Black Friday
Holiday shopping encouragement started earlier this year. Ads started popping up right after Halloween, and I guess now it is officially a holiday (shopping) season.
Mr. G's shop opened at 4am, as he always accommodates shoppers on this day. Haven't asked him how the crowd was this year.
Maybe a coffee cart in a mall parking lot would do well.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Happy Thanksgiving day
I am thankful for:
- my friends who encourage me to open Snappy's.
- the opportunities to learn and meet great people.
- those who trust me pursuing my goal.
- you reading this blog right now.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
- my friends who encourage me to open Snappy's.
- the opportunities to learn and meet great people.
- those who trust me pursuing my goal.
- you reading this blog right now.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Motivating employees
"Feeling appreciated" is one of important reasons for the employees to be loyal to the company. But what does that mean practically?
My friend Yoyo shared her thoughts based on her experience:
- I feel needed for the business.
- My hard work is recognized and appreciated.
- Good work is compensated accordingly.
- I feel trusted by my colleagues and supervisors.
So the cycle of:
Hard work => recognition => appreciation (emotional and material) => motivates more hard work
is ideal (well, of course, it is easy to say.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
My friend Yoyo shared her thoughts based on her experience:
- I feel needed for the business.
- My hard work is recognized and appreciated.
- Good work is compensated accordingly.
- I feel trusted by my colleagues and supervisors.
So the cycle of:
Hard work => recognition => appreciation (emotional and material) => motivates more hard work
is ideal (well, of course, it is easy to say.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
"The answer lies within." - Trackback theme (#623)
Japanese version of FC2 homepage provides daily trackback themes, and today's question was "What is your favorite quote?"
"The answer lies within."
This quote is from someone I really respect. It always reminds me that regardless of what others say, I am the one who has to decide:
- what I really want to do.
- what is best for myself.
- what is best for my business.
When I can't decide, that maybe because I do not have enough information and/or I have not thought thoroughly enough. If then I move along with the answer given by someone, I would most likely regret sooner or later.
I thank Mr. DK for sharing his wisdom.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
"The answer lies within."
This quote is from someone I really respect. It always reminds me that regardless of what others say, I am the one who has to decide:
- what I really want to do.
- what is best for myself.
- what is best for my business.
When I can't decide, that maybe because I do not have enough information and/or I have not thought thoroughly enough. If then I move along with the answer given by someone, I would most likely regret sooner or later.
I thank Mr. DK for sharing his wisdom.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Floor plan 3rd draft
Received another draft (from above and side) floor plan from the architect.
We agreed that a part of inside wall will reflect the outside brick wall.
He has also provided me with a picture of light fixtures he was considering. I felt they were a little too modern. I am planning to ask for friends' opinion before responding to him.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
We agreed that a part of inside wall will reflect the outside brick wall.
He has also provided me with a picture of light fixtures he was considering. I felt they were a little too modern. I am planning to ask for friends' opinion before responding to him.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Reality check
It took me a few years to express my dream of opening a coffee shop. When the idea first came to my mind, I worried people would criticize,
“There are so many Starbucks shops out there, why bother?”
“But you have a nice job!” (Back then I was a full time scientist.)
“Most of small businesses fail.”
As my research proceeded and my dream became my goal, I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts with close friends. Responses varied from:
“No way that would work.”
to
“Sounds like a good idea!”
Well, at least some people said positive things. There are people who are negative to everything, and I quickly learned to get over with them. Others, however, gave me their honest opinions because they cared. Regardless of their intentions, negative comments were hard not to take personally. But I have learned to thank them as opportunities to learn. These hard-to-answer questions often represent the reality.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
“There are so many Starbucks shops out there, why bother?”
“But you have a nice job!” (Back then I was a full time scientist.)
“Most of small businesses fail.”
As my research proceeded and my dream became my goal, I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts with close friends. Responses varied from:
“No way that would work.”
to
“Sounds like a good idea!”
