The cluelessness of “businessmen” truly astounds me.
Just really leaves me scratching my head sometimes.
In fact, after a run-in with a pizza parlor owner last Sunday, I’m convinced some businesses are literally robbing themselves blind of sales and need to be whacked upside the head.
Here’s what happened:
Last weekend we stopped in a small pizza joint for lunch. It was about 2:00 (give or take) and we were really hungry. Except, when we got there, the door was propped open by a chair (as if the joint was open) only to find the place closed.
Now, that’s obviously no crime.
But what WAS a crime (from a sales point of view) was we weren’t the only people waiting. Other people walked up too, only for the owner to tell them to come back at 3:00 when he opens.
“Kinda late to be opening, isn’t it?” we asked.
To which he mumbled something about “business being slow”.
Hmm.
Lemme get this straight:
He has customers at the door ready to buy, and yet, he sends us packing (even giving us advice to check out the place down the street — how generous) until later?
It’d be funny if it weren’t so sad.
I mean, it doesn’t take a marketing goo-roo to (for example) tell the people ready, willing and even eager to spend money that he’ll fire up the ovens now anyway, and to come back in 15 minutes. And, oh, by the way, for your inconvenience, here are some 20% off coupons for next time you drop by…
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, we went down the street to the other pizza joint (which wasn’t even that good) and gave THEM our moola instead.
What’s the moral of the story?
If people want to give you money, take it.
Sometimes all ya have to do is open your doors. 😉
Ben Settle
P.S. Remember my buddy who had a stroke (at 33)?
And how I said that, if you donated something (anything — even $1) to his medical fund, I’d give you an extremely valuable copywriting lesson?
Well, the response was AWESOME.
I was totally blown away by the generous feedback.
And so too was my buddy, Sabin.
It meant so much to him (y’all have made a HUGE difference) he wanted me to pass this note along to everyone:
“I am overwhelmed by the amount of donations, comments, & help I am receiving from people that don’t even know me! It truly speaks loudly how caring individuals are and can be around the world to lend a helping hand for person in need. I am highly grateful for your donations and appreciate everyones support.”
By the way…
If you didn’t see my offer last week and are interested in donating (again, even if just $1) to Sabin’s medical fund in exchange for one of the most valuable copywriting lessons I’ve ever given, jump on over to:
