RANT: Business Not Wanted - Really?

Every now and then, we have to rant. Today's rant about how hard it is to give local restaurants and bars our business.

We just can't believe how hard it is to give local restaurants and bars our business. Why on earth would they not want it?

As you know we run a weekly networking event called Clients and Cocktails. It takes place every Friday afternoon from 3:30 until 6:00 pm or so with anywhere from 8-18 people in attendance. We sit and chat about issues facing our businesses, point entrepreneurs in the right direction to questions they have and provide ideas and referrals. What is unique about our group is we move it around. We are in a different Niagara city or town and a different restaurant or bar each Friday. We believe in sharing the wealth. We are a very social network posting on facebook and twitter about the event leading up to the event and during the event.

So rant ONE!

First when we call the restaurant or pub to let them know they have been chosen for our weekly meeting, we are often refused, or we have to convince the owners to let us hold our group at their location. I repeat -- why on earth would a restaurant/bar not want our business?

We do not ask for anything special other than separate bills. Each of us order drinks and many order food each week. I would say on average we spend about $25/person each week. Heck, we were even told, we can get together for awhile, but comes dinner, we will have to leave. Why would paying customers who are enjoying the ambiance, the food, drink and each other's company have to leave if they are spending money at the location. We have been told there would be an automatic gratuity added to our bills. We have been told - no we don't want your group.

And you wonder why some restaurant's and bars are suffering? Do they treat all their patrons this way?

Rant TWO!

As mentioned, we are a social group. We talk about the location of choice on social media every week. We thank the location for their hospitality. We post photos. We refer others. And guess what? Rarely is there a social media post in response. And people wonder why their social media doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work if there is no response from the business to favourable comments and chatter on social media. REALLY!

So what the heck! If you don't want the business, close the doors. Give to the businesses that work hard to grow and appreciate their customers!

Don't get me wrong, there are many restaurants and bars who welcome us with open arms, go the extra mile by providing treats and swag and do respond to our social postings. It irks us however that each week we have to provide two or three ideas for our next location each week just in case the location of choice refuses our custom.

This week we are in Niagara Falls, next week Port Colborne - if you are a restaurant or bar contact us if you would like our group to visit one Friday.

905-734-8273 or Email.