Saturday night Dawn and I and some friends went to one of our new favorite restaurants, Butlers. They've been open about 6 months and is owned by two enthusiastic --- but new to the restaurant business--- brothers. They both have extensive and solid customer service and retail experience.
Later in the evening Louie came over and sat down and we started chatting.
Bob - How's it going, Louie?
Louie - Really good for only being open 6 months.
Bob - OK, Louie, tell me what 'really good' means. Come on.
Louie - Well, I think in a couple more months we should be making a profit.
[I am thinking, yeah, that is probably about right].
Bob - So, Louie, are you taking home any salary yet?
Louie - No, we just can't yet.
[I wait a minute for Louie to say something/anything else].
Louie - But, I think we are going to buy a POS [Point of Sale] system now.
Bob - No! Louie, don't do it. I mean, I don't think you should.
Louie - [With a very puzzled look on his face] Why not?
Bob - My opinion is that at this point you have to focus every penny you can on only activities that bring new customers in the door and old customers returning. And, a POS system does not do that. Is building your customer base the most important thing?
Louie - Well, now that you say it, yes.
We chatted a bit more but you get the idea. I just think that all of your energy needs to be focused on one thing: new prospects and new customers. And, when profitability is consistent, then add those bells and whistles such as a POS system that we make ordering quicker and more accurate and efficient.
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