Take a Tour of a Successful Business
Can you think of a successful business? Most of us can rattle off at least a dozen in just a few seconds. Some of them are huge conglomerates with internationally recognized names like ‘Coke’ or ‘Xerox.’ Many of them are smaller names that still dominate their particular industry. Even in our hometown, there are bound to be multi-generational companies that are still standing strong.
What do these businesses have in common? What allowed them to grow so large? Why are they still around when their competitors have been regulated to historical footnotes? What is it they have that you can use to build your own successful brand?
Why not take a tour and find out?
A tour can show you how famous products are really made, and with a tour guide at your side you’ll get a look at how these brands became iconic. And just because you become a giant in your industry doesn’t mean you’ll stay that way. Go back far enough in time and you’ll see brands like Woolworth’s, Amoco and Hudson Autos. What happened to these brands? Taking a tour of a successful business can show you not only how they got to be successful, but how they continue to stay there.
It’s a chance to ask questions of a business insider. What was the turning point for the company? When did they decide to expand and why? What did they do to further leverage their success? You can look at their branding and find out why they chose it. And of course, no company has a history of unblemished success, as ‘New Coke’ so aptly demonstrated. With a tour, you can find out how the company dealt with failure as well as success.
Depending on the tour, you can also identify trends as well. Few companies are going to pass on the chance to show off their new products. What colors or shapes are going to be “in” this year? If the hot color is peach and sleeveless is going to be the fashion, then what can you do to incorporate these trends into your products and your marketing?
Don’t forget the little ones as well. You’re sure to be hit up for a trip to the amusement park, so while you’re at it, add another trip to the list. Sure roller coasters are great, but why not also show them how candy bars are made, or how motorcycles are tested? It’s never too early to show the next generation of entrepreneurs how it’s done.
There are bound to be plenty of tours available in your area. If you’re planning to travel this summer, here is a sampling of some tours that are worth the time.
Happy summer vacation!