I’m not someone who watches reality tv shows too often but I have an affinity for Restaurant Impossible. I think what draws me to the show is that the scenarios are often so similar. Restaurant owner opens an eatery to fulfill a long-time dream yet typically has no clue about how to actually run this type of business, has poorly trained staff, or awful tasting food and outdated decor.
Over and over again each owner wonders what went wrong. Some admit to changing up the previous management style or recipes. The quality slides when the excitement of having a restaurant wanes and/or the bills stack up. The owner thinks they can be a one-man show and avoids putting managers in place of the kitchen, front house, or promotions. Burnout quickly sets in and the realism that a certain level of restaurant business knowledge is essential.
The sad comparison is that I see these same scenarios happening in my own industry of being a virtual assistant. I’m not sure when things shifted that someone can think they can open a business but have no knowledge how to run a business or have no/limited management in place as they continue to grow and expand. Maybe it’s always been this way and it’s just that reality tv has brought this to the forefront. There are a plethora of shows with a business-focus being broadcast these days.
Many times the experts have solid suggestions even though in the end the business in the spotlight may close. The closure was inevitable because the suggestions made by the expert weren’t hitting the mark with the target market or the PR boost wasn’t enough to bring new faces into the location or the owner wanted to hold onto old clientele more than welcome new ones into the establishment. Times change and those changes can make or break a business. It’s so important to allow a business to evolve and be a living breathing system.
These business themed shows can be used as a learning tool – watch and listen for their mistakes and analysis your own business to learn from the experts, avoid the pitfalls, and play tag-along for cool idea they had to put your own unique spin on it.
I encourage you to watch with your critical thinking cap on. If you’re a notes taker by heart then grab your tablet for listing your critiques. It makes no difference that the focus business doesn’t match your industry because business foundations are universal.
When the show starts out notice what you perceive to be their biggest flaw. What would you do differently if in the same situation? In the end does this match the expert’s suggestions? Pay close attention to the staff and how they are trained. Later on sign in to the show’s website and read the follow up to see if the business is still thriving and get the end of the story.
In the end you need to do what’s right for your business. No one else can walk in your shoes. Few others can claim they know your clientele they way you do.