I know my way around a kitchen well enough to serve an occasional gourmet meal. So when I go out to eat, the bar is set pretty high. Generally my culinary odyssey begins after reading a favorable magazine review. Other people have come to value my food recommendations so it is not uncommon to fly solo on a reconnaissance mission to familiarize myself with the menu before bringing them into the appraisal.
As a general rule, an Italian restaurant rises and falls by two entrees: its lasagna and its chicken piccata. A Mexican restaurant must have fresh chips and salsa, a tasty burrito, and sauces that did not originate from can at Smart & Final. Chef specials might expand expectations. For example, the best dish at a Chinese restaurant I frequent is not Chop Suey but Ginger Gilled Salmon.
After a few visits, new eating establishments may ascend to a coveted spot on my mobile phone and get an enthusiastic recommendation to dozens of friends. They each return with their friends and then it becomes more difficult to get a table without a reservation when I return. Not all visits are favorable. Occasionally, I stop by a new place. The adoption of a few recommendations could mean the difference between success and failure. But it is surprising how many entrepreneurs close their ears to the opinions of others.
Value the Opinions of Others
All too often business owners have an idea; it may be a family recipe, a patented invention or even a sketch for a company logo. Blogs are full of people asking others for opinions. Professional designers may weigh in with advice if they see evidence that someone is putting forth reasonable effort to resolve a problem himself and not just trying to get free work.
As a graphic designer, I realize the value of an artist's time is an aggregate of the years of studying art history, color theory, composition, producing hundreds if not thousands of sketches, enduring countless critiques, reading volumes of design manuals, and attending expensive seminars. Requiring even more time and monetary investment, he is expected to be familiar with the latest technology. Many times it is prudent and cost effective to pay for such acquired experience rather than stumble upon successful solutions through trial and error.
I hate to see businesses fail. That's why so many promotional items are provided here. As entrepreneurs we need to listen to more than our gut. We should value the opinions of others - openly soliciting observations. If you have suggestions for improving your experience shopping on this Web site, please share them. If you would like a critique on your Los Angeles area restaurant, invitations are accepted.