“Most businesses are afraid to try new tactics,” said Chris Fowler. He continued, stating that some business owners are afraid or intimidated to take that step. Some business owners aren’t willing to invest money for seminars or courses that could prove to be valuable learning experiences.
On Wednesday, June 3, The Genesee Grande Hotel is hosting the New Economy Summit from 8 a.m. to noon. The Syracuse First event, sponsored by AmeriCU, will be inviting everyone to the seminar, including the new and seasoned business owners, managers, lawyers, writers, marketers, entrepreneurs… the list goes on.
Samuel Filler of Empire State Development, the guy behind Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Craft Beverage Initiative, is the keynote speaker. The winners of the AmeriCU Local Business Visionary Award and the Sparky Mortimer Humanitarian Award will be mentioned as well. However, the enticing aspect is incorporating ZingTrain into the event.
ZingTrain is a business to help your business. It’s based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it’s an offshoot of Zingerman’s Delicatessen. The deli, which opened in 1982, started out as a simple deli. It’s continued to stay a deli. It has since expanded to 600 employees working at nine locations. The locations are not deli-based either; they incorporate niches such as chocolate, candy, baked goods and a brewery.
Zingerman’s have been featured multiple times in publications such as Inc. — deeming the eatery as “The Coolest Small Company in America” in 2003 — and Forbes. In the latter, secrets to the small, booming sensation’s success are as indulged as their artisan breads.
Referencing the Inc. article linked above, the corner deli only has room for the “warm-hearted, fun-loving, and food-obsessed.” With these qualities and good, old-fashioned, neighborhood friendly customer service the reputation developed naturally.
“What they have is a blueprint,” stated Fowler. The excitement caused the color in his widened eyes to scream vibrancy. “For being consistent and welcoming, meeting the needs of their customers, Zingerman’s has managed at $50 million per year revenue.”
According to a June 2014 Business Insider article: “These businesses are founded on a unique philosophy. They lack a traditional business hierarchy and emphasize collective decision-making. The unorthodox strategy has worked well for them, and the company is on track to make $50 million this fiscal year.” The article also stated that Zingerman’s 600-plus employees could eventually take part in ownership and determine future direction.
But, if it ain’t broke, why fix anything? That’s exactly what Fowler is trying to stress.
ZingTrain’s business approach and seminars clue attendees and investors into the business’ “secrets.” Although the practices may not be secrets, it’s important to have that inspiration and reassurance for your business.
With the current Syracuse economy, we could all use a business refresher. It’s important to stay true to your business, but cater to your clients. Maybe you don’t cater to them, but want to guarantee them a great product or service and that service does include relationships.
The New Economy Summit will be held at the Genesee Grande, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Tickets are available at the Centerstate CEO website, and they can be purchased for $65 (members) or $80 (non-members).
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