I'm Here If You Need Me

While Casey's off in Colorado, I wanted put it out there that you can call me if you have any questions about anything. My number is 636 368 5494, and the only reason I won't answer is because I'm in class, and occasionally if I'm skating. Otherwise, I'll pick up.

- Joe

Read the Blog and Get Paid!

As I have stated in a previous blog it is important for each one of you to read and fully understand everything that is on this blog. Once you are sure you have retained the info in the blog it is required for you to comment with, at minimum, your name. This is not a suggestion but a requirement of your employment. With that said I will be holding your paycheck until you have read, understood and commented on each and every blog entry within the pay period.

Marketing

We are working on our marketing calendar for the year and I would love some input from my staff. As I'm sure everyone has heard time and time again the economy is taking its toll on business and will continue to get worse before it gets better. With that in mind I want to be very proactive with our marketing this year and try to keep our customer base growing. If you've got any grassroots marketing ideas to contribute please post them here or send me a message. I am looking for any and all ideas, big or small, think about it and let me know.

Andrew Keller is employee of the month!

Although we don't actually have an "employee of the month" program I do think the following email would be grounds for Andrew Keller from Mid Rivers store) to be this months recipient. I think this email speaks volumes as to what we are trying to accomplish as a company.

Hey Casey

I am kicking myself because I wanted to get in touch with you about one of your employees at the Mid-Rivers location and I forgot the guy’s name. I even went back into the store to ask for your contact info. and did not write down the name I needed for this e.mail although he provided his name. Even without a name, I feel it necessary to send this to you!! And feel free to pass on to whomever you like.

I was at your store around 8: PMish on Friday, Jan. 9th, . This is approx. my 4th time in that location since moving to St. Louis months ago (lots of kids in my family who would buy stock in PLAN-NINE if they could, haha), after leaving your store tonight and encountering the service “this guy” displays each time we have been in there, I thought you needed to read/hear this from me. (I’m a guy with 20+ years in customer service management and training). “This guy” in your Mid-Rivers store is one of the best sales people I have ever encountered, and that comes from my experience with hundreds of sales people nationwide given my profession in customer service/sales training.

I aim to steer clear of most malls/retail stores because I am so disgusted with “lack” of customer service these days, but this guy at your Mid-Rivers location shines when it comes to customer service. About a month ago I was in your store with my son (9 years old), we left with new shoes but much more important my son left with a little more confidence about skating after the way he was treated/spoken to by your employee. I just sat back and watched this particular employee because he “gets it” when it comes to taking care of your customers. I laughed out loud as we left your store tonight as I said, “Someone needs to clone that guy!” We met up with my other family members in the food court later in the evening and my sister-in-law said, “We just went into Plan-Nine . . . you should have seen how great this kid is that works there!” Hence this e.mail…..

Please recognize this employee however you see fit but given the current economy and state of affairs with customer care I found it necessary to take time to bring this to your attention.

I wish you the best of luck with your stores and we will do all we can to continue to make purchases there. Our loyalty to Plan-Nine is based on the service we get from the staff there.

Kudos to Plan-Nine!! Keep up the incredible service you provide to customers and even more-so “thanks” for making my kids feel cool when we visit your store.

Brad B.

P.S. For some reason I think this guy’s name may have been Corey?? But when I clicked on the Corey featured on your site (under TEAM section) it did not look like the guy in your store, and I want to make certain you recognize the right guy. I do recall a lip ring, if that helps?? Otherwise, you’ll know who it was just by asking your staff who gave me your contact information tonight when I went back in and asked for it at closing time. I did tell him we all are impressed with his customer service/sales, but we hope the time I took to sent this will be a surprise to him----Similar to how surprised we are each time we get the customer service at Plan-Nine we often think is a “thing of the past”.

I do not see a reason to speak to you, I hope this e.mail explains it all, but if you would like, feel free to call me at 636-###-####

Unit Tools!

As I have stated time and time again, Unit tools are the best and easiest add on in the store. So I put my money where my mouth is and I set each store up with a big display box full of tools. Don't think this is going to do the work for you but it sure will help. Offer one with every sale!

Are you reading this?

From here on out it is mandatory that every blog that be initialed after it is read. Once you have read the blog click on the comments page and enter your first name and your last initial, you may also enter any other comments you feel nessacary. Also, if for any reason you do not understand the blog completely please message me.

Ramp Riders

The owner of Ramp Riders told me all of the Plan Nine staff can now ride the park for half off. Anytime you go up their just tell them you work for Plan Nine and give them your name. I'm sure this is good timing with the cold weather upon us. Be sure to make it out their to use your discount and bring a friend!!!!