The Root

Get to the root of why we do what we do, things that interest us, and what goes on in our heads.

February 2013

Just Ask The Smiling Cat

Wednesday, 27 February 2013 00:00

Do you ever walk into the office and feel like the Cheshire Cat has been running your business?

Published in Marketing

The New Way To Provide Old-Fashioned Service

Wednesday, 27 February 2013 00:00

My brother owns his own business. He is a roofer and is very good at it — but he is not especially tech savvy. He’s a little old-fashioned. Quality work for a fair price … the kind of thing you hope for in a business owner. His best advertising is satisfied customers and word of mouth.

Published in Graphic Design

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:00

I was picking up Chinese takeout. Behind the counter a handwritten sign read, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.” While I was paying I asked the hostess if they ever actually did that. I mean, how can you run a business if you refuse clients, right? She said that sometimes, when someone is exceptionally rude, the management will ask them to leave. That surprised me. I would have thought that $50 from a rude person would deposit in the bank just as easily as $50 from a more polite patron. I guess that sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle.

Published in Web Design

Super Bowl Marketing Bargain

Tuesday, 05 February 2013 00:00

Lessons learned:

#1 Don’t wire money to people you don’t know.
#2 People will take advantage of you when they can.
#3 Take every opportunity to build your good reputation.

Published in Marketing