(Time to read this Blog is about 3 minutes)

Before we get to the main topic, here are a few things to get you thinking or smiling:

1. My Biz Quote of the week:
   “Never let any one customer become such a big percentage of your total sales that this one customer controls your top line, your bottom line…and dictates your very survival!  I’ve seen several businesses driven into bankruptcy by their biggest customer’s predatory practices.”       
   …Donald Cooper.

2. Quick Biz Tip:
   How does your business ‘feel’?
    
   Many clients have told me that this question is way too ‘airy fairy’.  But it’s actually very real and very important.
    
   “How can you possibly measure how a business feels?” they ask.  The point is, you don’t measure it…you ‘feel’ it.  How often have you walked into a restaurant with someone and three feet inside the door, you look around, turn to the other person and say, “Let’s get out of here, this place doesn’t feel right.”   We all do it…and people are doing it, every day, to your business, your ads, your social media and to your website.
    
   So, how does your business ‘feel’?

3. Fun Fact: Finland has topped the ‘World Happiness Report’ for the 9^th year in a row.  Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands are the next ‘most happy places’.
    
   USA is  #23, Canada is #25 (we were in 5^th place in 2015).  France is #35, Italy is #38, Japan #61.  Afghanistan is dead last at #147.
    
4. Robotaxis are for real. Robotaxi operator, Waymo, has seen its weekly ridership double to 500,000 over the past year.  It’s already operating in 11 U.S. cities and looking to expand into 20+ more, including Tokyo, London and Toronto. 
    
5. AI Update: AI isn’t just for business. Use AI for insightful input on subjects like ‘making dinner conversations more interesting’. 
    
   Prompt AI with info like. “I have four kids ages 3, 6, 17 and 19.  We’re about to sit down for dinner.  Can you give me 6 fun questions that will get all of them talking.  I want a mix.  Some silly ones for the little one.  Some ‘would you rather’ scenarios.  And a couple that make the older ones actually think and debate.  Make it feel like a game, not homework.”
    
   You’ll be amazed at what AI gives you.

Now, to this week’s important topic:

Are you using your database to add value when problems or opportunities arise? 

Example #1:  Spring flooding on the lakes and rivers of Cottage Country, north of Toronto, is very bad this year.  Last week, the folks at SWS Boat Works in Muskoka used their database to send out an urgent Email Blast to their customers stating:

At this time, we strongly recommend taking precautionary measures at your waterfront property:

• Shut off electricity to your boathouse to reduce risk.
• Raise or secure boathouse doors where possible.
• Move furniture, fridges, and electronics to higher ground.
• Remove or secure any loose items that could float away.
• Arrange for someone to check on your property if you are unable to visit.

 
Example #2:  A few years ago, the good folks at Grobe’s Garden Center in Waterloo, Ontario sent out an email blast warning their customers and followers about an insect infestation that was destroying local gardens…and how to treat it.  They also send out email blasts when a late Spring frost threatens plants…and how to protect your garden overnight.

At another time, when there was a local Watering Ban, they sent out an email blast with helpful tips on how to manage their lawn and garden through the dry spell.

  
Example #3:   During the ongoing Trump-imposed Tariff Crisis, a very clever Canadian Customs Broker used their client database to send out weekly E-Bulletins to inform, clarify, coach and reduce stress.

To do this, of course, you need an up-to-date database and the genuine commitment to be the ‘Caring Coach’ for your customers and community.

  
Bonus thought:  Every business should also have a database of local media and key influencers to send such info too.  This will get your message out more widely and, probably, get some great PR in the community, or your industry.

So, what warnings, updates, reminders, key info and helpful tips do your customers and community need…and what will you do to be there for them?   

That’s it for this week…

Live brilliantly and be kind to each other!       

Donald Cooper 

Donald Cooper speaks and coaches internationally on management, marketing, and profitability.  He can be reached by email at donald@donaldcooper.com in Toronto, Canada.