Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
July 2023
600 Stewart Street #1300, Seattle, WA 98101 | westcoastfranchiselaw.com | (206) 724-0846
Forget the Chest-Thumping
The Best Attorneys Know How to Listen
Pop culture has taught us to see attorneys as powerful advocates who make big stands in courtrooms. Fictional attorneys usually orate and persuade. While those are essential skills, there’s another crucial aspect to law we don’t see on our TV screens: knowing how to listen. Attorneys spend years in school and years more proving their competency. So, we often find ourselves eager to demonstrate everything we know. But we learn the most about our clients and their cases when we close our mouths and stop waiting for our turn to talk. Further, our mastery of legal issues is only one of the reasons people hire an attorney. What most people want is an interface between themselves and the law.
The same is true in a courtroom. During my litigation days, I was fascinated by how often the judge told the counsel how to win their cases. When arguing a motion, the judge’s questions give you great insight into what
“Being a good lawyer isn’t about who can argue the best; it’s about who can better create interpersonal relationships.”
they’re thinking. Listening to them instead of preparing what you’ll say next gives you an indication of what issues are giving them pause and which arguments will win them over.
In other words, being a good lawyer isn’t about who can argue the best; it’s about who can the best create interpersonal
Finally, any attorney worth their salt must listen to their clients. We don’t know the best path forward until we know what
relationships. The law in fiction is typically about pummeling an opponent into submission. But most real-life cases rest on negotiation. When I take on a new case, I find that my client and the opposing side agree on about 90% of the issues at stake. We both want to make a deal happen and see eye-to-eye on most of the terms and conditions of doing business. That remaining 10% is critical but will only prevent you from reaching your goal if you look at it that way. Disagreements are an opportunity to craft a solution, but to collaborate, you must understand the other side’s objectives.
they hope to achieve. It’s also essential to treat the client holistically. They come to my office because they don’t know how to resolve a problem themselves, meaning they don’t necessarily understand the heart of the situation. I must ask questions and hear people out to get to the root issue plaguing them. It’s not always what they think.
I love the sound of my own voice as much as any other attorney, but some of the best
lawyering I’ve ever done occurred when I wasn’t saying a word. Listening through every stage of the process allows me to build relationships and understanding between parties that need to come to an agreement. And that makes me a
Perhaps my greatest strength as an attorney is my ability to persuade opposing counsel to view our issues as shared. Listening to what they have to say is the most crucial ingredient to accomplishing that feat. People will tell you what issues matter most to them, and when somebody feels heard, it’s much easier to build trust and come to a mutual agreement.
better advocate for my clients.
– Nate Riordan 1 (206) 724-0846
Discover Your Ideal Seaside Retreat Find the Perfect Beach Rental
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead.
Upgrade the Dining Experience
HOW OUTDOOR SEATING CAN BOOST REVENUE
During the pandemic, outdoor dining helped keep many restaurants afloat. It has even changed the fabric of cities. In Seattle, Nate Riordan notes, “Those seats are never coming off the sidewalks; they make neighborhoods more interesting.” They’ve also been helping businesses thrive long after our return to “normal.” Outdoor dining is a potential source of added revenue, but many franchisees overlook its possibilities. Most quick-serve restaurants have an outdoor seating option, but they usually place a few tables outside and call it a day. There’s much more to creating an inviting outdoor dining area, and how much you boost your profits is in the execution. But the existence of an outdoor dining area won’t make your customers want to use it. The seating options outside your establishment should be at least as comfortable and appealing as the ones indoors. You might even consider making them a bit nicer. After all, new customers and people driving by will see your patio before they see your dining room. The outdoor dining experience you create sets the tone and expectations for your entire restaurant.
Choose comfortable and durable seating options that will last and attract customers to your outdoor space. Furniture that looks cheap or easily breaks will have the opposite of the intended effect. Don’t forget to pay attention to the details. Have you ever tried sitting at a piping hot table on a sunny summer day? It’s extremely uninviting, so use umbrellas and other forms of shade to make the space usable for as many days of the year as possible. Consider making your outdoor dining enticing in other ways. For a start, don’t crowd tables. Customers should be able to move freely, and the extra room will make the area more attractive to large groups or parents with children. You might also consider ways to make the outdoor space feel like a destination. A unique plant, piece of art, or other creative focal point will inspire selfie-seekers to stop by and help you promote the restaurant on social media. Investing in outdoor dining has the potential to boost profits in many ways. An attractive patio will generate interest from new customers and encourage existing ones to stop by more often (and bring their friends). If you’ve been neglecting this area of your business, it’s time to give it another look.
