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How We Can All Learn From Mc Donalds!!

How We Can All Learn From McDonalds

Some may have heard, some may have noticed, but for those who haven't, I'm going to show you how we can learn from McDonalds. Throughout the country recently, McDonalds has been remodeling their locations to favor the style of Starbucks, upscale restaurants and Bistro's to adjust to their clients changing needs. If you haven't been in one of the remodeled locations, you really should look. They have fireplaces and fish tanks, nice tile floors, muted colors like sage green and browns on the walls, leather loveseats and couches, bistro tables, new seating in general, soft lights, oh and did I mention flat screen televisions and WIFI internet.

McDonalds has also just released that they will have McCafe's in 14,000 locations with barista's to compete with Starbucks. You can buy your nonfat, venti quad shot caramel macchiato no whip at mc donalds (with a slightly less fancy name) as well as a slightly lower price tag (.60-.80 cents cheaper).

I myself until recently would not even go to McDonalds drive thru because the smell was nauseating. However with the new locations the ventilation must be better because it doesn't have the greasy thick smell in the air anymore, and is actually a nice place to sit and eat with someone while on a lunch break, or to use the internet.

HOW WE CAN LEARN:

McDonalds has adjusted to change due to changes in their clients needs and due to what chains such as Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A offer. (where else besides Chick-Fil-A can you go to the drive thru at lunch hour and have the line wrapped around the building and still be out of their in 5 minutes?) McDonalds is learning from their competitors and clients, and you should too!

Similar to what I posted yesterday about studying your competitors successful producing websites & national companies websites, the same is true for studying the top producing agents in your area, seeing what makes them successful, seeing how they keep, retain, business and survive during slower times.

Now, you shouldn't see what your competitors are doing it and copy it, basically word for word, what you should however, is to study them and IMPROVE upon what they do, to make you more successful. What do they do for listing presentations? Take it step farther! What do they do for actual listings or advertisements, websites, communication with clients? Take is a step or two farther!

We can all learn from McDonalds, so why not for lunch today (if you have one of their remodeled locations near you) stop in, grab a nice salad, chicken sandwich and a latte (if your lucky to have the Mc Café already) and pop out your laptop or a notepad and take notes, and strive to do better in 2008!

To your success in 2008,

David Fox
The Real Estate Tech Desk
"Technology & Marketing Solutions For Real Estate"
410-274-4871
www.defpc.net

Posted by David Fox, Real Estate Technology Specialist on 01/08/2008 08:23 AM

Comments (19)

marketing, boost business, real estate marketing, web design, custom web design, competition

19 Comments on How We Can All Learn From Mc Donalds!!

JAN

2008

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!

JAN

2008

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.

JAN

2008

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.

DEC

I've seen several of these in our area too. They look really great. Some even have mini-tv's at every booth. The old Style is on it's way out.

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