5 Digital Marketing Resolutions for 2019

Posted on January 1, 2019 by absolute.admin3

It wouldn’t be a new year without New Year’s resolutions. In addition to getting to the gym more, meditating, and whatever other personal goals you’ve set, it’s likely you have a few career-related resolutions too. Hopefully, these resolutions include your company’s marketing methods, because there’s a lot to watch out for in 2019. We cherry-picked the most important upcoming trends. If you take note, your marketing efforts will be at their best in the new year.

1. Stay accessible

Remember when you could take a week to respond to an email or a social media comment? Those days are long gone. Consumers, clients and business partners alike are looking for high-speed responses for immediate solutions. Technology has created a standard for real-time communication. Your business or product may be discussed anywhere in the world, at any time, on many forums. A company representative must be accessible to answer questions and complaints instantaneously. If necessary, this could be a chatbot, but the real brownie points go to the C-suit professionals that step into the spotlight on behalf of their brand. When business leaders speak out on social media, it fosters a sense of trust and accountability that is otherwise impossible with automated answers and customer representatives.

2. Listen + act accordingly

With more trends, products and news than ever before, social listening (or monitoring) has become vital to marketing success. Whether you’re listening for general, community happenings or customer conversations about your brand, social monitoring will give you unparalleled information. In 2019, this practice will even be used for lead generation and selling. There are numerous tools that assist the listening process, weeding out specific keywords, mentions and hashtags. Listening is just the first step; you must respond (quickly, of course) and record relevant feedback to be used as hard data. Customer reviews and comments cannot be overlooked this year. It takes a single conversation to change the nature of your business and reputation. So whether it’s good or bad, you need to listen to and act on all feedback.

3. Find genuine, ‘micro-influencers’

Social influencers are all the rage. For the past few years, every notable brand has partnered with celebrity or high-profile influencers in order to promote their products. However, this has become increasingly ad-like and expensive! So, if you’re a local business or SMB, consider working with micro-influencers instead. Micro-influencers are niche – making it easier to target a specific audience. Although a micro-infleuncer’s audience is smaller, it’s still notable in size, and their followers are eager to hear what they have to say. Micro-influencers are often considered experts in their niche, so the products they push are seen as must-haves, not just another paid ad.

4. Personalize, personalize, personalize… responsibly

Communication is expected to be more personal than ever. Consumers now expect companies to know their location and tastes, and to recommend nearby stores or services. This age of personalization is a major way to boost marketing performance and customer experience. However, after many data faux pas, we’re also in the age of accountability. The ethics of data usage are being scrutinized like never before, and more businesses are expected to be transparent with their information. Many businesses are attempting to use data to make a positive societal impact to benefit their brand and overall bottom line. Consumers want personalization, but they also want responsible action, and they will pick and choose the companies they deem fit. Resolve to balance personal information with accountability in 2019.

5. Create an innovative, internal culture

You may be wondering, ‘what does my company culture have to do with my marketing services’? The answer is everything. With Gen Z’s rapidly entering the workforce, new expectations and work styles enter the office too. These young professionals are innovative, direct and fast-paced. They expect a work environment that both challenges and inspires them. By creating an open, team-oriented atmosphere, you’ll make the most out of your employees’ ingenuity, which will affect every aspect of your marketing efforts.

In marketing (and in life) there is a lot we can’t control. However, by staying aware and staying steadfast, we can remain informed and relevant. Choose to follow through with your marketing resolutions, and your business will reap the benefits. If you need more information on any of the topics listed above, contact us today. We can help integrate the latest practices into your marketing routine. Here’s to a year of prosperity, which we hope to assist you with! Cheers!

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Phoebe

A recent graduate from the University of Tampa, Phoebe brings an understanding of journalism, PR, advertising & branding to the Absolute team. Her extensive customer service and cross-cultural communication experiences give her insights into various perspectives.

A Business Owner’s Guide to Digital Marketing

Posted on December 27, 2018 by absolute.admin3

The red bubble on your inbox icon reads 52. It’s 7:02 am. Gulping your coffee, you start wading through the email chaos. You clench your mug – half of these emails are ads for digital marketing services. Finding digital marketing help has been on your to-do list for a week, but more options bring more confusion. How do you choose a digital marketing person or team when you don’t know what digital marketing entails? Can digital marketing be done by one person? More importantly, how is digital marketing even defined? Now your head is spinning with questions you don’t know the answers to. Digital marketing efforts will be postponed another day… or five.

We’re often asked, “what’s the difference between regular marketing and digital marketing? and “is digital marketing social media?” so we decided to break it down. The basic definition of digital marketing is: “the marketing of products or services using digital technologies, mainly on the Internet, but also including mobile phones, display advertising and any other digital medium.”

The main difference between digital marketing and traditional marketing is, of course, the Internet. Digital marketing is on the rise because it is more measurable, targeted and personable than traditional marketing. However, it’s no surprise that many are unsure about the digital marketing process, the roles that are necessary, and how digital marketing can be utilized for business.

Web Design

Developing a website is not included in digital marketing, but digital marketing activities (when done well) drive traffic to your website. If potential customers are directed to your site and cannot find what they need, the digital marketing practices are useless. It is imperative that your website is fully developed before moving forward with digital marketing, so we always recommend beginning with website design.

