Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

We`ve had an interesting thread about the collapse of CompUSA, in which CampSteve got me thinking about the way a store "looks" to the clientele. Then there`s the "Look and Feel" of a software application or operating system.

So that got me thinking about birds. (Oh c`mon, you don`t see the connection between an operating system and birds?!)

No really: Consider the principles of natural selection. Before a bird can enter into the competitive reproduction cycle, already it has to be strong, healthy, and smart in the way normal birds are smart. But that isn`t enough during the mating season.

To succeed during mating, the male bird has to have the whole display thing goin` on, right? We see it across the animal kingdom, but birds are easy to describe because of their colors. Male birds strut around, puff themselves up, and display fantastic colors---all to attract a mate. Additionally, the female birds are innundated with propositions, so the better the display, the more one bird stands out.

Couldn`t we point to the whole display and packaging aspect of business, linking it to the process of natural selection among businesses? I think we can.

Think about poorly designed Web sites. It`s the display that`s problematic, even when the site might have a good or great product.

How do you think display factors into your own line of business? What about information sites---do they require observance of display tactics? Is there such a thing as a display *strategy?*

Would you agree that in the analogy, the female bird is like the potential customer? They, too, are being hit with all kinds of propositions, all from going businesses. The business itself is trying to present itself in such a way as to capture the attention of the customer. That`s what advertising is all about, and such things as AdSense, banner ads, and company logos on racing cars.

What happens if you walk into a new superstore and the lights don`t work, the displays have cracked glass, and there are cobwebs all around the ceiling?

I would walk right out of the store.  do you know why I do not shop at our local Walmart superstore, because the bathrooms are downright dirty and disgusting.  they did this whole renovation, new tiles, new automated sensor toilets, sinks with nice rounded vanities etc.  And it still is a dirty mess.    there is no reason for that except the manager does not care.  And his manager does not care.  That turns this lil` female bird with chicks off!   I turn off, you lose my business.

Bed Bath and Beyond has a nice clean restroom, so does Target.  

why do you think Walmart is spending the money, sprucing up, trying to look more like Target?    They are getting ready for the Summer mating season. Ha

do ya`ll have kmarts?  they were around way before walmart and target.  so why are these stores sales so dismal?  and why are they never packed?  Because they still have the old tall aisle type displays, old floors and items are jam packed on shelves.  Not nicely displayed.    This is just my 2cents from a female/mommy shopper.   Looks do matter, at least to myself and my family.  

ohhh, let us talk about our local navy exchange.  I am a navy brat and have watched in wonder how they have revamped the look and feel.  It truly is a department store now with high end and moderate priced clothes and other items.  They figured it out.

How about we talk about the Black widow spider? How can we compare her to a female entrepreneur?  

thanx Craig, i always enjoy your thoughts and analogies.

Di

LOL! So this business owner kills each customer? I`m thinking sort of a retrograde pathway toward success.... :-)