49th Annual Chicken BBQ for Kiwanis Club - Eric Statzer

Our 49th Annual BBQ Chicken was a great success. Here's the early morning "Dippers" crew working from 3am until 5pm. Over 10,000 chickens cooked and bbq dipped, feeding a lot of folks and raising a lot of money to do a lot of good in our community!

 

Eric Statzer | Craig Richard

The Tampa Hillsborough EDC RISE event at Amalie Arena set the tone for the growth of Tampa, Florida going into the new year. I'm honored to have met the President and CEO, Craig J. Richard, CEcD, FM, and looking forward to working with him and the EDC. Richard is an economic development veteran for cities such as Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia and has a proven track record of great success. Tampa is on the RISE!

Eric Statzer & Son

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Eric Statzer - Highlands, North Carolina

 

2017 Presidents' Cup Golf Tournament Hosted by The Tampa Club

8TH ANNUAL PRESIDENTS’ CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT
BENEFITING MOFFITT CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION

John Poole | Eric Statzer

Eric Statzer | President at Statzer Consulting™

Maximize Your Business Trip at 30,000 Feet

 

 

Whether you're the occasional business traveler or your Medallion Status is VVS1 clarity, you know the nagging feeling and associated lack of productivity from the moment you check in all the way to baggage claim. Sometimes you may even spend more time above the clouds than actually executing business on the ground. Here are some ways to maximize that time in the air and on the ground while on business.


Prepare - As you would probably expect preparation is key, especially in business travel. And most of that preparation begins before you even step out your front door. A few years ago I arrived in San Diego for a big marketing conference. My second year there I was certain I had everything I needed, pocket squares and all, and this time I was ready to rewrite the book on networking. Only problem, I left my brand new box of freshly printed business cards somewhere back home, raised lettering, pale nimbus white and all. I spent the next three days bumming cards from my business partner, scratching his name off and hand writing mine. A terrible experience, all from my lack of preparation.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” And take it from him, he was probably the most well traveled American politician of his lifetime. Preparing a day in advance will put your mind at ease when you're at 30,000 feet, and that's the time you need to mentally prepare for your purpose of going. The essentials are obvious, but don't forget items that can make life easier when situations arise. A portable phone charger in case an airplane outlet is broken and/or your phone is nearly dead. A passport, whether you're flying international or domestic, just bring it. Keep it locked in the hotel room during your stay and keep a photo of your driver's license, passport, visas, and credit cards locked on your smartphone or computer. This will save your life if you ever lose anything. And business cards, always bring more than enough.

As for luggage, never check your bag, ever. This may be difficult for a novice, and it may take a trip to Hartmann and a few extra minutes with TSA to get the hang of it, but you'll rarely see a veteran business traveler hovering around Belt 6 from ATL waiting on their overnight bag. They're always in and out. If you're anticipating traveling for business often, you should apply for TSA Pre✓. Preparation is the key to increased efficiency, productivity and will save you time and money.

Indulge - Despite the inherent fatigue and the surface appearance of monotony, traveling for work can be quite invigorating. Encountering new settings and foreign environments can stimulate your mind, budding creativity and cognitive flexibility. Even on the plane there's the opportunity to expand your network beyond the confines of your bubble back home. Never miss out on the chance to meet a new prospect, client, customer or even a friend sitting next to you. It's likely he or she may be traveling for work as well, and you may never again have the chance to make an introduction.
As for the perks, this is the fun stuff that may be overlooked by the novice. Even though airlines have failed time and time again to provide exemplary customer service, overall they have the hospitality down to a science. Depending on your trip's duration and route, you may find yourself touching down for a layover. Though many travelers find layovers to be a miserable waste of time, they don't have to be. There are many ways to take advantage of them, short or long. Many popular airports offer a wide array of entertainment such as art galleries, gyms, massage parlors, salons and dining and shopping at every corner.

If you're really wanting to get away from the hostile crowds to enjoy an oasis of comfort and support, and if you have a few hours to spare, check into your airline's private lounge. Whether you're a member or not, most offer day passes for a reasonable rate, and the perks easily outweigh the costs. Many offer open food and drink bars, premium entertainment such as movies and live music, very comfortable seating, internet and dedicated work spaces, even hot showers and bath products to reinvigorate that dried out skin from the 4 hours of recirculated air on your last leg. This is a great place to relax and feel renewed on a layover, which will better prepare you for business once you're grounded at your final destination. It can also give you a better chance of catching up on the work or sleep you may desperately need.