In today’s noisy landscape, your website is the first impression, portraying your value to visitors. An informative, eye-catching and easy-to-use website is crucial to any business in defining its brand, connecting with customers and influencing buying decisions. Not only does your website need to be effective on a computer, but it must be equally effective on a cell phone or tablet – this is referred to as responsive web design. Mobile traffic makes up nearly 60 percent of all web traffic, so it is crucial for websites to function on various devices. To learn more about our responsive web design services, click here.

Website Optimization

A website cannot be built and left alone. It takes constant testing, examining and measuring to ensure a website is performing effectively. The goal of website optimization is to convert visitors into customers. This may entail moving features around, changing colors or updating information to cater to different people. Website optimization is a perpetual process of educated experimentation. You can track and compare users’ actions, but preferences and features are constantly changing. By optimizing and updating your website, your online presence will never stagnate. Feel free to read more about our optimizing maintenance services.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

A great website is no use if no one can find it. That’s where SEO comes in. In order for a website to register with search engines like Google, popular keywords must be utilized. The SEO process includes website audits, link building and in-depth keyword analysis to determine which phrases people use when searching for your products or services. SEO requires a trained SEO professional, who sometimes works with the website developer when elemental changes are necessary. Want to read more about SEO? Click here.

SEM (Search Engine Marketing)

PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is the most common form of SEM. PPC is a key-word focused approach used as a form of paid advertising. The advertiser (you) pays the search engine a small fee each time your ad is clicked. When done efficiently, the visit to your website will result in a sale, which outweighs the amount paid to get the consumer there. This form of marketing generates immediate leads and measurable results. If you’re interested in PPC, or other forms of search engine marketing click here.

Display Advertising

Display advertising includes any type of banner ad used on websites, apps or social media that aim to deliver targeted messages. Digital advertising isn’t limited to banner ads, it also includes forms of outdoor advertising. Did you know that digital billboards can tell when it’s raining, and can change the displayed advertisement to fit the forecast? That’s the difference between traditional billboard marketing and digital billboard marketing. Digital marketers utilize ever-changing scenarios and concepts to their benefit – thank you, technology. Display advertising calls for a copywriter and graphic designer.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is no longer just a way to chat with your friends – it’s an opportunity to improve your business. Social media is a powerful digital marketing tactic; posting consistent, relevant content will help build a loyal following. Consumers have daily conversations about your industry. The best way for your company to remain at the center of the conversation is to become a part of the conversation. Social media is a forum for conversations, reviews and trending information, and must be constantly monitored. It’s crucial to know that it’s not all about receiving likes. One person can handle social media marketing, but the best work is done when writers, photographers and graphic designers create content together. There’s a lot to understand about social media. Here’s some more information.

Content Marketing

Businesses are continually finding ways to carve a place in the minds and hearts of consumers. The days of using a catchy jingle or a colorful print ad to capture customers are gone. In our digital age, one of the best ways to build trust among consumers is to offer something of value. Creating content (like blogs or video seminars) that solves a problem, entertains or educates consumers will help your business stand out. The content marketing process usually calls for a videographer/photographer, writer and graphic designer. Read on about our content marketing process.

Email Marketing

While email may be one of the oldest forms of digital communication, it also is one of the highest converting mediums. An effective email marketing strategy can connect you to your audience; email marketing software helps you understand your audience’s response so that you can plan your next marketing move. It’s a good way to ensure that specific audience members are receiving important announcements and opportunities. Email marketing is not as simple as just hitting send, the writing, visuals and flow of information must be well-thought-out. More about email marketing can be found here.

Public Relations & Reputation Management

Public relations focuses on storytelling, persuading and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships on clients’ behalf. The goal is to ensure that your business is being positively discussed by the public – both in person and online. PR professionals work to repair the business’s reputation and mend the repercussions if a business has been negatively impacted. When a business takes a hit, it doesn’t take long before it’s being discussed on the internet, making crisis management a digital concept. PR professionals must repair the digital status by pushing down any negative articles or comments in search rankings. This also entails sending custom messages to all stakeholders. Writers, spokespeople and social media managers may make up a PR team. If you need help managing your reputation, here’s a more in-depth look at our process.

Although we’ve discussed each component of digital marketing as separate, it takes a team of digital communication professionals to work together for consistency and success. Our clients utilize our team of graphic designers, content strategists, videographers, PR professionals, website developers and SEO experts for every digital marketing project. The best digital marketing is done as a team with a goal, tone, strategy and audience in mind.

Do you have a clearer understanding of digital marketing services? If not, give us a call to learn more about how we can help advance your business: (813) 908-6862.

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Phoebe

Will Instagram Likes Pay the Bills?

Posted on December 3, 2018 by absolute.admin3

Social media users are like addicts. I don’t say this lightly – the obsession with likes has been compared to doing cocaine or smoking cigarettes by researchers and psychologists. Likes drive our egos- it feels good to receive a lot of likes. So, it’s no surprise that many social media marketers are also consumed by the pursuit of likes. Many marketers see it as an easy way to validate their efforts on behalf of their company or client.

However, it’s easy to overinflate the value of a like. Likes offer a simple measurement method: having no likes is bad, and having many likes is good. However, a like seldom reflects revenue. After all, we have yet to meet a vendor that accepts likes as payment (if you know of any, please leave a comment below).

Don’t get me wrong, we’re not arguing that likes don’t have value. They serve as an important indicator of how your social content is being received by your audience. However, too many marketers rely on likes and other so-called vanity metrics. Vanity metrics look good on paper, but they are easily manipulated and as mentioned, do not correlate with profitability.

Now we can discuss how social media can actually benefit your business and bottom line. Social media is an effective way to:

engage in meaningful dialogue with existing and potential customers
get informed on relevant trends and tastes
research your competition
monitor your reputation

Let us explain.