Well, at least some people said positive things. There are people who are negative to everything, and I quickly learned to get over with them. Others, however, gave me their honest opinions because they cared. Regardless of their intentions, negative comments were hard not to take personally. But I have learned to thank them as opportunities to learn. These hard-to-answer questions often represent the reality.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Another learning opportunity
“What do you do?” referring to one’s profession is very ordinary conversation topic anywhere. I just had another chat of that nature after an exercise class last night. At my turn, I stuttered a bit as others had already introduced themselves as a doctor and an engineer. “Ah, wel..., I, I am trying to open a coffee shop.” Then the engineer said he used to own a coffee shop!.
It was a pleasant surprise to meet someone with coffee shop experience there. That just reminded me to explore outside small business seminars and food service trade shows. Thank you Mac for your time listening to my story after the class!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
It was a pleasant surprise to meet someone with coffee shop experience there. That just reminded me to explore outside small business seminars and food service trade shows. Thank you Mac for your time listening to my story after the class!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Floor plan 2nd draft
Received comments on the floor plan from a coffee shop owner Mr. G. and Sam who is in security industry.
Sam agreed with me that bathroom door should be visible to the customer area. He also pointed that customer’s access to storage and back doors, even if they are locked, should be minimal, if not none. He recommended an alarm system at the very beginning and cameras and DVR built onto it as my fund becomes available.
Sam also pointed out that the majority of thefts are caused by vendors and employees, unfortunately.
Thank you Mr. G ans Sam for taking your time to look at the floor plan!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Sam agreed with me that bathroom door should be visible to the customer area. He also pointed that customer’s access to storage and back doors, even if they are locked, should be minimal, if not none. He recommended an alarm system at the very beginning and cameras and DVR built onto it as my fund becomes available.
Sam also pointed out that the majority of thefts are caused by vendors and employees, unfortunately.
Thank you Mr. G ans Sam for taking your time to look at the floor plan!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Counter height
As I mentioned previously, counter height is important for safety. In the process of making espresso shots, there is a step called “tamping” in which coffee grind is pressed into a filter using a motion similar to pressing down a large rubber stamp and then twisting it. Tamping requires force and is best performed with your arm straight so that you can use shoulder weight. If the counter is too high for your arm to be straight, you have to press down with arm force, stressing the wrist.
Besides “tamping,” more pressure is on the wrist while handling the filter (1.5lb) and pouring milk from a gallon container into a pitcher at higher level.
I think one of the reasons Starbucks replaced their grinders and espresso machines with super-automatic machines, which simply requires whole beans fed into in order to make espresso shots, is to prevent wrist injuries caused by the repetitive motions.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Besides “tamping,” more pressure is on the wrist while handling the filter (1.5lb) and pouring milk from a gallon container into a pitcher at higher level.
I think one of the reasons Starbucks replaced their grinders and espresso machines with super-automatic machines, which simply requires whole beans fed into in order to make espresso shots, is to prevent wrist injuries caused by the repetitive motions.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Employee loyalty (Part 5)
Floor plan 2nd draft
Received from the architect the second draft of floor plan and equipment specs.
My requests for the layout so far include:
- Would like to be able to see the cash register from dish washing sink.
- Want to have drip machine closest to the register then espresso machine and then sandwich station. (My friend, however, noted customers want to see how sandwiches are made. They maybe able to see that anyways as the space is very small.)
- Bathroom door should be visible from customer area.
- Front door should open to outside (easier for customers holding cups to leave.)
Just remembered another one:
- Espresso tamping (a process to fill espresso grind in a machine part before coffee extraction) needs to be done at my waist level.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
My requests for the layout so far include:
- Would like to be able to see the cash register from dish washing sink.
- Want to have drip machine closest to the register then espresso machine and then sandwich station. (My friend, however, noted customers want to see how sandwiches are made. They maybe able to see that anyways as the space is very small.)
- Bathroom door should be visible from customer area.
- Front door should open to outside (easier for customers holding cups to leave.)
Just remembered another one:
- Espresso tamping (a process to fill espresso grind in a machine part before coffee extraction) needs to be done at my waist level.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Employee loyalty (Part 4)
(Continued from Part 3.)
9. They think the experience gained at the current job will help them in the future.
10. They feel treated equally.
It does not really matter whether or not the employer actually treats them fairly, if they do no feel so. Unlike children, most of employees should be able to understand the circumstances if explained. But if situation is not clarified, the employer really needs to think why. (Is s/he really treated fairly? Is the employee mature enough not to take things personally? Etc.)
(Continue to Part 5.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
9. They think the experience gained at the current job will help them in the future.
10. They feel treated equally.
It does not really matter whether or not the employer actually treats them fairly, if they do no feel so. Unlike children, most of employees should be able to understand the circumstances if explained. But if situation is not clarified, the employer really needs to think why. (Is s/he really treated fairly? Is the employee mature enough not to take things personally? Etc.)
(Continue to Part 5.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Not For Sale
I heard the interview of author, David Badstone, on the radio and was shocked to learn human slavery exists in our backyards. I was aware there are forced labors at massage parlors and sweat shops in San Francisco but did not know the extent of this crime. I will read this book soon and think what I can do at Snappy's.
Employee loyalty (Part 3)
(Continued from Part 2.)
7. They like customers.
Regardless how much business the customer actually conducts, it is more fun to work with pleasant customers. Unfortunately there are some people who are never satisfied and do always complain. There are also some people who look down on the workers in service sector. Their feelings reflect their attitude.
8. They like the work environment.
Employees need to be provided with tools to perform the tasks, and equipment should be maintained as well for efficiency. The workplace should be safe so that employees are not worried about injuries or crimes.
(Continue to Part 4.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
7. They like customers.
Regardless how much business the customer actually conducts, it is more fun to work with pleasant customers. Unfortunately there are some people who are never satisfied and do always complain. There are also some people who look down on the workers in service sector. Their feelings reflect their attitude.
8. They like the work environment.
Employees need to be provided with tools to perform the tasks, and equipment should be maintained as well for efficiency. The workplace should be safe so that employees are not worried about injuries or crimes.
(Continue to Part 4.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Links - Local talents
Cupcake Brown - author & screen writer
Juan Gil - Salsa dance instructor
Judith Kajiwara - artist
Ledisi - singer
Juan Gil - Salsa dance instructor
Judith Kajiwara - artist
Ledisi - singer
September, 2008
(Continued from August, 2008.)
I drafted my proposal and visited a law office. My friend who also owns a business referred to this attorney, and I liked how the receptionist talked to me on the phone. The fee was also reasonable, and his office was close to Snappy's.
Based on attorney's comments, I revised the proposal and submitted to the landlord with a deposit. He called me laughing because his staff cashed my deposit check before he thoroughly reviewed the proposal. But he said the proposal was "OK" and sent me a lease agreement.
I contemplated a little whether or not to pay the attorney again to have the lease reviewed. But I am glad I made the investment. He pointed out my oversights and gave me valuable advices. I also added another clause regarding the exclusivity and came to an agreement with the landlord.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
I drafted my proposal and visited a law office. My friend who also owns a business referred to this attorney, and I liked how the receptionist talked to me on the phone. The fee was also reasonable, and his office was close to Snappy's.
Based on attorney's comments, I revised the proposal and submitted to the landlord with a deposit. He called me laughing because his staff cashed my deposit check before he thoroughly reviewed the proposal. But he said the proposal was "OK" and sent me a lease agreement.
I contemplated a little whether or not to pay the attorney again to have the lease reviewed. But I am glad I made the investment. He pointed out my oversights and gave me valuable advices. I also added another clause regarding the exclusivity and came to an agreement with the landlord.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Floor plan draft
I received the first draft from my architect today. It is difficult for me to imagine the site just by looking at computer screen. Will print out and think about it!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Conversation topics at work place
In general we should avoid talking about religion and politics at work.
Before last week’s election, I heard on the radio about political conversation at work. One person commented that when performance evaluation comes later and the review is not favorable?/of a particular employer, no one would know whether or not the different political views between him/her and the supervisor has affected.
I agree and respect the freedom of speech, and the candidates, bond measures and propositions were (and still are) very popular topics around. But I would have to remind myself that the coffee shop is a workplace as well as a social space for some people.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Before last week’s election, I heard on the radio about political conversation at work. One person commented that when performance evaluation comes later and the review is not favorable?/of a particular employer, no one would know whether or not the different political views between him/her and the supervisor has affected.
