While quality food and service is timeless, you know that customer preferences can change over time. That’s why being able to recognize trends before they’re already over is a great skill that can benefit your business. But how can you do that? The good news is that you don’t need to have psychic abilities or visit a tarot card reader. You just need to put in a little bit of effort and keep these ideas in mind.
Listen.
Listening to your customers is one of the best ways to figure out what they want. What are they looking for in their bar or restaurant experience? If many people are saying the same things, you can bet that it may become a trend.
Read.
You may think that you’re too busy to have time for homework, but the truth is, reading about your industry is essential. Read any relevant magazines and keep track of any words or concepts that are repeated often. Read blogs, articles, and websites about the bar and restaurant industry.
Keep up on the news.
Don’t get so wrapped up in your business that you don’t notice the world around you! Simply being aware of what’s happening in your world is one of the best ways to spot trends. Read or watch the news and pay attention to economic trends.
Watch social media.
What are your Twitter followers talking about? What are the hot topics for your Facebook friends? Pay attention to social media and you may be able to spot trends before they get big. Follow your customers, listen to what they’re saying, and click on any links they post. Their interests may give you some insight into future trends.
Pay attention to other businesses.
What’s going on in your local economy? Check out other companies and see what their business is like. You don’t just have to focus on bars and restaurants, either. What trends are popping up in local stores? Their customer trends may translate to your business. Does your neighborhood have an association for business owners? Joining may give you the opportunity to talk to other business owners and learn more about the trends they’re seeing with their customers.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can spot trends early and implement them in your bar or restaurant.
Article provided by Buzztime.
For daily tips, ideas, and concepts for your bar or restaurant, please visit
http://www.BuzztimeBusiness.com/smarts
Trusted by over 3,200 bars and restaurants in North America since 1985, Buzztime integrates trivia, card and sports games with in- and out-of-venue messaging and communication tools. With over 4.2 million player registrations on the Buzztime platform and over 52 million games played each year, Buzztime players spread the word and invite friends and family to their favorite Buzztime location to enjoy an evening of fun and competition.