2
westcoastfranchiselaw.com
Morale Matters A Positive Workplace Is Good For Business
REWARD LOYALTY. A 2022 survey by 7shifts found the average employee tenure in the restaurant industry is only 110 days. With numbers
Statistics published in Business Insider in 2021 state the quick- serve restaurant industry has a turnover rate of 150%. It’s largely a consequence of employees feeling unhappy in their work. Low morale also leads to lower productivity and reduced quality. Therefore, improving how your staff feels about their jobs can pay dividends. Here are four strategies your management teams can start implementing today. SOLICIT AND ACCEPT FEEDBACK. You’ve probably maximized efficiencies at your restaurants to the greatest extent possible — but have you considered what your workers have to say about it? The people following your processes probably have a lot of opinions about them, and they might even have ideas on how to improve your operations. Not every idea your employees have will be doable, but people still like to feel heard. Solicit and consider feedback, and implement it when possible. PROMOTE WORK/LIFE BALANCE. Experts often say people don’t leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses. Failure to respect personal boundaries is among the top employee complaints. Emergencies will always arise, but managers who regularly call and text during days off or change shifts last minute fail to respect their employees’ time. Be mindful of your staff’s availability and their lives outside of work.
like that, those who stick around deserve recognition. Consider celebrating anniversaries with gift cards,
a paid day off, or a raise. The employee you reward will feel better about their decision to remain loyal and other employees will see a benefit to staying more than a few months. BE A CHEERLEADER. Everyone likes others to notice when they’ve done an excellent job. So, find ways to tell your employees their hard work is appreciated. You might implement an employee recognition program where star staff can win prizes. But more straightforward options can be just as effective. A round of applause in a staff meeting, a personalized thank-you note, or an employee of the month program can make the people who run your business feel seen and valued.
Unhappy employees cost money, so make your restaurant a great place to work. Your staff, customers, and business will all benefit.
SAZON GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
TAKE A BREAK
This versatile summer chicken recipe is packed with warm flavors to keep your tastebuds on alert. It’s perfect for family BBQ nights or as a protein for meal prepping!
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Ingredients: •
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• • •
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
• • • •
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
• •
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions: 1.
In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss together to coat chicken; let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165 F. 3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm, then chop into bite-size pieces to use in salads, tacos, bowls, and more!
Solution:
3
(206) 724-0846
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
600 Stewart Street #1300 Seattle, WA 98101
westcoastfranchiselaw.com | (206) 724-0846
IN THIS ISSUE 1 2 An Attorney’s Secret Weapon Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss Improve Profits With Outdoor Dining
3
Are Your Employees Happy? Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs Storytelling Should Be Your Marketing Priority
4
Build Loyalty With Storytelling Marketing Tell a Story and Gain a Following
We all love stories. Be it books, movies, or current events, we can’t help but thrive on storytelling in our everyday lives. We even process information better when it’s told as a narrative. A study by psychologist Jerome Bruner discovered that people were 22 times more likely to remember a fact when embedded in a story. That makes storytelling a powerful tool to reach your audience. Storytelling marketing is when brands use a narrative to convey their message. In our era, consumers require more than a basic display of your product. Consumers are searching for why they should trust — and buy from — you. The best way to do this is to utilize storytelling marketing. Not only will it help customers better understand your business, but it also humanizes your company.
become the new standard. Whether you’re sharing why you started your business or adapting stories that align with your company’s beliefs, storytelling marketing can:
• • • •
Make your brand memorable
Separate your business from competitors
Share your message and ideas
Build a connection with potential customers
GET STARTED ON STORYTELLING MARKETING. While the benefits of storytelling marketing are clear, it’s a bit more challenging to execute. You might struggle with your story and what you should share. Consider what motivated you to start your business. Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart, and there must be various reasons for this endeavor’s importance to you. List all the events and ideas that led you here. Next, design your anecdotal story to align with the ideals of your desired audience. Instead of sharing your story, you could create a tale with powerful metaphors and a lively narrative to draw in your audience. Whatever approach you take, storytelling marketing will ensure you leave a greater impression.
HOW CAN STORYTELLING BENEFIT YOU? Businesses worldwide have been reaping the benefits of storytelling, and it has worked well enough to
4
westcoastfranchiselaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator