There is PASSION driven innovation, implementation and innovation that thrive in Tampa Bay.

Reprofitizing(TM) your old plan for the New Year

Sinking bottom line? For! When we see a child chasing a ball in traffic, we instinctively yell, “Stop!” Like that kid who runs into a traffic hazard… Entrepreneurs are also taking unreasonable risks by pursuing individual goals without a cohesive PLAN. STOP and ask yourself the following:

o Do you have a comprehensive plan?
o Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
o What are the objectives?
o Do the goals increase revenue and/or efficiency?
o Is your image being consistently portrayed?

The concept of planning and creative elements that are crucial in any business to prevent the bottom line from plummeting are best described as “Reprofitizing(TM)”.

Thinking outside the box is imperative; in today’s market, it is priceless. Granted, price is a concern, but the loss in quality and effectiveness will prevent you from achieving anything. Whether you’re starting, building, repurposing(TM) or restructuring during an economic downturn, you need a distinctive plan to differentiate your business and create a brand people will insist on. The need for your product or service will virtually eliminate the competition; therefore, the achievement of the goal. The following are some encouraging stories and innovative ideas to encourage business owners in Tampa Bay to build their own brand of trust and build traction.

My first stop was at PEACE Wealth Management, located in Seminole. PEACE owner Kristine Hartland has been a leader and innovator in what could be seen as a devastated financial industry. As a wealth advisor for over 20 years, Kris is in a distinguished position of trust with a brand that speaks only by name. Her staff and her clients agree that her customization, knowledge and technology are unprecedented in the industry. She made some major and minor changes to reprofitize(TM) and established the business for continued success in 2009. She has partnered with accountants, attorneys, employers, etc. of customers. to create a perfect plan. Other simple changes have included revamping her website to reflect changes in her marketing and materials, new technology for clients, and outsourcing to more qualified people to save on employee costs.

From the retail/service industry, I was sure to hear an outpouring of negativity, but this was not the case at Rare Accents (a salon in Palm Harbor). Marilyn and Gail run an incomparable team and were the first to greet me with a friendly smile. I quickly noticed that everyone was busy, smiling, helpful, and waiting…there was a trophy at one of the stylist stations! Gail and Marilyn have worked hard to continually reprofitize(TM) plans and goals. There is a structure for the staff that values ​​and rewards their effort. The entire staff received credit for this amazing establishment. Plus, innovative awareness programs take care of your customers; keeping them coming back and raving all their friends. Rare Accents built its brand insisting on these basics, in addition to a unique line of products, encouraging customers to use the talents of several different stylists, a private salon, full range services and open late nights. They are a great example of success.

Then I met Rosie herself at Rosie’s Clam Shack, located in Pinellas Park. Talk about fun! This place is full of energy. Rosie had me smiling from ear to ear with her amazing attitude and enjoyment of life from her. She backs it up with really great seafood. Rosie opened her restaurant “New England Seafood with a Florida Flare” 6 years ago. With the ongoing economic downturn plus the recent years construction on the square, Rosie must get back to making a profit(TM). She has implemented several new strategies and supports them in every way. I got a chance to talk to some of her patrons who were all regulars and fans. Rosie’s planning, following up, and advertising to attract new customers, plus the experience, food, entertainment, and lounge atmosphere she provides, keep them coming back. She plans to become more ‘tech-savvy’ and create a web appearance for customers to view entertainment, special offers and read fun facts. Stay tuned. She also offers incentives and hospitality cards for bargain seekers.

Visiting a more established restaurant prompted me to visit a new entity. Town N Country Ale House has just reopened the doors of the former Constantine’s on the corner of Hanley and Waters Ave. The dubbed TNC Ale House faces a unique reprofitizing(TM) challenge. Modeling a new business after an old concept does not create an insistent brand, so a plan is required to stand out. Owner/manager Jay and Mike are setting themselves up for success with a distinctive menu featuring carnival-style desserts, a kids’ game room with surveillance cameras for parents, televisions, projection screens and did I mention televisions? The true “Cheers” style atmosphere is charming, complete with pool tables, darts, jukeboxes, arcade games, drink specials, live entertainment…and colossal wings too! Sporting events with competitions and prizes are sure to be a good time with good friends; that is what you will find every time you enter this establishment.

The last interview was one that touches all of us very closely. I’m talking about Real Estate. How in the world could this be good? If you don’t own a home, or even live under a rock, you know how affected our economy is by the housing market in Tampa Bay. Okay, here it goes. I grab my tissues and call Pam Pampenella from Future Home Realty. Ready to hear a sad story, I quickly put down the handkerchief and grabbed a pen. Pam created a consistent brand with an outstanding plan and awareness to recover from the free-falling market. She never mentioned getting clients as a concern. Her biggest challenge was time. Yes, I was stumped too, but 50% is spent educating yourself and keeping up with current market situations. She gives clients the service and honesty they deserve. She trusts her faith and knows the importance of including a helpful website, being nice, and working hard to deliver. Letters from her clients demonstrate that she lives by her words: “No matter what your business is, we all must have a passion to excel, a desire to learn, and most importantly, a heart to succeed.” serve”. The houses continue to sell people. Go ahead and make sure you have a smart real estate agent.

The common thread among these businesses was a distinctive vision of reprofitizing(TM). One need was to dazzle customer service with cheerful morals. No one was doing it alone. Consultants, partners and educators paved the way. These business owners reject anything short of success by using their own creative plans to Stop the Plunge, Profit Back (TM) from their results and “Build Your Brand of TRUST”.