I agree and respect the freedom of speech, and the candidates, bond measures and propositions were (and still are) very popular topics around. But I would have to remind myself that the coffee shop is a workplace as well as a social space for some people.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Visit to another small business expert
After my visit to the shoe repair shop, I thought about my friend Sue who owns an alteration shop near Snappy’s. She immigrated to the US a long time ago and worked as a seamstress first. Then she opened her own alteration business while raising her daughter by herself. When you see her in her shop, she is your ordinary sewing lady, but once she starts speaking, you can tell she knows a lot about running a business.
Once I told her that I signed on the lease for Snappy’s and where it is going to be at, she asked me the dimension of the store and gave me some advises:
- Before deciding the store layout, I should check how the sun shines through the store windows at different time of the day.
- A walkway tends to be a waste of space (and therefore waste of rent). So minimize it.
- Workers should be able to see who is coming in and out the store from behind the counter.
As in her sewing, she pays attention to details everywhere, even when visiting restaurants, she says.
While I was at her store, a few customers came to place orders. I mentioned to her my trip to shoe repair shop, and she also said more people are fixing their clothes instead of buying new ones.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Once I told her that I signed on the lease for Snappy’s and where it is going to be at, she asked me the dimension of the store and gave me some advises:
- Before deciding the store layout, I should check how the sun shines through the store windows at different time of the day.
- A walkway tends to be a waste of space (and therefore waste of rent). So minimize it.
- Workers should be able to see who is coming in and out the store from behind the counter.
As in her sewing, she pays attention to details everywhere, even when visiting restaurants, she says.
While I was at her store, a few customers came to place orders. I mentioned to her my trip to shoe repair shop, and she also said more people are fixing their clothes instead of buying new ones.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Another cafe around the corner
I have found out that a new coffee shop opened 3 blocks away from where Snappy’s will open at. (How I found was that a stack of their flyers were pinned on a bulletin board inside another coffee shop in town, kinda strange.) I wanted to go visit there but could not find any parking space. Will try another time.
How many blocks would a customer walk from his/her car to buy a cup of coffee?
Japanese version of this entry is here.
How many blocks would a customer walk from his/her car to buy a cup of coffee?
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Employee loyalty (Part 2)
(Continued from Part 1)
4. Tasks.
Employees’ attitude toward job reflects their performance. If they like what they do, the productivity increases and there becomes positive feeling in the air. Just as some car dealership’s radio ad says, “happy employees make happy customers.”
5. Products and/or services.
If the employees do not believe in their products, their attitude would show.
6. Coworkers, bosses and subordinates.:
Employees do not have to be best friends with everyone at work, but trust among colleagues is important. When things become personal (as opposed to feelings toward products or services), it gets a little complicated. Mature respect toward each other is good and necessary, but too short personal distance gets usually more annoying to the surrounding than productive.
Continue to Part 3
Japanese version of this entry is here.
4. Tasks.
Employees’ attitude toward job reflects their performance. If they like what they do, the productivity increases and there becomes positive feeling in the air. Just as some car dealership’s radio ad says, “happy employees make happy customers.”
5. Products and/or services.
If the employees do not believe in their products, their attitude would show.
6. Coworkers, bosses and subordinates.:
Employees do not have to be best friends with everyone at work, but trust among colleagues is important. When things become personal (as opposed to feelings toward products or services), it gets a little complicated. Mature respect toward each other is good and necessary, but too short personal distance gets usually more annoying to the surrounding than productive.
Continue to Part 3
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Employee loyalty (Part 1)
Employees stay because of (in a random order):
1. The pay & other benefits.
Low wage obviously can lose the employees to other employers, although too high wage would break the bank. Employee discount, even at a low rate, would be perceived as a fringe benefit.
2. Convenient location.
Just as location is important for the business to attract customers, it is important to attract (and keep) the employees. Many companies offer telecommuting options to accommodate employees. In case of retail or food service business, the location may become inconvenient for the worker when s/he relocates or changes lifestyle (ex. Graduating.)
3. Convenient work schedule.
What is considered ‘convenient’ or ‘preferred’ varies among employees. Some part-timers like more hours and some want less. Some want a few hours but on more days while others like long hours on a few days. The employer shall make sure each employee is satisfied with the schedule (but make the contingency plan before making sure.)