ENGAGING MEANINGFULLY

What exactly is engagement you may ask? In marketing, we sometimes hear the term ‘engagement rate’ used to represent the amount of vanity metrics received. Instead, we like to refer to the vanity metrics received as social transactions and use the term ‘engagement’ to describe social media dialogue. Although dialogue is more difficult to measure than vanity metrics, it is much more rewarding; it is the type of social media use that results in loyal fans and customer insights.

Here are some tips to drive dialogue:

Know your brand personality and stick to it.
Personalize every message.
Stay human and conversational.
Timeliness matters.
Pay attention to what times your audience is engaging.

Engaging in meaningful dialogue takes time and creativity. Users can tell when they’re getting the same, computer-generated responses, and it makes them feel unheard and unappreciated. It pays to put some thought into your responses in order to keep conversations going! It’s also a good idea to take initiative and start dialog yourself by posing questions and asking for opinions. This is how you make the customer feel important and understood. By fostering conversation, you foster trust in your brand.

SPOTTING TRENDS

Social media is a hub for information. It’s a way to learn about local news, events, businesses, products and people. Large companies pay a great deal of money for market research. Major publications publish countless articles on the latest trends. However, these aren’t the only ways to gain public insight! Social media makes it possible for small and independent businesses to do market research and trend analysis independently – but you’ve got to know what you’re looking for.

It is important to read credible blogs, follow specific hashtags and search for industry phrases, acronyms and thought leaders. Since the marketplace is constantly changing, you must do so regularly. Trend-spotting is not just about listening to your target audience, it’s about asking them questions. Tools like SurveyMonkey and social media polls are affordable ways to get direct feedback. Social media is a community of existing and potential customers. You diminish social media’s value if you’re not paying attention to the overarching conversations.

RESEARCHING COMPETITION

Analyzing the competition has never been easier. Long gone are the days of going to your competitor’s establishment undercover – just head to their social media. Here, you’ll be able to find much more than their products and promos. Social media enables you to see who their audience is! Who are they attracting, that you are not? You can even see what their audience members are saying about them and use it to your advantage by differentiating or improving. You can also get an understanding of your competitors’ marketing tactics. What language and images do they use? How often do they post new content? Do they engage with their audience? What are they doing well, and what are they doing poorly? All of this information and more is available via social media.

MONITORING REPUTATION

Social media is an important tool in protecting your reputation. Usually, when someone has a negative experience, social media is the first place they go to complain. For many business owners, it’s hard to read critical comments. For this reason, it is many business owners’ first reaction to act defensively, viewing and answering their “haters” as enemies. This is almost always a big mistake, and it’s one of the main reasons it is beneficial to hire an outside agency to manage reviews and reputation.

Hug Your Haters, written by best-selling author Jay Baer, refers to social media complainers as the “early warning detection system for your business.” He writes about how when handled correctly, haters can be used to your business’s advantage. What matters most is in the response. One must apologize for the issue and pacify the person, all in a speedy manner. This helps make up for the problem, and the insight can be used to ensure it does not happen again.

Loads of likes may be impressive to the eye, but they are not increasing your profit. Social media has evolved into a platform for customer reviews and market research. It’s a marketer’s job to use social platforms to make informed business decisions and strategize for the future.

Engage meaningfully with customers to gain loyalty and brand awareness. Study trends and competitors to discover external standards and inspiration. Accept negative feedback to solve internal issues. When done diligently, you’ll build a stronger social presence and overall business – the real payback of social media.

Contact Absolute Marketing Solutions to learn more about social media marketing that focuses on real customers, in real time, to generate real results.

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Phoebe

What Restaurant Owners Must Know About Marketing

Posted on November 19, 2018 by absolute.admin3

Have you ever tried baking a cake with flour alone? Exactly. Just like the best recipes cannot be made with a single ingredient, the best restaurant marketing strategy cannot be executed with a single tactic.

With abundant information and hundreds of channels to utilize, marketing can overwhelm even the most experienced business owners. So it’s not surprising that restaurateurs are often confused about the most essential elements of marketing and how to implement them. If you want to successfully market your restaurant, it is necessary to understand the full marketing picture, also known as The Marketing Mix.

Since the 1960’s, marketing professionals have used The Marketing Mix as a managerial teaching method. The Marketing Mix describes the different aspects of a business that, when controlled, ensure customer needs are met. One of the first tasks in restaurant marketing is analyzing the restaurant based on this model. This is the first step in moving from an ad-hoc approach based on hunches to a strategic approach based on data. In this blog, we’ll discuss the 7 P’s that comprise The Marketing Mix and how you can effectively leverage your restaurant.

1. PRODUCT: what you’re selling.

A restaurant’s product goes beyond food. Product includes atmosphere, cleanliness, quality, and all other aspects of the customer experience. Think about each want and need of the customer so you can provide them with the experience they are looking for.

Ask yourself: What features, advantages or benefits do your products and services provide? What types of vendors are being used? Does your product align with your atmosphere? Are products and services being looked at objectively?

There is much to consider about what you’re offering. A quality product/experience is the most fundamental element of The Marketing Mix and without it, all else fails.

Think I’m exaggerating? Think again.

2. PRICE: the amount people are willing to pay.

Prices are always up for examination. It is vital to understand what type of restaurant you are: counter service, casual service, fine dining? The price of food is directly impacted by the style and stature of the restaurant.

