Monthly Archives

October 2008

Dining, Economy, News

Service Marketing: Georges at the Cove

October 31, 2008

From the simplistic marquee that adornes the entrance to the modern and stylish decor, Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, California offers an upscale experience in a contemporary setting.

Georges at the Cove offers guests three different dining expereinces, George’s California Modern, Ocean Terrace, and George’s Bar. While each are unique, all three are consistent in keeping up with George’s careful attention to the customers satisfaction and experience.

Attention to detail, and catering to the customers every need and desire has helped George’s develop the reputation of being at the top of its class. Winner of several restaurant awards, George’s has used a simple yet proven formula: Customer First.

When we look at successful restaurants and companies that provide a service, we can see that most, if not all share the common trait of having great relationships with there customers and doing everything to make sure that they walk away with a great experience.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort chain is a great example of this. From the minute the guest walks through the revolving doors to the hotel, they are transformed from being the “average-Joe,” to something more: a guest. The difference between the “average-Joe” and “a guest” starts with the personalization of the service encounters with the Ritz Carlton and its staff. From the staff that cater to the ‘guests’ every request, to the ‘guests’ being addressed as “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, the Ritz-Carlton proves that putting there customers first equates to a good business.

With the service sector now accounting for more than 65% of the United States’ GDP, it is important that businesses get it right when it comes to its customers. Businesses providing a service must realize its consumers needs and address them accordingly. Having the proper customer protocols, management, as well as service quality should all be important points when running a business.

Georges at the Cove is just one of the prime examples of the result of having established good customer relations as well as quality service. From the contemporary dining setting, to the picturesque view of the Pacific ocean, Georges at the Cove makes there customers feel like ‘guests.’

—–

Georges at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA
858.454.4244
College, Economy, News

The Economy Can Learn From Diddy Riese

October 26, 2008

As the line goes out the door and down the block, people begin to contemplate what will satisfy there sweet-tooth.

For the LA native, Diddy Riese is a Los Angeles landmark known for long lines, tasty treats and cheap prices. Started in 1983 in Westwood, CA right next to UCLA, Diddy Riese has marketed themselves as offering high quality cookies and baked goods at ‘reasonable prices.’ Reasonable is not the right word. I would say ‘great.’ Especially the way the economy has been, if Diddy Riese wasn’t so far from myself, I’d consider it a weekly stop.

So how cheap is it? Let’s take a look.

Not even at a Dreyers Ice Cream store could you get a scoop of ice cream for $1.00. For 50 cents more, you can even get there famous Ice Cream Sandwiches made with there homemade cookies. Not even pictured here are there Hot Dogs which are just as cheap and just as delicious. Can it get better? Of course it can. 32 oz drinks for $.90.

So whats the secret of Diddy Riese? How are they able to pay for the ridiculous rent near the UCLA campus and still keep there prices low and food tasting great? After speaking with a worker of 10 years at Diddy Riese, there response was simple, quality. Keep the quality great and people will come back. They said that there is no reason to charge $3.00 for a cookie when it only costs $.20 cents to make. Quality will equal more people, which will get you more sales. A very simple equation and after 25 years, they are still going strong. Perhaps this equation may not work for all of those in the economy trying to find a way out of this tumultuous time, but we can take at least one lession away from Diddy Riese.

You can never go wrong with 35 cent cookies…

—–

Diddy Riese
926 Broxton Avenue (@ Le Conte)
Westwood, CA 90024
310.208.0448
Career, College

Without Fear

October 25, 2008

Looking back, as a young child we had many dreams of what we wanted to be when we grew up. Some wanted to be doctors, some wanted to firefighters, and some police officers. Fast forward the picture to the present and that same child that wanted to grow up wanting to be a doctor or a firefighter has new dreams and desires.

Gone are the days of dressing up as cowboy, and in are the days of looking through hundreds of job listings.

Gone are the days of when we would play cops and robbers, and in are the days of trying to figure out how we will pay off those enormous college loans.

When we first embarked on the adventure known as’college’ we were gullible, curious, and imature, but after four years we have transformed. As ‘adults’ we are now inquisitive, assertive, and most of all aware. Aware that this could be the most crucial time of our lives. Our parents, our professors, and our college experience for the most part, has given us the tools to go out into society and contribute and be sucessful. Still one thing has not changed. Fear.

Fear is a invisible foe that exists all around us. Especially in today’s current economic and global situation, we are pressed to confront this ‘fear.’

For the individual that is fearful of what the future may hold I will cite a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt:

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do

We live in a historic time. How will we remember it? Will we remember how we stood there fearful of what economic crisis would happen next? Or will we stare ‘fear’ in the eyes and find a way to fight it

As individuals, we have the knowledge, the dedication, and the perservernece to suceed. We must not let ‘fear’ hold us down. Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live. Therefore I tell you.

Go. Live without fear.