Up with Employees!

People who are ahead of their time are national treasures.

Danny Meyer, one of my two professional heroes (Steve Jobs is the other), is a great example. And it has nothing to do with his restaurants, which make some of the best food in the world and have hosted some of the most memorable meals of my life.

In fact, for a man who’s been made famous by his restaurants, I’d argue that his cuisine isn’t revolutionary. Just amazing. It’s his business thinking that’s visionary.

I was reminded of Danny Meyer’s exceptionally ahead-of-its-time thinking when I saw this article in Ad Age, extolling the virtues of employees and the value they can bring to a business. Especially in times like these when consumers mistrust corporate entities. Hence the success of companies like Southwest Airlines, where the employees are the company.

Danny Meyer has known and practiced this since the day he opened the doors of his first restaurant, Union Square Café, in 1985.

He has long professed that his employees, not his customers, are the most important people in his restaurants. His theory on “51 percenters” is an incredibly insightful way to look at hiring and running a business.

Any way you can share in Danny Meyer’s genius is a good way. If you’re ever in NYC, check out one of his restaurants. And when you get a chance, check out his book, Setting The Table (Ad Age should’ve checked it out before they published their article). So many great applications to business and to life. Extremely satisfying, and a lot less fattening.

Chia Pests

I hate bad puns but I love great ideas.

So it’s with mixed feelings that I send you to this article in the New York Times. You’ll see for yourself that smart, less expensive ideas are still alive and well.

It didn’t hurt that the only client guidelines in this case were to “make it fun and engaging.” That’s every idea-thinker-upper’s dream direction.

And you’ll also see that having less money can sometimes mean taking on greater potential risk. It’s the point of this story. And the fact that this client was ultimately willing to take that risk paid off for them.

But this idea was also extremely relevant and incredibly strategic, and that’s the best part. They captured the moment in a way that highlighted their product and got attention in a good way.

That’s nothing to poo-poo.