Ask yourself: What type of restaurant do you have? What are your competitors charging? How do prices align with the current market? How much is spent on resources and production? How much is the overall experience worth?

Price and quality coincide: prices must complement what is being offered. With a fluctuating marketplace, sometimes prices must decrease and sometimes prices must increase. Be open-minded and consider what the target consumers are willing to pay, what exactly they’re paying for, and if it’s reasonable.

Not sure where to start? Here is some advice on how to set appropriate prices.

3. PLACE: where the product or service is located.

Convenience is king, and customers will not go out of their way just to get in the door. Your product or service must be easily accessible to customers. Place also refers to outside placement and distribution.

Ask yourself: How convenient is your restaurant? Is there a central location and is it crowded? What is the parking like? Can the products be delivered directly? Do we sell at a market or festival? Where are we advertising?

For more information on choosing the right location, click here.

4. PROMOTION: various elements like advertising and PR.

Promotion depends on the brand, product, and target audience in order to attract the desired customer base. Ranging from billboard ads to events, to social media, appropriate promotion methods are vital. Set a consistent tone for all promotional messaging that will resonate with the intended customer and evoke action.

Ask yourself: What discounts and specials are offered? Are promotions relevant, unique, and true to company values? What times of day are promotions occurring? What other social events are happening and how can these events be used advantageously? Lastly, are the promotional activities measurable?

Effective promotion depends on understanding the customer, the community, and the restaurant’s benefits. If promotional activities and messages are executed consistently with these aspects in mind, the brand will grow itself.

Here are tips to measure your restaurant’s promotional success.

5. PEOPLE: restaurant employees.

The product is linked to those who make and serve it; restaurant employees often define the customer experience.

Ask yourself: Are employees well-trained? Do they know the menu thoroughly? How do they interact with guests? Do they understand the company values and positively portray the brand?

Restaurant service is reproducible, but company culture sets service apart. A connected, communicative team is crucial in maintaining a hospitable environment and positive reputation.

Want advice on training employees? Look no further.

6. PROCESS: the efficiency of your restaurant.

Efficiency in the front and back of the house impact customer experiences and your brand. No one likes to wait around excessively; the customer must enjoy their experience from the second they enter the restaurant to the second they leave. A timely process is a part of what the guest is paying for and is what will keep them coming back for more.

Ask yourself: Do employees strive for efficiency? Are restaurant technologies up-to-date? Are there clear procedures put in place to ensure the consistent delivery of food and beverage? What is the standard wait time for each dish? Do staff know how to handle a customer complaint?

Answering these questions will lead to consistent timing and customer service, which are equally as important as product quality.

Do you need extra info on how to establish sound processes? You’re welcome.

7. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: how inviting your restaurant is.

Physical evidence can be interchanged with the physical environment. Physical evidence is not only the appearance of the restaurant, but the look of your packaging, branding, and even the way the employees present themselves. Physical evidence is every surrounding detail. Make it a point to regularly look around your restaurant and take it all in.

Ask yourself: What is the restaurant’s atmosphere? What is the vibe? How does the ambiance differ from day to night? How is the interior design affecting guests? What types of reviews are coming in? How does the food packaging represent the restaurant? What is the employee uniform like? What does food look like when it’s plated?

This will all be directly impacted by comfort, cleanliness, music, speed-of-service, and overall attention to detail.

Looking to improve your restaurant atmosphere? Look here for suggestions.

Marketing is frequently misinterpreted as an exclusively external process. The Marketing Mix shows why you must also control internal factors for marketing success. Advertising (one promotional marketing element) tells consumers why they should choose you, but the comprehensive Marketing Mix shows consumers firsthand why they should return. Marketers can only effectively do their job when there is sufficient understanding of The Marketing Mix. Products, prices, places, promotions, people, processes, and physical evidence must be regularly monitored by restaurant managers and owners. If you need further clarification on The Marketing Mix or any other restaurant marketing assistance, contact us at Absolute Marketing Solutions.

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Phoebe

9 Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs Public Relations

Posted on November 12, 2018 by absolute.admin3

“If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations,” – Bill Gates

Whether you were a fan of Entourage or Sex and the City, you’re probably familiar with television’s version of a publicist. Often portrayed as glamourous party planners and snarky celebrity wranglers, the importance of publicists and the public relations industry can be easily misunderstood. The reality is, PR is essential for any business, especially a restaurant.

What is Public Relations?
Public relations is the art of reputation management. PR professionals are experts at storytelling, persuading, and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships on clients’ behalf. A publicist’s main goal is to ensure that their clients are being positively portrayed and discussed. Marketing strategists argue that PR is the most effective way to build a brand. When it comes to restaurants, brand recognition is paramount. To produce buzz about your restaurant you need good word of mouth marketing, which is a direct result of effective PR.

Understanding public relations

9 Aspects of PR That Will Optimize Your Restaurant’s Marketing Efforts:

The foundation of PR is understanding. Publicists will work hard to understand every nuance of your business in order to accurately and usefully tell your story.
PR generates news coverage, which boosts credibility and visibility for your restaurant.
PR professionals have authentic relationships with media professionals, guaranteeing repeated media coverage – not just one and done.
Publicists know what’s newsworthy, and what’s not. If your restaurant doesn’t have something newsworthy to offer, PR professionals can help generate something that is.
PR pros are writers at heart. They’re always willing to help craft messages to represent your brand.
PR specialists monitor and amend all negative attention (like bad customer reviews). They are experts at transforming unhappy customers into brand ambassadors.
In the PR world, social media is taken seriously. From the photo to the message, to the time of day, each post is thoughtful and strategic.
PR is not just about getting on the news, it’s about understanding industry trends and utilizing relevant social influencers. By implementing blogger programs, so-called “citizen journalists” will promote your restaurant to their specific audiences.
All forms of coverage attained through PR are more sincere and less costly than traditional advertising.

