Assessing Tech Simplified - An Insight from Eateries to Service Providers
As the season of trade shows approaches post-Labor Day, both restaurants and their vendor partners prepare for renewed growth. Here is a guide for both restaurant owners and vendors to navigate the process effectively.
For Vendors:
- Prior Research Matters: Take time to research the restaurant before reaching out. Personalize the initial email by acknowledging their achievements, praising menu items, or mentioning something personal about the person you're reaching out to. This helps establish a relationship from the start.
- Understand Their Needs: If you don't know a restaurant's priorities, ask. While your goal is to sell your product, it's essential to understand their goals and align your solution accordingly.
- Use Understandable Language: Avoid using technical jargon or unfamiliar terms that might confuse the recipient. Relate your product to the restaurant's specific context to facilitate understanding.
- Timing is Key: If your initial contact goes unanswered, politely follow up with a good time to discuss further. Offering multiple options demonstrates consideration and respect for their time.
- Address Crucial Questions: When discussing your product, be ready to answer questions like what it does, how it works, integration requirements, onboarding process, customer success plan, costs, and past successes with similar establishments.
Restaurants:
When evaluating new solutions, consider these five points: does it save money or time, does it generate income or save time, does it integrate with non-negotiables, does it improve guest experience, and does it ease teamwork. Each 'Yes' brings a restaurant one step closer to acquiring a valuable solution.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, both restaurants and vendors must cultivate effective communication strategies to build strong, lasting partnerships. By focusing on understanding each other's needs, using clear language, and maintaining professionalism, both parties can grow together and thrive in the competitive market.
- For Vendors: When seeking to partner with a restaurant, it's crucial to address the aspect of guest experience in your pitch. Highlight how your product can enhance the dining experience for the establishment's patrons, thereby contributing to their overall success.
- For Restaurants: While evaluating potential business partnerships, considering the impact on finance is paramount. Assess whether the solution proposed by the vendor will provide a good return on investment, contributing positively to the restaurant's financial health.
