Make Your Business Yummy (Hospitality Makes The Difference):
“I have always felt that solo guests pay us the ultimate compliment by joining us for a meal. Their visit has no ulterior motive (it involves no business, romance, or socializing). These guests simply want to do something nice for themselves, chez nous. Why wouldn’t we reward that?” - Restaurateur Danny Meyer, Setting the Table
Challenge accepted, Danny Meyer.
The first thing I did after buying my ticket to New York from Asheville was nail down a reservation at Meyer's Gramercy Tavern, the beloved, Michelin-star-earning NYC restaurant.
Yesterday, I spent an entire week's food-budget on one incredible meal, which I enjoyed all alone at my table.
Totally worth it.
Why do I love Danny Meyer, you ask?
First of all, I love great food. (It's a thing with me).
Secondly, his belief in the power of hospitality, not just in restaurants, but in all businesses, has been a huge inspiration as I've built my own practice and helped other solopreneurs build theirs.
As Meyer says, “In the end, what’s most meaningful is creating positive, uplifting outcomes for human experiences and human relationships. Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.”
So, before I shut my computer to move on to my next culinary adventure (I'm currently looking out a café window at a Spanish restaurant a friend recommended, licking my chops as I prepare to cross the street and demolish some croquetas and flan),
Let me ask you: How do you tend to hospitality in your business?
That is, how are you thoughtful about making people feel special when they work with you, not only especially in the little things?
As Meyer says, hospitality … is the sum of all the thoughtful, caring, gracious things our staff does to make you feel we are on your side when you are dining with us.”
It's soulful business that keeps people coming back, talking about you to their friends, and (like me) clamoring to make reservations to experience your craft.
What's one thing you can do to add a thoughtful touch to your services with clients or customers this week? I'd love to hear from you.
Bon Appétit,
-Jane