Investing in public relations is investing in your brand. This list encompasses only the basics; PR services are highly strategic, in-depth, and targeted to specific business needs. If your restaurant needs help communicating with specific audiences, creating campaigns, or managing a crisis, then PR is a must.

If you want to discuss the PR possibilities for your restaurant or business, contact us today.

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Phoebe

Creating the Right Culture for your Restaurant

Posted on November 5, 2018 by absolute.admin3

We all remember the sitcom Cheers, set in a Boston bar where “everybody knew your name.” Many of us have a restaurant or bar in which we feel at home. Something about the place brings us back time and time again. We may not be able to put our finger on it, but the reason is likely culture. It has been long understood that culture attracts customers. What has been less understood is how to cultivate a culture that works profitably for your restaurant.

WHAT IS CULTURE?

A buzzword as of late, the definition of culture is not always made clear. We believe that culture is the foundation of your brand and the way you demonstrate your values to both employees and customers. Culture can be good or bad; it is a purposeful, or accidental, representation of the interactions in your restaurant. Creating a valuable culture is more than a marketing tactic, it can impact every aspect of your business and stand the test of time. Culture involves everything from a restaurant’s vision and concept, to its language and style, and once established effectively has been proven to increase employee engagement, customer service, and profits- not marginally, but considerably.

WHY DOES CULTURE MATTER?

According to restaurant marketing specialist Alfred Goldberg, “culture influences how people make decisions as it establishes how we do things and why. Whether it’s a big strategic decision or an everyday task, culture ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them.” Culture, brand, and service coincide, together dictating the types of people that walk through the doors and whether or not they will return. It doesn’t matter how mouthwatering your food is, if your culture doesn’t shine, interest from employees and patrons will decline. According to a Gallup report, engaged employees are more likely to improve customer relationships, which results on average in a 20% increase in sales. Happy, engaged employees lead to happy, engaged, repeat customers. Now that we’ve established the importance of the right culture, let’s talk about creating it.

HOW CAN YOU CREATE THE RIGHT CULTURE?

Culture should be established by the highest level of authority; it is only effective when personified by owners and employees alike. According to Chris Edmonds, a best-selling author and culture expert, “leaders must create a culture where values – how people treat each other – are as important as results, every day.” Edmonds advises defining the desired culture by creating an organizational constitution. The constitution should detail the most important standards of service and behavior that support the restaurant’s overall purpose.

HOW CAN YOU RETAIN THE RIGHT CULTURE?

Defining the desired culture is the easy part. The hard part is upholding all choices and actions to your original standards. Keep culture in mind from the start; hire and fire based on your organizational constitution. Since it can be so challenging to develop the right culture, when a restaurant does so, people are quick to take notice. One Tampa-based restaurant corporation that has done so is Ciccio Restaurant Group.

CICCIO RESTAURANT GROUP CULTURE

If you’re in Tampa, you know Ciccio Restaurant Group. CRG began as one restaurant, with one concept, and a well-defined culture. Now, with ten different restaurants and counting, CRG has spread throughout Florida, with varying concepts, but the same culture that they started with. Senior Brand + Training Director, Tara O’Neill, described their culture with us in an interview:
Tara O’Neill

Describe your company culture in 3-5 words.
“Open-minded, imaginative, collaborative, approachable, generous.”

How are your employees impacted by your culture? How are your guests?
“First and foremost, I have to respectfully make a correction here… we don’t have employees. By definition, an employee is a person that is merely employed for wages or salary. We have a team. Our purpose as a team is to come together to achieve a common goal. What is our goal? Bringing great, affordable, real food to our communities.
Our team members are impacted by our culture every day. Our culture is one that not only accepts people as they are…we celebrate them… just as they are. In whatever form and from whatever walk of life, we believe that everyone has something unique to contribute. Part of our role is to help put them in a position where they feel passion, purpose, and where they can excel. When our team feels happy and inspired, that translates to our guests. And, we feel like our guests DO feel it. Particularly here in our home market of Tampa, the synergy along Howard Ave is amazing. It’s not always the norm that a restaurant group has fans. And, we feel so grateful and humbled by the fact that we do. It’s not something we take for granted. Not even for one day.”

How do you ensure that all CRG stakeholders are positively affected by culture?
“So, one of the things we pride ourselves on being is a company of partners. And this doesn’t just mean a bunch of outside investors. This means real partners in our locations, operating our restaurants and engaging daily with our teams and guests. Most, if not all, of our general managers are actually partners in our locations with shared ownership. Because of our collaborative nature, we want them to have a voice. And, because they are truly business owners, they have the opportunity to share in the wealth of all of our successes. Our team members are some of our most important stakeholders. We want to provide a place for our team members to grow, excel, and be able to build long-term wealth.”

Would you agree that CRG has created a positive reputation based on the culture?
“Absolutely! I think that we have been so fortunate not only in our home market of Tampa but in other markets that we’ve expanded to because of the deep-rooted culture in our team members that live it. We rely on them to carry the torch no matter where they work. And from a community perspective, part of our culture means continuing to pay our gratitude forward by giving back as much as we can.”

