Discussion Case

Pick two similar small businesses in the same industry with which you are familiar, one successful and one not so successful. Describe them in a post, and compare and contrast these businesses.

* What is the difference in management style between the two businesses?

* What is the difference in marketing strategy?

* What changes would you suggest to the less successful business?

The two small businesses that I have picked are local Chinese restaurants. They were both very successful and very popular. One was called Jade Garden and the other Ocean City. Jade Garden went out of business and Ocean City is still up and running. The management styles differ were very similar, but Ocean City had more business coming in because it has been here for years. Ocean City has really great food but Jade Garden on the other had kept changing chefs and the taste in food changed. Ocean City has great customer service, but Jade Garden customer service was not. If Jade Garden had better professional management and customer service, and stuck to what worked for them, the restaurant I think would still be open.

At one point in time they were both very popular, and both made very good money. One of the restaurant ended up going out of business. The restuarant that is still running successfully is called Southern Fires. The one that closed down is called Irene's Southern Cooking. The management styles differ because Southern Fires hires people with management experience. Irene's Southern Cooking managers were family members of the owner. Irene's had a television commerical that helped get more customers. Southern Fires is located in the heart of down town, so other than word of mouth, there was no other marketing or advertising. I would suggest to Irene's that they stay consistant. Corners were cut, and the taste of the food changed, and customers were not happy. If they had more professional management, and stuck to what worked for them, the restaurant would still be open.