(Continue to Part 2)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
1. The pay & other benefits.
Low wage obviously can lose the employees to other employers, although too high wage would break the bank. Employee discount, even at a low rate, would be perceived as a fringe benefit.
2. Convenient location.
Just as location is important for the business to attract customers, it is important to attract (and keep) the employees. Many companies offer telecommuting options to accommodate employees. In case of retail or food service business, the location may become inconvenient for the worker when s/he relocates or changes lifestyle (ex. Graduating.)
3. Convenient work schedule.
What is considered ‘convenient’ or ‘preferred’ varies among employees. Some part-timers like more hours and some want less. Some want a few hours but on more days while others like long hours on a few days. The employer shall make sure each employee is satisfied with the schedule (but make the contingency plan before making sure.)
(Continue to Part 2)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
The 44th president has been elected
At Mr. G's coffee shop today, several people came to ask if there are newspapers for sale. They said papers were sold out anywhere else.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Polling station
The coffee shop that showed the last president candidate debate 2 weeks ago became a polling station today. Regular cafe business continued on the big day as well. Some people came just to pick up their usual cup of Joe, while some others stepped into the store for the first time as voters. Many of the newcomers took advantage of discounts with their "I voted" stickers. A small group of women decided to sit down with their tea and pastries after casting their ballets. Maybe they will come back to the cafe again.
Another way to promote the shop by providing a space to do what people would do anyways. Cheers to the owner Mr. G!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Another way to promote the shop by providing a space to do what people would do anyways. Cheers to the owner Mr. G!
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Second visit by the architect
My architect and his engineer visited Snappy's site today. They took measurements to start drawing the floor plan.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Creating demands
I have a friend who owns a store selling his handmade soaps, incenses and other personal care items. I me one of his customers and had an interesting conversation. He has run various businesses and learned to look at things from different perspectives.
He told me that once he made money cutting hair. He probably was not a licensed barber. He convinced people at small meetings (at church? or something) who were not interested in getting haircut that they actually needed one. A few got convinced and got haircut by him, then these customers received compliments on their new looks and so came back to him again. At the same time other guys observed how haircut can improve one’s appearance and decided to get their hair cut also.
That story reminded me of the story about 2 shoe salespeople.
Two shoe salespeople were sent to an island to sell shoes. They arrived at the island to find out there was no custom to wear shoes there. One salesperson said “that sucks. No one wears shoes!” But the other said, “That’s great. No on wears shoes!”
I admire the ability of those who can create demands and supply them.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
He told me that once he made money cutting hair. He probably was not a licensed barber. He convinced people at small meetings (at church? or something) who were not interested in getting haircut that they actually needed one. A few got convinced and got haircut by him, then these customers received compliments on their new looks and so came back to him again. At the same time other guys observed how haircut can improve one’s appearance and decided to get their hair cut also.
That story reminded me of the story about 2 shoe salespeople.
Two shoe salespeople were sent to an island to sell shoes. They arrived at the island to find out there was no custom to wear shoes there. One salesperson said “that sucks. No one wears shoes!” But the other said, “That’s great. No on wears shoes!”
I admire the ability of those who can create demands and supply them.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Another rainy day
In general food services and other retail businesses slow down in rain. I recall the restaurant I worked back in high school served free coffee on rainy days.
What people do (want to do) when it rains?
* Watch TV or movie at home
* Surf on Internet at home
* Go watch movie
* Go to nearby (not far) mall and walk around
What else?
How would I attract customers to Snappy’s in bad weather?
Would free Internet enough to convince them to drive from home?
Maybe I bake cookies (baking sounds like a rainy day activity, doesn’t it?) and give out?
Japanese version of this entry is here.
What people do (want to do) when it rains?
* Watch TV or movie at home
* Surf on Internet at home
* Go watch movie
* Go to nearby (not far) mall and walk around
What else?
How would I attract customers to Snappy’s in bad weather?
Would free Internet enough to convince them to drive from home?
Maybe I bake cookies (baking sounds like a rainy day activity, doesn’t it?) and give out?
Japanese version of this entry is here.
