Comments for Rubicon

Comment on Where to now?…rebuilding trust in your Brand by Michelle Allen

Michelle Allen — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:46:09 +0000

Great article Stephen and you hit the nail with their branding. It will be interesting as you say to see how they rebuild their brand. I also didn’t know about Costa Concordia, however I would never go on one of those cruises now and would have a slight fear about other cruise liners as well. After all it could happen to any cruise company if they employed the wrong captain.

Comment on Would you risk your last $6 for everything? by Karen Morris

Karen Morris — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:47:40 +0000

I agree Mike. Too often you only hear ‘Yes, business is great’, which, even when you hit a rough patch, I guess it still can be if you love what you do.

I found myself whistfully yearning for a week away without having to worry about the business, even just a couple of days would be nice. And, I’ve come a long way this year and know how to achieve that. We’re in the process of implementing strict systems & procedures and fine tuning our ideal clients so that we can establish some stability.

I think you do need to find a balance but with support and self belief you can achieve anything.

Thanks for sharing Stephen and, I agree, the opportunities are there in front of you. As one door closes…

Comment on Would you risk your last $6 for everything? by Mike Tweedie

Mike Tweedie — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:03:20 +0000

This is so true experiencing it myself, how you have to keep going no matter what and have to persist when you only feel that you are swimming against the tide.

It is actually great to hear stories about other business owners that have had good times and tough times and are willing to admit it. Today we see too many happy stories and not the reality that sometimes business can turn bad not because of you but through external influences.

Thanks again for sharing your story.

Comment on GASP, you’ve left me gasping! by Bette Streep

Bette Streep — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:40:47 +0000

The store and it’s manager Matt Chidgey will probably enjoy their 15 minutes in the spotlight but when the bigwigs learn that people were avoiding the stores for fear of being verbally abused by sales staff – they will probably be asking Matt to pack up his $5000 fashionable leather manbag and scatoodle out of there.

There are heaps of snooty overpriced fashion stores that would welcome his botoxed mug in a nano-second but how long can these stores continue to survive if they make one sale per month?

And seriously – how often does Kim Kardashian fly into Australia to exclusively shop at Gasp???

Sorry Gasp – never heard of you until this story went public and my only thought now is that the sooner you close down completely the better.

Normally I would feel sorry for sales staff who would lose their jobs when a business closes down – but since Gasp value rude sales staff over customers – they deserve all they get!

Comment on A Brand does the selling, not the price! by Julie Tarte

Julie Tarte — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:07:40 +0000

Thank you for putting what was in my head so clearly.

Comment on Retailing, you’ve been caught out. by Julie Tarte

Julie Tarte — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:43:09 +0000

Do you send newsletters regularly or only on linked in
if you do please include me.
Best regards
Julie

Comment on Online is not Retailings’ saviour by Anna @ Copybreak

Anna @ Copybreak — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:51:32 +0000

You’re absolutely right Stephen – while an online presence can be advantageous, it’s not much good if you don’t back it up with great products and service.

Sadly, one of the biggest problems I’ve encountered with bricks & mortar retailers has been a complete lack of customer service, which is something they can offer in a more immediate and personalised sense than an online retailer.

Lack of staff, lack of training, lack of a genuine smile (which you can’t get online!)… these are just some of the areas where retailers are shooting themselves in the foot. And they’re not issues an online presence can fix.

Make me feel warm & fuzzy & special when I visit your store, and I’ll keep coming back – even if I can get your products cheaper elsewhere. Your online presence will just make it quicker and easier for my friends to check you out after I’ve sung your praises.

Comment on How UNIQUE is your business? by Chris

Chris — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:55:06 +0000

I agree a good quality product and great personal service win out over price. Competing on price is a sure way to erode the business and bottom line!