True..it's all about watching, learning and change.

Your right and McDonalds has been doing it for a long time. McDonalds is a good example to use, but this is unequivically true with regard to marketing. The very old saying "why reinvent the whell" is applicable here. Duplication of effort is a very smart way to work.

Christopher, thanks for taking time to give some input...yes you don't want to reinvent the wheel, but adding an engine on top of those wheels or a horse in front of it, definitely helps.  McDonalds over the years have adapted to change hence the adding of salads and healthier foods in the last few years, however, this latest change is definitely one of the most noticeable - and who knows most effective--I know I've gone their several times recently, when i never once went there in I'd say the past two years.  People can learn from watching those who are more successful, even in unsuspecting places, such as Mickie D's

heeeeeeeeeeello.  I haven't heard of or seen any of these.  I might actually like a Mcd's if it looked like that.  I'm impressed.  And great post about change.

-Chris 

I like the McDonalds analogy.  You have to keep up with changing needs, changing expectations, and changing times. 

I always like to study my competitors and take the good and eliminate what I do not like. It really helps.

That's awesome, I haven't seen any of the new McD's here. I'll have to keep any eye out.

Great post. I have noticed they are slowly changing and did you hear about their new coffee stations that are coming out that is supposed to make StarBucks nervous?

David, copying from successful competitors is like they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Great thoughts about being observant in what is working.

The only place where I have been to a McCafe was in Australia, and I was definitely impressed by the quality of the food (didn't try the drinks) for a McDonald's. With the updated look they can start charging more for food and drinks as well!

But what you have mentioned is something I try to take to heart: I try to make Canadiana Property look a little bit more "high class" than other websites, which is a huge advantage in the competitive market. We should definitely be learning from this move by McDonalds. 

Pat, thanks for reading!

Chris,  yes I was the same way--my friend stopped there, I went in, but didn't order but it peaked my curiosity--i've eaten there several times, and came up with this great post idea.

Meghan,   So true...you don't want to fall behind and end up like some agents who were forced out of the business (and I'm talking top producers--back in the day) because of the fact that they would not adapt to change (I.E. MLS on computers, and such)  some refused to learn, and stick to the old ways, and as a result they are no longer in business...survival of the fittest!

oh my this is a revelation. I haven't been to McDonald's in so long I had no idea that they were doing this. They should be marketing better. Maybe there are none in my area. If your business is not changing, your business will die. It's been provin time and time again and even the big ones are keeping up with the Jones.

Kym

Matthew, we can always improve upon one another, thats how business evolves! 

Rebecka, They are few and far between right now,  I have a house in a somewhat small town in North Carolina, and trust me its not upgraded, but when I am back in MD (where I spend most of my time)  The DC, Annapolis, Baltimore Metro area has a good bit of transformed locations there are hundreds more in the area that have yet to be remodeled but they are coming!  (and Mc Cafe's are coming to 14000 locations)   keep an eye out

Good points...style does matter.  Plus you need to make an image/symbol that makes people think of you!

LaNita,  Yea I touched on that subject as well in the post...  they are supposed to put in 14,000 cafe's - we shall see what the quality is.

Gary, yes you definitely should not copy what your competitor word for word, action by action, but you should learn what they are doing, and then figure out how you can take  it a step or two farther, see how you can improve upon what they do!

Hannah - thanks for the input, yes we should always be looking to improve upon, and offer better services and offer more then competitors...its healthy business

Hi, David - Do we have any of these updated McDonald's around Crofton?   Very good analogy, David.  In the old days, everyone looked to McDonald's to learn and now they have to look at all those places that one-upped them to return the favor.  We ned to do that in our business, too.  Being top dog five years ago means nothing - we need to worry about NOW.

Thanks Kym,   I haven't seen them doing any new ad's although they should....Some Mc Donalds now a signs outside "whoa, Check it out" or something to that affect

Vincent,   I always recommend to clients and new clients that if they don't have a logo or something to that effect when we go to do a website, then its best to do some sort of mini marketing package, including business cards, flyer and postcard templates, and a logo of some sort, just so that their marketing is uniform throughout.