 

 

Embrace - For some, traveling for work is exciting, for others it's daunting, it's all about perspective. If you embrace the traveling work life then overall it'll surely be a rewarding experience. A breakaway from the mundane workweek, an opportunity to get out of the office and out of town, to take in new surroundings and to meet new people from different walks of life, there's an excitement to jet-setting on the clock. If you're traveling frequently and not taking advantage of the perks, you need to get with the program, or programs literally. From points, miles and status to freebies and upgrades, perks not only come with the frequent flying, they make it so much more fun!

Loyalty pays, and sticking with the same airline can pay you back in those points or miles and can earn you a lot of cool benefits, but they're not only earned by flying. You can stack the miles many different ways, from credit card offers and usage to certain dining and retail spending, even certain hotel stays can pile them up. There's also a variety of ways to spend them too. From merchandise and gifts to free flights, lounge access and upgrades, there's a strategy to the madness of miles and the more you're traveling, the more you'll learn about the many ways to stretch those miles. Even staying loyal to a specific hotel brand, you can find opportunities for special treatment. Forget the fruit baskets and champagne, I'm talking about complimentary suite upgrades, tickets to shows, spa treatments, personal concierge service, premium transport, exclusive fine dining, hotel club lounge access and much more. If you're going to be on the go for work, you might as well do it in comfort and in style. Embrace the luxury that can come with it.

 

 

As you're en route to your next business destination, take a moment to realize how fortunate you are. To the travel industry frequent business travelers are a rich asset, and whether it's an airline, rental car company or hotel, they're all vying for your loyalty. This is why it's a win win for you, so work it in your favor and enjoy yourself by reaping in the benefits. Also take advantage of the opportunities to venture out while on business trips. During your downtime check out the sights of the city you're visiting. Take a chance at some local cuisine and meet some local folks who can show you around, there's nothing wrong with playing tourist as long as you're not sporting a fanny pack. Instead of an impediment, consider traveling for work an opportunity for growth, not only professionally but personally as well. And at the end of it all, just be thankful you're working!



-Eric Douglas Statzer

Eric Statzer | President at Statzer Consulting™

Trust - The Most Valuable Business Commodity

 

A healthy business relationship is founded upon trust. Whether from a customer standpoint, a vendor, partner, even as an employee, trust is crucial, and certainly something that should be established before engaging with any business on any level. Whether you're an owner striving to earn trust from your customer base, a consumer seeking a trustworthy business for products or services, or a job candidate, seeking that next venture of employment in your life, there are certain characteristics that stand out and establish the foundation of a trustworthy business.

 

Authenticity is the nucleus of trust. Being authentic means being true to form, presenting yourself as you really are and being absolutely straightforward. This also means abiding by rules, laws and regulations, and always following through with your word. When you schedule an appointment or phone call, don't miss it. This seems to be more and more common as people aren't picking up the phones like they use to. It seems that with evolving technology, people rely so heavily on emailing and text messaging, nobody is picking up the damn phone anymore! If you say you're going to be somewhere, if you schedule a call with someone, just do it! Your credibility will be shattered if you're the guy who never follows though. Authenticity also means "keeping it real." Being completely truthful in what you can and cannot do. I don't agree with "fake it till you make it" in business. If I'm deciding to trust in you and your business and you're faking it, if you're pretending, then you're scamming me, and I'm done with you, forever. Be authentic by presenting yourself and your business in its truest form.

Humility is an alluring trait, especially in business. Being humble has proven to offer a competitive advantage, not only in business performance, but in leadership in general. Now I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being "hungry" and I'm all for a little competition in the workplace, but nobody likes a pompous ass, the show off, the loud mouth of the office. Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses, this applies to successful business leaders also. As a business owner, there's nothing wrong with reaching out and asking for help or advice from your team. This will make them feel more invested, and this is what you want, a team that's invested as if they are all in it together. Humility will help to establish the trust from the inside out. It will reflect in your team's performance with customers and clients.

Perseverance will lead you through adversity, through adversity you gain experience, and through experience you gain trust. Everyone has failed, if they've claimed to have not, they're lying or they've never even stepped up to the tee. Even in failure one can gain trust, because tenacity is a byproduct of adversity, and confidence will prevail as you show that failure is only temporary, and it brings you only one step closer to achievement. Success is often attributed to perseverance more than innate abilities. It's the sacrifice and unceasing effort that will get you and your business to the top.

 

A business with a foundation lacking trust will never reach its full potential. Authenticity, humility and perseverance are three characteristics that establish a solid foundation of trust for a business. In business ownership there's the measuring of value for everything from employees, equipment and technology, to outreach, popularity and perception. These are valuable commodities for any growing business, but their value is hinged upon the most valuable commodity of all, trust. Without it you are nothing, and you'll have no one. And in business it's the only currency that matters.







