March 2010

Is there such a thing as too much cost cutting?
When I travel for speaking engagements, my accommodations are often booked for me.
I checked in early to my Holiday Inn Express room in Houston yesterday. As I looked around my room, signs of bean-counter hell abounded. As I scratched my itchy skin,
I noticed that only shampoo and conditioner were in the bathroom. When I went to iron my clothes, I noticed something odd about the ironing board. It only was as high as my mid thigh. I am 5 foot 11, so this miniature ironing board was easier to use on my knees rather than bending over.

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Hooters’ Impending Train Wreck
For its entire existence, Atlanta-based Hooters has been mocked and reviled for its entire concept; from its double-entendre name, to its tight bright-orange short shorts, to its efforts to be a “family-friendly” restaurant. Hooters’ CEO is even appearing on CBS’ Undercover Boss to tout their new plan.

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Kmart business model overhaul?
For those of us old enough to remember the 1970’s, we remember a world without
Wal-Mart. This was a world ruled by Kmart. During this period, Kmart was the Wal-Mart. What happened? First and foremost, Wal-Mart created a superior business model for a discount retailer. Like it or not, the superior business model almost always wins.

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