Keeping a Business New and Refreshed

Keeping a Business New and Refreshed

Do you know what a GI party is? Well, if you do, then you know you do not want to be invited to one. This is an activity that the enlisted Army goes through in preparation for inspections. Each soldier cleans their living quarters from top to bottom eliminating any errant dust particle with an arsenal of cleaning equipment. When the party is over, there is not a spot left to clean. There is a reason for this activity, and it does have something to do with people in any type of business.

            These GI parties have a discipline training aspect to them. They get the soldier used to taking care of things, paying attention to small details, and following orders of the soldier supervising the cleaning. The reward is self esteem and satisfaction when the job is well done. The other aspect of this activity relates more to the jewelry industry. This activity keeps old buildings looking fairly new. Even the old Quonset huts looked great with the newly waxed floors. The very old barracks continue to look livable due to this activity.

            Now take a look at your store, office, or other place of business. How does it look to the customer or potential customer? Run your hand on top of the door, picture frames, and other surfaces. Is it clean? Are there things that are yellowed that used to be white and things that are washed out that used to be colorful? What happens is that you see the place everyday so the change is so gradual that it goes unnoticed.

            The challenge is to look at your business like it was your first time to see it. For most people, this will be a jaw dropping experience. The second part of the challenge is to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning. Get rid of all outdated posters, discolored fixtures, and even your outdated inventory. If you still have nugget rings from the 1980s, melt them down into something new or sell the gold. Once you have your “party,” take a look around once again. If you can see the difference, your customers will as well.

            Everyone knows a loaf of moldy bread is undesirable and a fresh loaf attacks the senses in a opposite way. The same holds true with your business. Keep the look fresh and new. Assail the customer’s senses in a way that will entice purchases. Just think; a little elbow grease could result in increased revenue. What a great return on investment!