How does your culture keep a competitive edge? How do you keep everyone continuously engaged?
“Culture in and of itself to us isn’t about having a competitive edge. It’s about remaining true to who we are, and through our evolution, never forgetting to stay grounded and remember our reason. One of the biggest things we look for when we hire is whether or not the team member seems to be a cultural fit. That’s one of the most important things we can do from a recruiting standpoint. When people align with our values, the engagement happens organically. And from there, we just continue to nurture and celebrate the partnership.”

Although there is no single path to generating a culture that turns employees and customers into loyal fans, looking at successful brands like those owned by Ciccio Restaurant Group can offer some valuable lessons. Culture encompasses purpose, customer service, attitudes, and values, and it is up to the leaders of the company to decide what type of culture they want to put forth and how. These leaders must do more than decide, they must hold themselves accountable as equal team members and consistently act based on the values set.

We hope these tips help to ensure that your restaurant has the right culture. If you’d like more information on restaurant culture or how to align your culture with your digital marketing, sign up for our E-newsletter or contact us directly at Absolute Marketing Solutions.

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Phoebe

How to Build, Maintain & Monitor a Restaurant Brand

Posted on October 30, 2018 by absolute.admin3

Florida has over 40,000 eating & drinking locations. In an increasingly competitive industry, how does your restaurant stand out? There are only so many happy hour specials and ladies’ night contests you can run. Let’s face it, success often comes down to your restaurant’s reputation. To sustain a positive reputation, you must build and maintain an exceptional brand.

FIRST THING’S FIRST: WHAT IS A BRAND?

An early definition of a brand is: “a mark made by burning, stamping, or printing to show ownership or quality.” In today’s restaurant biz, we think of the B word a bit differently, but it is still synonymous with the original meaning. Your brand is a long-lasting label that should communicate who you are and what you do.

Many assume that a brand is merely a logo or tagline, however, this is a rookie mistake. Your brand is made up of many components, tangible and intangible, that create worth for your consumer. This includes the food, service, atmosphere, and values that you consistently put forth. Upholding a brand is like upholding a promise to customers about the type of experience they’re guaranteed. If you can keep this promise, customers will trust that they’ll get what they want, time and time again.

BUILDING A RESTAURANT BRAND

To create a relevant brand concept, you must first define the type of restaurant you are and who you serve. Then you’re ready to choose your mission statement, company values, and brand personality – read about the different brand personalities here – which all directly influence your brand concept. It takes time, and often a team of skilled marketers and businesspeople to form an effective, genuine, and unique brand. Moving forth with business tactics before forming a solid brand concept is risky, so it’s worthwhile to put in the effort.

MAINTAINING A RESTAURANT BRAND

A brand being grown and maintained.

Although establishing a brand can be demanding, maintaining one can be even more difficult because certain aspects are out of your control. Once you’ve defined a specific brand concept, personality, and visual identity, you must:

clearly communicate the brand to every employee (after all, they must embody the brand)
create and enforce consequences for any employee who is not performing on-brand
create and enforce a rewards system for employees who consistently go above and beyond branding standards

This is only the first step in brand maintenance, but it is the most vital. When people eat at your restaurant, they don’t interact with the CEO who developed the brand, they interact with hosts, servers, and managers. Your employees are your main brand representatives, and if they’re not on board, it’s impossible to maintain your brand and uphold your promise to customers.

If you have multiple restaurant locations, maintaining consistency becomes ever more crucial and challenging. Every aspect must be uniform: atmosphere & décor, menus & marketing materials, and all employee processes. This is where technology is advantageous. Whether it’s implementing streamlined training courses, creating a digital a style guide, or utilizing online inventory programs, technology will produce consistency in the back and front of the house.

MONITORING A RESTAURANT BRAND

Once your brand is established and consistently implemented, you may think your job is done – but it’s far from it. Brand management is a constant process that must be regularly monitored for effectiveness and relevancy. As trends, business, and technology evolve, your brand must follow suit. The internet takes branding to a complex level.

It’s essential to stay up to date with your website and search engine rankings. You also must listen to all digital conversations regarding your restaurant, its competition, and related topics. Whether it’s watching engagement on social media, responding to customer reviews, or conducting polls in a mass email to gain feedback, you must somehow ensure that your reputation remains superior.

In an industry as competitive as hospitality, the branding process never ends. If you need assistance creating, maintaining, monitoring, or re-developing your restaurant brand, contact the team of specialists at Absolute Marketing Solutions, or sign up for our E-Newsletter for restaurant marketing resources.

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Here’s How Vegans Affect your Restaurant

Posted on October 25, 2018 by absolute.admin3

Visualize this: a group of five friends, one who is vegan. The group is debating which new restaurant they should try. Chances are, they’ll decide on a restaurant that has vegan options (if they’re decent friends). And there you have it, vegan selections have become the deciding factor for new business.

Keeping Up with the Vegans

Keeping up with trends is vital in every industry, but especially in the fast-paced, survival-of-the-most-mouthwatering, restaurant business. To understand the latest trends, you must listen to your guests’ needs. Gaining feedback can be simple, but using it is another story. For many chefs, it’s difficult to alter menu items based on other’s opinions. This is especially true when it comes to the vegan customer. You may not love vegan dishes, but your business will benefit from being vegan-friendly. The cliché is correct: the (vegan) customer is always right.

