From the Back Office
It’s the October edition and we still don’t have our AFL / NRL winners. What ever happened to the magic of “the last Saturday in September”? Or the big game players who were “September Specialists”? Looks like October is the new September - but hey, I’m not complaining. At the moment all codes are peaking with AFL and NRL finals as well as the Rugby World Cup. A little bit for everyone. And with Spring Carnival horse racing kicking off and V8’s racing Bathurst next weekend spring is well and truly in the air.
We are excited to announce that we will be moving our Fyshwick store over the Christmas break. It’s still a few months away but all the details are in this month's newsletter. This month we also have the usual bits of industry news and general interest stories. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and as always please let me know if you have any ideas / suggestions or feedback on any stories or articles.
Enjoy the spring weather, good luck if your teams are playing or your horse is racing and I look forward to seeing you in one of the POPES stores soon.
All the best,
Daryl
October Deal of the Month -
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Soap Box Last month I was fortunate to spend a week in Chicago, USA. This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve visited the US and each time impressed by the levels of customer service in hospitality. I know everyone says “It’s because they are working for tips”, but I don’t believe that this is the full story. I firmly believe that everyone tries to do the best they can using the tools they have been shown how to use within the business systems and cultures that are in place. So I’m pointing the finger at our bars and restaurants that have the wrong tools (ie note pad and pen instead of ipad) or the wrong systems and cultures (ie that’s not how we do things around here). My pet hate is arriving somewhere to eat, being handed a menu, and before you can say “I’d love a beer” the waiter has disappeared. Why don’t they ask me what I’d like to drink as they hand me the menu in Australia? Don’t tell me it’s got anything to do with tips, it’s all about our systems and culture. For some reason our hospitality industry is too inward looking. Establishing systems that work for the business owner, or the chef, but not the patrons who are paying everyone’s wages - tips or no tips. It’s a great reminder that we all need to review our business practices and ask why we are doing certain things, and asking what would the customer want right now?
More People Leaving Canberra Than Arriving The Canberra Times had an interesting article last month reporting that the Capital population recorded a nett loss of 1,244 residents in 13/14. This should be of grave concern to all Canberra businesses who rely on population growth to stimulate new construction activity, and growth in day to day business needs. It does make me wonder who is moving into all the new apartments and developments around town if there are less people living here… Read more here.
POPES Fyshwick Is On The Move
Over the break this Christmas POPES Fyshwick will be moving to bigger and better digs at 64 Barrier Street. We’ve got a lot to do between now and then, but we are excited to be moving to new premises and presenting you with a bigger and better in store experience.
The Greatest Paper Airplane Throw In Recorded Human History
That’s a big headline, but I ask you to judge for yourself. The Aussie film “Paper Planes” has nothing on this one.
Another Warning of Poor Electrical Standards
Last month we reported a Canberra Times article highlighting the electrical industries frustration with the CIT training. Well they have followed up with another warning of low standards and that some graduate apprentices could pose a safety risk. Read more here.
Can Australia Continue It’s Winning Streak?
If you enjoy listening to podcasts then I highly recommend this one from the Conversations with Richard Fidler series put out by the ABC. If you don’t listen to podcasts then I highly recommend that you start to. Did you know that in the 1800’s Australia had the highest standard of living in the world? But the long boom was followed by a fifty year bust, during which Australia lost its nerve and its luck, and closed its door to the world. It’s a fascinating and thought provoking story. More here.
Website of the month - inspiremykids.com
As a father of 3 young kids I thought this website, designed to inspire the next generation of leaders and workers was a good one. http://inspiremykids.com/
Electrical Gems – Issue 129
The October - November edition of the Gemcell Electrical Gems is now in store. Drop in store to pick up your copy, or visit Gemcell website to read it online.
Product of the Month
Supplier Price Updates
The following suppliers have announced upcoming price updates. If you have any queries relating to these price updates don’t hesitate to contact your local POPES branch manager for assistance.
Ventair have announced a price increase effective 1st October 2015
Repelec have advised of a price increase of varying amounts across their stable of products effective 1st October 2015.
Iplex Pipelines Australia (Key Plastics) have advised a 6% increase to their range of rigid PVC conduits effective 1st October 2015.
Hartman Pacific, distributors of Gorilla Ladders, have advised a price increase effective 15th October 2015.
Gerard Lighting have advised of a 7-15% price rise on their ranges of lamps and luminaires effective 1st December 2015.
Quote Of The Month
“Behold the turtle, he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” —Bruce Levin
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