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I was working with a couple of centers this past week. One a newer client, and another one, a client I have served for several years.The newer manager was excited about working with us as were we in working with him and his center. For the last several meetings he…

Ronald M. Popeil is an American inventor and marketing personality, best known for his direct response marketing company Ronco. He is well known for his appearances in infomercials for the Showtime Rotisserie and the coined phrase: “Set it, and forget it!”Reminds me of some bowling proprietors who set their open play and league…

Hundreds of Barnes & Noble bookstores have closed since 1997. In the last five years, the chain has lost a billion dollars (or more) in market value.Last weekend I went into a Barnes & Noble bookstore with my two granddaughters to get them some books. I was surprised at the…

This past Saturday Marie and I flew to Boston to be with our grandson for his 10th birthday. Somehow we decided that it would be a good idea to take an early morning flight (530 am) and fly back on a 1030 pm flight the same day. After all it…

I try to get this blog out about once a week and provide insights about bowling, management, marketing, social media, service, hiring and training and other subjects relevant to your business.But there are some things that happen in proprietor land that I just don’t understand.Here’s one recent example. I don’t…

Isn’t that the words you want to hear from your customers as they exit your facility?”Or“That was awesome, let’s go back”Or“I loved it. What a great place for Jimmy’s upcoming birthday party.”Or“Henry, let’s have our company party here. I think we would all have fun.”Or“This is better than last night’s…

A recent industry report indicated that bowling centers that convert to FECs or BECs can make about 50% more revenue than without this conversion. This is primarily due to the increase in arcade revenue, laser tag type of offers as well as food and beverage revenue.I have also heard numbers that…

Over the course of my career, I have heard proprietors say to me “Fred, our best promotion is rain.” And while it is true for us, it is also true for other industries that are dependent on weather, but I can’t think of one, maybe movies, that are as weather dependent…

Everyday customers come into our bowling center or FEC expecting something; whether it is a good time, fun with the family, an escape from the ordinary or just to do something different. But make no mistake, they are expecting something and after looking at your website, email or Facebook post they…

Been in the great heartland this week, spending time in Des Moines at the Iowa BPA meeting where I presented “Fred’s Fabulous Fundraising Program” to an enthusiastic group of proprietors who are really engaged in their business.  Really nice to be with such great folks.  Then it was off on a two…