I seem to be a part of a dying breed of people that prefer and even expect “full service” when buying gasoline. I am so stubborn about this that I absolutely will not pump my own gas! It is becoming a tougher and tougher task to just find a place willing to serve you. I have a perfect record by the way; I have yet to pump it once.
When Don Olson sent me this photograph from a rural Cambodian gas station I thought, “What has happened here?” Just seeing the faces on these kids, happy to serve the customer was heart warming. They prove that it’s not about money, as they have an average income of $40 a month.
We have overweight, overpaid “service station” attendants sitting on their backsides watching people in business suits pump their own gasoline, and then fork over an unreasonable amount of money for it. I have even seen some places that charge you for water and air, and you need to put it in yourself.
When I pull into a “service station” and say, “Fill it up”, I want a tank of gas as well as my tires, water and oil checked along with all of my windows cleaned. I find the places willing to provide this service are always busy. HELLO!

Here’s a great way to showcase your favorite books and see who likes the same ones that you do.
It’s easy to register; check it out here.

I hope to see you here:
http://www.smallbusinesshawaii.com/

Ron will be speaking to the members and guests of Small Business Hawaii (SBH) at the monthly Sunrise Networking Breakfast on Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 a.m.

Ron will talk about success, sales, and how to grow your business. Plan on hearing a motivating, fun talk from Ron as he weaves his years of experience into success tactics you can implement in your business and life.

If you would like to hear Ron speak, are interested in attending and are not a member of SBH, feel free to contact me for more information. These breakfasts are held at the Pineapple Room, Macy’s at Ala Moana Center. We look forward to seeing you at this breakfast!

Aloha,
Bob

When the rocks came sliding down covering the highway at Waimea Bay the last time, it devastated many Haleiwa businesses. One that it didn’t impact was Surf-n-Sea. Why not? The answer is ATTITUDE.
When the same thing happened yesterday, the team at Surf-n-Sea was quick to respond with shuttles to pick up their employees and bring them to the store.
And… when customers come into the store, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be selling, not talking about the rock slide.

A question I hear almost every day is, “How is everyone else doing?” My answer has always been the same; “It depends on who you talk to. Some are breaking records and others are sucking wind”? I then ask, “Which one do you want to hear about?” Predictably, those asking that question are doing poorly and hoping to find someone else who is as well. Why? Well, misery does love company, but even more so when people are doing poorly and can find others that are as well, they can agree that the problem is not them!
Take responsibility for your results, seek out those that are doing well, and emulate their behavior. Don’t buy excuses, or even worse, make them. Remember this; “One who wants to finds a way, one who doesn’t finds an excuse.”

Yes, I mean, “Thank God It’s Monday”.
Too many times people are happier about their time off than their time on. Statements like, “Thank God it’s Friday” infer that the drudgery is about to end and the fun begin.
I have heard some people call Wednesdays “Hump Day”, indicating that they have climbed the hill by getting through Monday and Tuesday, and can now coast down to Friday.
People with jobs wanted then the day they applied for the position. To not want to do the job after getting it will lead to less success while in it.
Think TGIM, and say, “I get to go to work”, rather than, “I have to go to work”.

ABR - Always Be Recruiting
The best way to insure continued improvement in your business is to create a “churn at the bottom”. Always be looking for someone better than your worst person, and make the change when you find him or her, and when in doubt; do without.

The “bench” in sports drives those on the field to better performance. Too many businesses are operating without a “bench”; they look for a new person as soon as they lose one. That’s too late. You should be looking when you don’t need one. That allows you to be particular and only hire someone that will make a positive difference.

Don’t wait for an under performer to quit. Everyone hates to have someone quit and leave; what’s worse is when someone quits and stays.

When you’re out shopping or dining, and see a good one, say something like, “Wow you do a great job, I hope you are making a ton of money here.” If the answer is, “I sure am”, go no further. If it’s, “I wish I was”, or “Not really”, or “Why do you ask?” go further. Say, “Because if you are working for me you would be”. If this comment peaks interest, ask for a number where you can call him or her back after work. Never discuss your opportunity on someone else’s payroll.

This story in today’s Honolulu Advertiser http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070401/NEWS01/704010388/1001/ seems like a real “catch 22″ for business.
Allowing the tow truck company to act as lot attendants is surely a case of the “fox watching the hen house”.
Can you imagine showing up BEFORE the store opens, and then walking across the street to get a cup of coffee, only to return and find your car towed? That’s not a good example of the Aloha Spirit, and surely will not help this store’s image with the public. Especially since they already have a reputation for ignoring customers. Ignoring them is one thing, “attacking” them is quite another.
My guess is that the kick-back from the tow company has a higher margin than the product in the store.
The first retailer or shopping center to figure out the parking dynamic will cash in BIG TIME!