According to a 2017 report by GlobalData, “six percent of the U.S. population identifies as vegan, compared to one percent in 2014.” This 500% increase is no coincidence. Individuals ranging from 18 to 80 are choosing a vegan or vegetarian diet, also known as plant-based diets. (Although referred to as diets, which are often viewed as temporary, vegetarian and vegan diets are almost always long-term, lifestyle choices). These lifestyle choices are mainly due to economic, environmental, and health-related factors, but that’s another blog.

Interestingly enough, many people can’t differentiate between a vegan and a vegetarian diet. So first and foremost, we must get these diets straight.

Seeing Through the Confusion

Vegetarianism:

A vegetarian breakfast

A diet containing no meat…at all. No red meat, chicken, turkey, or pork. Vegetarians don’t even eat fish unless they consider themselves a pescatarian. They will, however, eat eggs, butter, and other dairy products.

Veganism:

Almond milk An even more restrictive diet than the vegetarian, the vegan does not consume any animal products. From eggs to milk, to honey- they do not eat anything containing ingredients from another living thing. The number of substitutions for animal products is increasing; items like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and cashew cheese can replace traditional ingredients.

For example, The Impossible Burger has taken the nation by storm. 190 restaurants in Florida have the plant-based burger on their menu as well as 3,000+ restaurants across the U.S, Hong Kong, and Macau. Impossible Foods continues to partner with restaurants and fast food chains as everyone catches on to the profit potential.

Now that we’re clear on the two plant-based diets and their significance, we can begin to understand how restaurants must alter their dishes to cater to these customers…and why they should. In a city that’s full of restaurants, it has become increasingly difficult to thrive. Offering a variety of menu options for every audience is key to remaining popular and profitable.

Getting Your Menu Right

If your only vegan options include a side of broccoli and a cup of mushroom soup, you’re doing it wrong. You’ll need at least one or two vegan entree options. Consider creating a smaller, vegan/vegetarian menu to make plant-based diners feel welcome. If you don’t want to dedicate precious menu space to solely vegan meals, give options that are modifiable. Plant-based burgers (like The Impossible Burger) are good vegan substitutes for any meat-based dish, just be conscious to use olive oil instead of butter when cooking.

Your menu doesn’t have to go entirely from grass-fed beef to grass itself, but versatility is an enormous factor in customer acquisition and retention. Just because you don’t enjoy vegan dishes doesn’t mean they won’t benefit your brand and bottom line.

If you want to stay in the know, sign up for our E-newsletter. If you want assistance crafting or promoting a vegan-friendly menu, contact us at Absolute Marketing Solutions.

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A Guide to Understanding Gen Z in the Restaurant Industry

Posted on September 19, 2018 by absolute.admin3

Have you mastered managing the Millennial worker? We sure hope so, because a new generation is already entering the restaurant workforce. This post-Millennial cohort does not fit the stereotypes that are often assigned to many of today’s youth. In fact, they are natural-born innovators that are redefining their societal labels. Experts say that this new generation, dubbed Gen Z, shares eight qualities that you need to understand if you wish to attract and retain top talent.

Generation Z (also known as the iGeneration, Gen Edge, Gen Z’s, or Gen Z-ers) supersedes Millennials, meaning they’re born in the late 1990’s. According to a new study, Generation Z now makes up approximately 27% of the population and 61 million Gen Z-ers are about to enter the workforce. When looking to hire Gen Z’s, you must first understand the characteristics that define them. Although all individuals that make up a generation do not share all the characteristics assigned to them, it is still valuable to understand which traits are most identified with Generation Z. Here are some of the characteristics we believe most impact hiring and retaining the newest members of your workforce:

1. Independent

Independence is a major difference between Gen Z’s and Millennials. Millennials are known to value teamwork and collaboration, whereas Gen Z’s favor self-sufficiency. Gen Z’s crave autonomy and are natural entrepreneurs. One article writes that 17% of Gen Z-ers (versus 11% of Millennials) intend to create their own businesses. This generation is eager to bring new, innovative ideas to the forefront.

2. Information-Obsessed

Gen Z-ers have no idea what life is like without the internet and social media. To say that Gen Z’s are tech-savvy is an understatement. They are focused on the latest trends, apps, and news. Gen Z’s are the ultimate multitaskers: they can search the web while writing a paper and texting their family in group chats simultaneously. This information-loaded life has shaped Gen Z to be comfortable in fast-paced environments, effective under pressure, and resourceful.

3. Driven by Growth

Gen Z’s want to enter the workforce as soon as possible. They aren’t interested in hopping from one company to the next, but in promotion and growth. According to Entrepreneur, “about one-third (34 percent) say they are most motivated by opportunities for advancement” as opposed to money. They’re even willing to skip traditional university to get ahead. According to Internships.com, 77% of current high schoolers are looking to get internships now to get their foot in the door. They do not equate money with success. If given the choice between a higher salary or a meaningful mentorship, they’d choose the mentor. In a restaurant, this sincere devotion can be a manager’s dream.

4. Thoughtfully Loyal

Gen Z’s are loyal both in person and online, but only towards brands and companies that they respect. Gen Z’s prefer to choose brands that give back, standing unwaveringly behind authentic concepts. If Gen Z admires your brand, they will rave about it to their digital following. Members of Gen Z are regulars on sites like Yelp and OpenTable, and if they love their experience, it’s likely they’ll leave a review accordingly. Even better, if a Gen Z-er loves where they work, you’ll have a new personal advertiser and brand ambassador.

5. Hospitable

Gen Z wants to feel special and often expect to be catered to, but it’s a two-way street. Gen Z-ers treat others the way they want to be treated. A sense of friendship and understanding is important to everyone, and Gen Z-ers aren’t afraid to admit it. In the restaurant biz, this means getting to know each patron that comes in, forming bonds, and remembering regulars’ orders.

