Sep 16, 2024
Prince Edward County,
Ontario
“Well this is a first. At least no one will be able to enter our room without some assistance!”
Can’t read the full email – click here for the online version.
Summer has come back to Canada and southern Ontario in particular. We just spent a weekend in Kingston, watching our daughter’s rugby team trounce the University of Toronto Blues, enjoying some great dining and taking in the old city where I also spent 4 years as a student.
What wasn’t too amusing was an incident when I was trying to ensure the door to our hotel room was fully shut
and the door handle came off! I felt a little like James Bond when he purposely tore off a handle to a washroom, with a disabled opponent locked inside.
Kingston, Ontario is a city of contrasts. On one hand, it's home to the prestigious Queen's University, known for its academic excellence and high-brow intellectual pursuits. On the other hand, it's a city that grapples with issues of poverty,
crime, six penitentiaries and a significant parolee population.
From my time living here and every time we’ve come to visit, one witnesses the vibrant campus life at the University, with its beautiful historic buildings and bustling student population. The atmosphere is one of intellectual curiosity, lively debates, and a palpable sense of ambition. As you walk through the campus, you can feel the energy of young minds eager to learn,
grow, and make a positive impact on the world.
However, just a stone's throw away from the university, the reality of life for some residents is harsh. The city is home to individuals who have faced adversity, struggled with addiction, and served time in the penal system. The contrast between the academic pursuits of university students and the challenges faced by those re-entering society after incarceration is stark and
thought-provoking.
An hour away from there is another surprising area, Prince Edward County.
Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, this region offers a tranquil and inviting atmosphere that beckons visitors to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the county is its burgeoning wine industry. With over 40 wineries scattered throughout the area, it's a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Whether you prefer robust reds, crisp whites, or sparkling varieties, there's something to delight every palate. This is just my second visit to the area, and I am still awed by the laid-back nature of each business and the personal touch we receive.
Beyond its wineries, the area also boasts a thriving culinary scene. Farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and quaint cafes line the streets, offering a delectable array of locally sourced fare. From freshly caught fish to seasonal produce, every meal feels like a celebration of the region's rich agricultural heritage.
It is interesting, however, that one winery we
really liked, with a delicate Pino Grigio to a robust red Baco, was very quiet. For a while we were the only customers sampling their fare, in the late afternoon of a beautiful day. After leaving with several bottles under arm to enjoy later we confided in our next choice of vineyard to visit and enquired of their closest competitor.
We received a hearty approval of our first choice but not that of the neighbour, even though it was one
of the first to begin growing grapes in the region. What was interesting to me, however, was how busy this unrecommended business was.
So, while their product may not have the best reputation among sommeliers, they obviously were doing something seriously right with their marketing. A quick visit to their website immediately gave me an inkling as to their popularity.
In
addition to the winery and wine tasting, they also have a well-known restaurant, Inn and facilities to host weddings. This latter seems to be their number one selling feature.
What can you learn from this?
Well, if you’ve studied the Profit Formula, then you’ll
know that one of the key ways to boost profits is to increase both the average transaction size and the average number of transactions, per customer. This winery is doing that in spades. They are using the wine “estate” to attract customers then upselling and cross-selling them into a variety of other products and services.
Your mission this week is to examine how you could do the same.
Until next week,
Stay healthy and focus on profit!
- Hugh
The “Profit Accelerator” Expert
P.S. Did you know that even tiny improvements of 1-3%, in just 12 fundamental areas of your business could give you 50%
and more improvement to your bottom-line? Test out my brand-new Profit Acceleration SimulatorTM and discover the true impact of a conservative estimate of Profit Acceleration initiatives on your business and see for yourself. (https://hughtafel.com/sim)
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