The Economic Stimulus Plan

" It doesn't end, because the truth is, you are the economic stimulus plan, the bailout and the foundation on which this economy is built. In fact, you juice 80 percent of this economy."

Pay attention Mr President. I am one of the 80%. I am a small businessman.

Fight Back Retailers

So business stinks... add a new product and step up your service. Now is the time to implement all the new product lines you have had on the back burner.
If you're a restaurant, think about making it easier to bring a doggie bag. How about boxing it up so the person can have nice meal tomorrow too. Brand and compartmentalize the doggie bag and change the name to "The Next Meal Box" - heck you could even charge for the box if it were plastic.

Fire Someone

Many places keep laying off employees to keep costs in line. How about this ? If an average store's sales are down 15%, instead of cutting hours or wages by 15% to keep costs in line.
How about cutting the dead weight in the company. All stores and companies have dead weight, people who just punch a card. If you have 6 employees then fire 1; if you have 12 then fire 2. It will be easier than you think.
Welcome to the new economy. Just showing up is not enough. I had an employee who almost burned my store down ask for a raise two weeks later. Amazing ! Shame on me for not firing her when she screwed up. Luckily for us, she just gave us her notice. She did my job for me and this should not happen.
Perhaps the new economy will create a better employee and retail stores will benefit in the long run. This is our chance to rededine the landscape.
I represent two companies; Exotic Flowers in Boston and www.fenway1912.com
I promise my companies will get it as we move forward.

Great Business Advice

I am in retail. One of the best pieces of knowledge I have received - same store sales increases/decreases or the benchmark of profitability. It is much easier to grow your sales in one store than it is to expand your sevices with multiple stores.
For example, we do about 10,000 deliveries a year. If we get each customer to add 1 balloon to each order at $5, Exotic Flowers has just increased their sales by $50,000 with no increase in overhead.

Patriots Hospitality

Visited Gillette Stadium today to meet with the Patriots regarding sponsorship. Also got my first look at Patriot Place. Of course for a Bostonian, the ride out there is like leaving the state.
Also got a bitter taste of the economy as well. lots of for lease and for sale signs along with empty commercial spots.
Finally I get to the infamous Patriot Place and where were the customers ??? granted it is thursday am, but no excuse. Patriot Place is supposed to be a destination spot.
It was interesting stopping by as I was photographed for security reasons... I was an invited guest but I did feel invaded upon.
The meeting really did not go as hoped. Perhaps a deal can be struck, but the numbers really did not match. Especially considering the Celtics the day before gave 5 star treatment.

Celtic Hospitality

Today I went to the Celtics office at 226 Causeway St in Boston. The Celtics are trying to get Exotic Flowers business and want to give me an idea of where and how they work. I could not have been made to feel more welcome. Steve Markos greeted me upon arrival and introduced me to the sponsors board room which would be available to me if I sign on.
While I was there I saw Red Auerbach's eerily empty office, Wyc Grousbeck plugging away on his computer (with a brand new Sidney Crosby Jersey on his couch), and got to see a majestic office dedicated to an historic franchise.
Brian Robertson and Steve Markos sat me down to show how I could be a part of the Celtics program. I hope things work out as they seem like an ideal match for Exotic Flowers. Upon leaving they presented me with Doc Rivers autograph, a Celtics cap & tie and a commemorative bottle of the champagne celebrating their 17th championship.
The best experience of this meeting was getting a course in customer relationship managing. The Celtics management operates quite like Exotic Flowers; history, success, prestige but Never forgetting where and how you got there (evidenced by Red Auerbach's empty office).

Kelly's Roast Beef / Santarpios

Went to lunch at Kelly's Roast Beef in Natick today. I am a big fan of the roast beef with sauce and cheese. Once again Kelly's did not disappoint. Kellly's is a bit pricey, but they offer a clean and pleasrable dining experience. The counter is young, but attractive, uniformed, polite, articulate and informed. You also cannot beat that fish tank. It is awesome and my 4 year old son Ryan loves it.
Last night, I had my favorite pizza; Santarpios. I love good pizza and it quite rare these days. They have the best as the line of 30 people waiting for a table can attest. For the forst time, I tried the sausage and cherry pepper; just great.
The Celtics have invited me to a game next week. They are looking for Exotic Flowers' business. Steve Markos of the Celtics hosted my parents last week. Great hospitality. First class team. On the other hand, I asked my contact at the Bruins for 1 ticket last week and she came up empty.
The Bruins are in hopes of attracting our business as well. If I were the rep, I would have bought the one ticket from a scalper just to show they could accomodate my request. The perfect example of why the Celtics can charge triple for tickets and sell out. Way to go Celts !!

Barnes & Noble 3/6/9

Last night I visited Barnes and Noble in Chestnut Hill. It was a beautiful night and I exected some activity. It was a bit discouraging that business was slow. I love retail, so it excites me to see companies that are busy I often want to know why. Last night, I wanted to know why they were not. Economy I guess; that is excuse is already getting old even at Exotic Flowers.
I head staright to the magazine section. I am addicted. Unfortunately, the baseball pubs also focused on Fantasy Baseball. Not for me. I did pick up the new FOOD magazine with Mario Batali on the cover. This magazine looks great. Hoepfully it will not be a victim of a depleted advertising market.
Also picked up Paco Underhill's 2nd edition of Why We Buy. I loved the first edition years ago and cannot wait to read how he has implemented the internet into his studies.
I grabbed Lush Life (heard good things) to feed my fiction addiction. Picked up a book about Spring Training by a guy from Duxbury, MA - looked for but I did not want to drop the $25. The economy has affected me too.
Also bouught the new book on the Gardner Museum Heist for my wife Suzie. It was an autographed copy.. cool. Too bad the author feels 2 black squiggles consitute an autograph. Years ago Oriole John Lowenstein told Orioles Pitcher Mike Boddicker to make his signature legible. If someone finds it in their drawer 20 years from now, they will want to know who it is.
if anyone recalls the World Series between O's and Pirates... tonight. Let it be Lowenstein.