I’ve always liked PIG BBQ Joint. I may not have gone to it often but I always enjoyed the “carnivore-to-go” feel at their little location in Victoria, B.C. So, when I heard they were moving to a new location, expanding their menu and adding booze to options…well, I was a lot of excited. I have […]
Within a four block stretch in my neighbourhood, there are 4 coffee shops catering to the residents. Two chains (Starbucks/Serious Coffee) and two regional (Café Fantastico/Moka House). So you need to stand out. You need to have your loyalists. I’m not one of those. I tend to float from location to location based on mood […]
David Meerman Scott said it best, “No one cares about your product except you.” But dammit it’s super awesomeness in a can! Sure, sure…. I recommend not selling your product…sell yourself and why you love what you do. That kind of passion is infectious, inspiring and could instigate a relationship. And a relationship is key […]
I’ve had a few arguments in the past (who me, confrontational?) regarding small vs. big business and their level of customer service. But Russel, people say, bigger businesses have more money to spend on training. The more expensive the shop, the better the service. Ridonkulous! As I’ve blogged before on staff and branding, customer servicestarts from the bottom up. Cost, expense…don’t and […]
I had the pleasure of speaking and moderating at the first (hopefully annual) Social Media Camp in Victoria. This was probably the biggest social media event in Western Canada and demonstrated a passion for getting engaged and learning. Every presenter, as individuals or businesses, spread the gospel on customer engagement and relationship building. Isn’t that […]
Jason Whyte, local film critic, asked me if he could submit a guest blog on his experience at the Roxy Classic Theatre in Victoria, B.C. After hearing his story, I had to give him the space. Enjoy the read. I ventured down to the Roxy Classic Theatre on Sunday night to see a double bill of RAMONA […]
This latest entry of The UpSOLD! is courtesy of @emd. His experience at Pagliacci’s in Victoria, B.C., is a great example of how to be memorable and empower your staff. After waiting through a line up out the door, my wife Christine and her sister Andrea were seated. Andrea didn’t see anything she liked so they […]
My blog has always been about the world of customer service through the consumer’s eyes (usually mine). Whether they have been reviews or pet peeves or “The Tip” of the week, it’s really been from one side of the fence. Well I’m peeking over that fence and putting a few of my questions to businesses […]
When I want a sandwich. I make one. If I don’t do that, I generally go to Subway. I know the menu, I know what I like, it’s cheap (sorry, “inexpensive”). With the amount of service out there, you would think I would mix it up a bit more…well, you’re right. On a recommendation for […]
Sometimes you want to lounge over a coffee and a newspaper, sometimes you want to hang out at a sports bar. Well fine, for the wanna be jocks and the pseudo intellectuals I thought I’d take in a couple of Victoria eateries: Union Pacific Coffee and Podium Sports Grill. THE ORDER: The Union Pacific is […]
