmonton on May 29 - BOOT CAMP (Format 1, see below for details) 
c)  Toronto on June 5 - BOOT CAMP (Format 1)
d)  New Brunswick on June 9
e)  Saskatoon on June 15 - BOOT CAMP ** (Format 2)
f)   Winnipeg on June 20 - BOOT CAMP (Format 1)
g)  Regina on June 28 - BOOT CAMP (Format 1)
h)  Florida from July 19-25
 

One-Day Management Boot Camps:
  
If your business needs a reality check, a Vision, a Plan and a kick in the behind or, if you need to refocus your management processes to achieve a culture of clarity, innovation, commitment, accountability and profitability, this "Boot Camp" will be a day very well invested. If you know of other business owners and managers who  would benefit from this extraordinary program, forward this information along to them.
 
 
For the Boot Camp dates above, we're offering two formats: 

Format #1 is limited to the owner and 6 managers from 4 non-competing businesses.  Fee is $3600 per business for each of the four businesses. Click here to read more on this business-transforming day.  

Format #2 is designed for 48-60 people with no limit on the number of companies.  Fee is $400 for the business owner and $350 for each additional person from the same company. Click here to read more on this business-transforming day.
 
There are still spaces available for the Boot Camps listed above so contact the Sharen lady at  sharen@donaldcooper.com  or call her at 416-252-3704.   If you're interested but the dates or locations don't work, give Sharen a call to chat about future Boot Camps.  

 

9.  Our "Quiz of the Month":

(time to read this section is about 30 seconds)

"Thanks" to all of you who answered our March Quiz question which was, “In what country is ING Bank's head office located?”
 
And the Bonus Question which was... "What do the initials ING stand for?"
 
Answer:
The headquarters of ING Bank are in the Netherlands.
 
Bonus Question answer:  The initials ING stand for Internationale Nederlanden Group.
 
Congratulations Mike Broesky of Golden West Radion in Steinbach, Manitoba,  this month’s winner who selected as his prize our  "Human Marketing" and the “Simple Truth About Leadership” DVD Seminars.
  
This month’s Quiz: 
  
While in Australia in April, I learned something that absolutely astounded me.  Over the years many animals were introduced into Australia for various reasons.  With an estimated feral population of over 300,000, this is particularly large animal is not one that  you'd expect to find in Australia...but it is.  Name the animal.   

Bonus question:  Name any other animal that was brought to Australia by settlers that has turned into unwanted pest.  

Send your guess to Sharen Skene, our wonderful Director of Marketing, at sharen@donaldcooper.com.  Each correct answer received within three days will go into the ‘pot’ and one winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will receive their choice of any of our excellent Video Seminars worth $60 to $80. 

BONUS:  If you also answer the bonus question correctly, you’ll get to pick two of our wonderful Video Seminars. 

 

10. That’s all for this month!



"
Thanks" for all of your great feedback and suggestions!  We especially love to hear of your successes using our insights.
 
Don't forget to visit our Free Articles section on our website for lots more valuable info on how to sell more, manage smarter and make more money in your business.
 
Also, let us know what you'd like to hear more about...or less about.  And, do send us your stories and examples of great, horrible or just plain bizarre business practices that you find in your travels.
 
Finally, if you know of others, anywhere in the world, who will find value in this E-Newsletter, we'll appreciate your sending this along to them and inviting them to sign up at www.donaldcooper.com.
 
Kindest regards!! 
Donald Cooper,  MBA
Canadian Speaking Professional
Member of the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame

For information about booking Donald for your company or Association, contact Sharen Skene our wonderful Director of Marketing at Sharen@donaldcooper.com.

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Back Issues of our Newsletters are available on our website (along with lots of other valuable articles and implementation tools). 

 

THE DONALD COOPER CORPORATION
1 Palace Pier Court, Suite 3406, Toronto, ON, M8V 3W9 Canada Website:  www.donaldcooper.com     Email: sharen@donaldcooper.com 

Tel: 1+(416) 252-3704      Fax: 1+(416) 252-3705