Know your Competition

When was the last time that you visited your competition? Most restaurant owner and bar owners never get out of their comfort zone, their 4 walls of their business. Now you can see what they're doing through many options. Social media offers you a glimpse into their venue, use Face Book, Twitter, Pinterest and social platforms so you can visit your competition and see what they are doing to keep them visible in your area. Friend them, follow them, if they're doing a newsletter subscribe to it, Another good way  is simply go there and dine or drink and become familiar with their operation. Then you have a good idea what specials they are running, what promotions you might want to try down the road or even just introduce yourself and become friends. The more that you know about your competition the better you are equipped in making a good business decision based on facts rather than assumptions. You never know what you might learn and be able to apply to your business.

When I was in business I always introduced myself to my competition. I wanted to see their operation and vice-versa. I wanted to be the best that I could be, Step away from your business see who's doing things right and wrong. More importantly, be confident in your own skin and let them know you're watching them. Success is measured by the way you run your business and what you want to achieve and getting to know your competition!