6. Open-Minded

Gen Z-ers embrace diversity and seek equality. According to Business Insider, 48% of Gen Z-ers identify as non-Caucasian, and their generation is the most likely to have unconventional sexual orientations and interracial relationships. A sense of tolerance goes a long way in any work environment, but particularly in restaurant service, where you’re constantly dealing with unique people and situations.

7. Food-Focused

Dining out has become an integral part of Gen Z-er’s social routine. They view good food as an art form that must be shared, and they’re the reason that so many menu items appear on Instagram. Gen Z-ers even coined the phrase “if you didn’t take a picture, did you even eat it?”. This open-minded group is always looking to try eclectic, new dishes, and of course, publish their discoveries online.

8. Influential

Gen Z’s are young, but they are already experts at leveraging themselves on social media. This generation grew up being told, “be careful what you post online, you could ruin your reputation.” Gen Z decided to prove their parents wrong, creating powerful brand identities for large audiences. Gen Z-ers use the internet and social media to their advantage to promote their image, network, and influence their online community.

Gen Z’s are making a unique name for themselves, but they aren’t too different from the rest of us; they long to be understood and valued, and to find their own place in the world. From the inspired foodie photographer to the determined equality activist, there is no one mold that fits Gen Z. Each Gen Z-er brings her/his own mind to the table, maybe even proving to be your restaurant’s newest asset. If you want more information on Gen Z and their potential power in your restaurant, sign up for our E-Newsletter.

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4 Preventative Measures Can Curb Restaurant Turnover

Posted on September 5, 2018 by absolute.admin3

It’s Friday night and your best server is nowhere to be found. He worked earlier, but never returned from his break. You have called him repeatedly and his phone goes straight to voicemail. You’ve always depended on this server. He works long hours, double shifts, and rarely complains. Your stomach drops. Has he been overworked?

Frustrated restaurant manager Sound familiar? It should. Restaurant managers are dealing with this situation on an increasing basis. “The turnover rates for hourly and supervisory-level restaurant employees climbed in April 2018 to the highest levels in decades, leaving three out of four places constantly understaffed” according to Restaurant Business Online. There are officially more restaurants than ever before, but fewer employees to staff them.

Restaurant employees often quit on a whim, without warning. There are various reasons ranging from: not a good fit, willy-nilly scheduling, inadequate training, poor leadership, and the list goes on. Here is more information on the ‘why’ behind restaurant turnover. The bottom line is, when employees leave, a ripple effect of disorder ensues. The rush to hire and train new staff can result in negative customer experiences and brand damage. Although complete elimination of turnover may not be possible, you can reduce it if you apply these four fundamental concepts:

1. Find the Right People for the Job

You’re often pressured to hire fast, but if the applicant is not suitable for your restaurant, you will be faced with repercussions. If possible, be patient when hiring new employees and hire smart, not fast. Call references and pay attention to their resume. Ask yourself: “Is this applicant a job-hopper?” Ask them about their intentions to gain insights into whether or not they are just looking for a few months of work or a permanent employment opportunity. When hiring, it’s also important to consider your restaurant culture. The candidate may superficially seem like a good fit, but are they the best fit for your team and brand?

2. Shake Things Up with a Rotating Schedule

Your employees are more than just their ID numbers. They are human beings who lead dynamic lives: whether they’re juggling school, family, or both, managers must understand that the restaurant is not their only obligation. According to Inc., “vacation helps the entire company–from the employee’s mental state and productivity, to the company’s bottom line.” All employees need time to rest and re-focus, so refrain from scheduling someone on four back-to-back double shifts. Whether your employees are burnt-out, or in need of more shifts, keeping a fair, rotating schedule is in everyone’s best interest. If your employees know you will work with them, they will be more willing to work with you.

3. Consistency Breeds Confidence and Loyalty

There is nothing more frustrating than a boss who trains his/her employees haphazardly. Training is crucial to the success of your business. Make it a priority to do it right. Maintain a standard protocol for orientation and integration for all new hires. Nothing sends an employee running faster than disorganized and disconnected leadership. Teach your employees what you want them to know and then proctor a written test that focuses on restaurant concepts, customer service, and menu items to certify that each server is prepared before starting on the floor. This guarantees optimal customer experiences from new team members. Even after the completion of training, continue to teach your staff new skills to peak interest and foster consistent engagement. They will feel empowered and loyal to your brand.

4. Reciprocity Makes a Difference

Treat others as you want to be treated is more than an adage, it is a key to business success. According to Forbes, approximately two out of every three employees feel underappreciated and 66% of employees will leave their job if they feel taken for granted. Among Millennials, those numbers jump as high as 76%. Appreciating your employees goes far beyond pay. To ensure employee retention, managers must regularly recognize efforts, offer support and positive reinforcement. Consider honoring an employee of the month with a reward or giving an anonymous, monthly survey to see if your employees feel that they are treated well. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of a “thank you.”

Even if you do everything right, turnover will still occur. However, focusing on hiring, training, scheduling, and employee management will help you keep your staff and your customers satisfied and coming back regularly.

We hope this will be useful to you when it comes to staffing and overcoming high turnover rates. If you’d like to receive more information about this topic, sign up for our newsletter. If your restaurant reputation has been damaged and you’re looking for digital marketing assistance, contact us at Absolute Marketing Solutions for brand management consulting.