-Eric Douglas Statzer

 

Are You Ready to Open a Franchise?

By: Eric Statzer



It's really exciting to think about as you're driving down the busy highway, passing all of those popular shops and restaurants, thinking to yourself "I can do that, I can totally run one of those!" And you may be right, with that entrepreneurial mindset you have, that drive and ambition, you may be ready to step out on your own and take the reigns. With a little help from an established brand name and concept, the cash to buy in, easy breezy right? Well let's take a look at some of the preparations and expectations you'll face as you venture into the franchising adventure!

 

 

Pairing your desire with a particular industry and choosing the right franchise is obviously a very important first step. Picking a franchise that pairs with not only your passion, but your skills is critically important too. If you've never worked in a restaurant, what makes you think you have what it takes to run one? After all, you'll be the one running this business. You will be the one making the decisions and working the hardest. It's very important to know what you're doing as everyone will be looking to you for the answers and guidance, especially in the beginning.

Opening a franchise has many benefits. There's the branding that's already in place, the proven business model that has multiplied, the staff and support of an already structured corporate entity, part of a vast business network. You'll have access to known vendors, product and inventory discounts and increased spending power. Even before you open you'll have assistance in location selection, design and construction, staff training and business development. The moment you open your doors your product or service has already been established as successful, and its reputation is widespread, giving you the opportunity to start off with a proven method that has a standard of consistency and a pre-sold customer base. Now it's up to you to withhold the standards.

 

 

As with any new venture, there will be hurdles. Undertaking something like this isn't going to be easy breezy, so those blissful daydreams behind the wheel on your way to work, wake up! This is hard work. Yes, you're stepping out and opening a business, yes you're working for yourself in a sense, but you have to realize you're still under a corporate umbrella. Those standards that were mentioned before, they have to be met. As a franchise owner you're not completely independent, in many cases you're even limited with that budding creativity you have as an entrepreneur. You have limits and expectations that are contractually implemented and procedures that are set forth in that paperwork. You enter a legal agreement as a franchisee with a franchisor. Mandates can range from the products and services and the styles and ways of how you offer them, to the pricing, hours and even geographic territory, those pieces all come with the playing board. So you must determine if you can handle and maintain an equal balance between the oversight, restrictions and governance and the ability to manage your own operation. Carefully consider the pros and cons of opening a franchise, and compare them to independently creating your own brand and solely autonomous business. Some people are more conformative and acquiescent, some are anomalous. Know thyself!

Once you've decided on taking the plunge into the deep end, this is where preparation comes into full effect. Financial preparedness is crucial. Having the capital to merely open isn't going to cut the cake, you're going to have to financially plan for some depth. In addition to franchise fees and opening costs, tally up the ongoing royalties and fees in addition to the expected overhead of actually running the business, make sure you have an absolute minimum of a full year's worth stashed away in savings before you even cut the ribbon. Although opening a franchise is a good way of eliminating many of the risks of opening an independent business, it's not a guarantee of financial lucrativeness. Profits can be slim to none in the beginning. This also means that you should plan ahead on the personal side as well. Your income will be tight in the early onset, and sometimes even nonexistent. Have your ducks in a row at home too, keeping in mind that you may not always have that glorious and consistent Friday paycheck.

 

 

So you've chosen the franchise of your dreams, you've selected a great location and you're financially prepared to swing the doors wide open for business! That anticipated business is your market, and that market you better know well. As with most franchises, you're going to have a territory. That can be an entire state, a county or even a few city blocks, it all depends on the franchise. Make sure you understand your market inside and out. Know your customers, your neighborhood and community, your local government and the overall demographics. This is very important as you become a noticeable fixture in your territory. In some cases you may not be the only franchise in your area. You may even share that area with a very similar business right across the street, so know your competitors too! With the marketing ability and the resources that you'll have to reach out to your customer base, knowing your market will enable you to maximize that potential. It can also give you a good indication of whether or not you can maximize your investment to grow, sustain and exceed your expectations within a certain territory.

One clear advantage of buying into a franchise is buying into the business synergy that a successful franchise system harnesses, the unity that enables everyone involved to thrive together. From the days of Isaac Singer and his early sewing machine franchise model in the 1800s, the growth of franchising has exponentially grown to over one-third of the U.S. retail market. Over 10 million people make a living from the franchise model and well over half-a-million franchised businesses dot the American landscape. This could very well be your opportunity to make a mark in your desired industry. But evaluate carefully, even though this is a highly successful method of business ownership, it comes with pros and cons. If the shoes fit, run with them.


-Eric Statzer
 

Eric Statzer & Mayor Bob Buckhorn