Experience is growth

We all get busy in the throes of running our businesses; time gets less, work gets more, and free time is something that is often sparse. If you work in a hospitality or tourism related business you could be working 7 days a week, and have little or no time to get out and be a customer.
 
Whilst working in your business is crucial to success, so is taking a break, heading somewhere you haven't been before, and experiencing other venues, spaces and places. 

Why is it so important to experience other businesses that operate in the same realm as yours? Well basically because it gives you a different perspective on things; a fresh set of eyes on your business, new ways to do things, and helps you to offer a better experience.
 
We only get better if we continue to learn, to broaden our minds and to see new things. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming stagnant, non-current and polarised on our own way of doing things. Staying up to date with current food trends and service styles is super important.
 
For example, if you run a restaurant, try and get to other restaurants as much as you can. Experience other venues and enjoy other styles of cooking. And when you do, pay attention to the service, the ambiance of the venue, and what they offer their guests in overall experience. It can give you a benchmark in which to monitor your own business; to give yourself a pat on the back for what you do well, or possibly a good kick up the arse in areas that you may be lacking.
 
And even better, if you can take your front of house and/ or back of house staff with you to experience it as well, it can be a great tool to help develop your staff and team. Challenge them to pick up on service related ideas and to experience a venue as a customer would.
 
Some (especially younger) staffers may not have dined out much before and it is up to you to teach them and help them experience different offerings as well.
 
Experiencing other businesses in your city or in a whole new location can at its most basic give you a fresh perspective and provide motivation to get back to work in a fresh and positive mindset.
 
When was the last time you stepped out of your business to do this?
 
KB