I know this is way off my expertise, but I had a wild idea I thought I would share regarding the current steroid investigation of baseball.  First this is a reflection of societal issues… no secret to anyone.  It is probably prevalent in most professional sports.  I believe the reason comes down to money.  The better an athlete performs the more they make.

So, here is my solution.  Pay all players in a league the same salary… let’s say $250,000 per year.  Whether you are a bench warmer or the star of the team, everyone gets the same pay.  Poof, gone is the need to use steroids to be better to make more money!

Just a crazy thought.

Rich

Bizvice:  Business Strategy, Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Seems obvious.  But how many companies do not deliver a product which truly meets or exceeds customer expectations?  Can you imagine what would happen to a Company which exceeded customer expectations on every dimension?  Talk about people lining up at the door to buy!

So, how can you ensure that you  will exceed customer expectations?  First, do not over promise or promise things you cannot deliver.  Make sure what you “advertise” is what you deliver.  Second, provide something unexpected with your product.  Something that has an added benefit that your customers do not expect.  Finally, follow-up to be sure your customers are more then satisfied with your product  (obviously this is only feasible with higher priced items).

So, the message is simple… Deliver or else!  To sustain and grow your business, provide your customers with more then they expect!

Rich

Bizvice:  Business Strategy, Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Here is a little advice for the new management at Chrysler…  Tell consumers why they should buy your products versus the competition. 

Frankly, I am stunned at auto advertising.  There does not seem to be clear differentiation between cars.  Why is one car better then another?  How is it really different?  Bottom  line, why should consumers pick Chrysler products over others?  Everyone says their cars are better engineered, safer, better looking, faster, with nicer and more roomy interiors.  So why are Chrysler products really better?  What sustainable points of difference exist that will convince consumers that Chrysler cars are better?

Admittedly, this is not an easy problem to solve in any category.  Yet, without a solution I believe Chrysler will eventually fail.

What’s your opinion?

Rich

Bizvice:  Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Marketing

I am back and I have learned a thing or two about service in the medical area.  I was at the Mayo Clinic for 7 weeks including about 3 weeks in the hospital.  I wish all hospitals and medical facilities would take a lesson from the Mayo.  Admittedly, I have not been to many health facilities, but it seems to me that the Mayo is the “model” of patient care and efficiency.  Much like the Ritz Carlton it is in their DNA!

I also spent some time in a local hospital which has a great reputation.  Frankly, there is no comparison.  It may be the people and how they grew up or it may be the training and philosophies of each organization.  The medical area is not that different from a business… remember the customer is always right and should be the focus of any organization. 

It’s nice to be back and recovering.  I look forward to writing more in the coming weeks.

Rich

Bizvice:  Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Marketing

I am currently at the Mayo Clinic in MN undergoing a stem cell transplant.   Having used the “medical system” both in the US and other countries over the years, I am convinced that there are ways to drive costs down in this system…  and have those cost savings pay for universal health care.   I am not trying to be political.   But, it is clear that our medical system is currently wasteful.  

I have been coming to the Mayo for over 16 years.  They do medical care better then anyone.   And, I believe they have driven costs out of the system better then most.

Given  my current health state, I will be “dark” for a few more weeks…  thanks for reading my posts!

Rich

Bizvice:   Business Strategy, Marketing  and Entrepreneurship