Costly missed opportunities

I just enjoyed a day filled with my mentor, Dan Kennedy, speaking about marketing. It is an opportunity I would never miss. But many of us, myself included, miss opportunities that are right in front of us. Am I suggesting that you leap at any shiny object that presents itself? Certainly not. But consider these missed opportunities: I attended my son's 8th grade advancement on Monday. It was 90 degrees a humid. The event was held on the blacktop of the OUTDOOR basketball court with metal folding chairs that had been heated up in the late morning sun to levels that would fry your bum to medium rare in a second. There was a station set up with cases of water. I went over to buy one, just to be told they were for the advancing students, who, by the way, were waiting INDOORS in air conditioning while parents and grandparents swealtered and withered in the sun. There were at least 200 adults baking in the sun for 90 minutes who would have gladly shelled out a few buck for a cold beverage. Where was the PTA? Where was an enterprising student? Missed opportunity Last night at dinner, the restaurant had a massive beer menu. All of you know that I love great micro brews. The server came by and robotically asked for our drink order. When I asked about local brews, she replied they had a few. "Do you recommend one?", They are all pretty good, she replied. I really can't decide, I told her. While I was gazing at the beer menu, I saw that they offered a flight of beer (essentially a tasting menu of different beers) for $20. I made a point not to ask for it, to see what the server would do. She made no attempt to sell me the flight, which would have been a guaranteed sale from me. I settled for 1.75 happy hour price draft. Another missed opportunity. You can never get a missed opportunity back. They are gone forever.

• One of my carpet techs decides not to upsell in the home? Missed opportunity and lost revenue.
• A plumber neglects to offer a service plan? Missed opportunity and lost revenue.

Taking the time to examine your business, identifying opportunities and then deciding on what opportunities to act on must be a part of your weekly, monthly or annual planning. What are you over looking?

Remember, you won't profit unless you implement, Vance "Never missed an opportunity to see Dan in 10 years" Morris