A “perfect storm” is an expression that describes an event where a rare combination of circumstances will aggravate a situation drastically. And that’s what’s happening today across this great nation.
While so many organizations are simply sitting dormant waiting for things to get better, others have decided to take action in an effort to make things better.
The rare combination of circumstances coming together today include chaos, competition, and creativity … all leading to major CHANGE you probably thought you’d never see … and yet current news releases inform us that many changes are already taking place. Here are three you might find interesting.
Burger King Planning to Sell Beer
Yes, it sounds like a whopper, but it’s true. The burger chain already has a Whopper Bar at Universal Citywalk near the theme parks in Orlando, Florida, and it plans to open others in Miami Beach, New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The beers will be mostly domestic, such as Bud and Miller, and will be served in aluminum bottles selling for about $4.25. Burger King is also experimenting with several combo offerings.
McSaloon Will Offer Win Coolers
In an attempt to counter Burger King and maintain its position as the #1 burger chain on earth, McDonald’s has announced that it will start selling wine coolers at its South Beach locations in Miami beginning the middle of March this year. Interestingly enough, that kick-off date correlates with Spring Break. Called McWineCooler Swirls, the alcoholic beverages will be served during McHappy Hour from 4-7 p. m. daily at the McSaloon section of the restaurant. The beverages will not be served in the main family area of the restaurant.
Kroger Get Creative
Creativity isn’t limited to the fast food industry. Kroger has seen the benefit of expanding its offering as well in hopes of weathering the Perfect Storm.
Kroger Marketplace in Frisco, Texas, has opened up a new 123,000-square-foot store that greatly expands upon the products the supermarket typically sells. In addition to everything you would expect to find in a Kroger store, this one also sells home furnishings like dining room sets, bookshelves and lamps as well as toys, jewelry and more. Oh, and if on the way out you suddenly experience the urge to splurge on a diamond pendant or pick up an engagement ring, a Fred Meyer Jewelers is conveniently located at the front of the store. (It turns out that Kroger, the country’s second-largest grocery chain, also owns the Fred Meyer Jewelry chain, which happens to be the nation’s third-largest jewelry retailer).
Target Targets Food
If you haven’t already noticed, Target has been expending its line of food products for the past several years and the response has been very positive. So much so, that it is now testing fresh meat products in a number of test stores. If it catches on like its other food products have, Kroger may be concerned.
You can bet there are a host of competitors watching what happens as a result of these creative attempts to survive and thrive. If they fail, you will hear a chorus of “I told you so.” If they succeed, you’ll suddenly see a lot of them scrambling to do the same. However, there’s a good chance that it will be too late.
To succeed today, you’d better be willing to do what it takes to weather that “perfect storm” that confronts us all! Get creative, take a chance, put forth an effort or pay the price as you simply sit and watch!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.
It had to happen. We just didn’t think it would be so soon. Shortly after General Motors became “Government Motors,” the wheels began to turn. (Get it?)
This new Cadillac cologne is described as having a real “guy” smell, composed with top notes of grapefruit and chamomile; middle notes of geranium, tarragon and cinnamon, and a dry-out of ebony, sweet spice, vetiver and incense. Do you think that’s happy talk for “a whiff of gasoline or the aroma of burning rubber”? With that many ingredients it sounds as though they’re going to have to package it in a keg rather than a bottle!
It’s made with sparkling water, a hint of skimmed milk, fruit flavoring and cane sugar. While it may sound slightly nauseating to some, Coke assures us that the milk won’t curdle in its aluminum bottle. The 8 oz. bottle, selling for $2.49, is available in four flavors: Citrus Burst, Peach Mango, Very Berry, and Tropical Colada.