‘LET MY PEOPLE GO SURFING:THE EDUCATION OFA RELUCTANT BUSINESSMAN’ HOW PATAGONIA’S FOUNDER SET A NEW STANDARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
From the very beginning of his 2006 memoir, “Let My People Go Surfing:The Education of a Reluctant Businessman,” it’s clear that Patagonia’s founder,Yvon Chouinard, is not the typical entrepreneur.As a kid, Chouinard wanted to be a fur trapper, and rather than going into business with dreams of getting rich, he started making climbing gear to fund his passion for scaling cliffs and adventuring in the outdoors. “Let My People Go Surfing” follows Patagonia’s meteoric rise through its victories and rough patches — including the stalled growth that led to layoffs of 20% of the staff in the 1990s — but its main focus is on the company’s ideals. In plain, forthright, and sometimes irascible language, Chouinard lays out Patagonia’s growth goals, culture aims, and environmental stewardship efforts.
minimalism, function, durability, and reparability in all of its products, from
environmental impact and what they can do to reduce it.As one Amazon reviewer wrote, “Whether you’re a manager or business owner looking to motivate your employees and create a sustainable business, or a fan of Patagonia, or someone curious about how to live a life you can feel good about, this book should work for you.”
backpacks to jackets. It tracks the energy and water use of its facilities, works to eliminate pollution, focuses on recycled and recyclable materials, participates in environmental activism, funds environmental organizations worldwide, and even encourages shoppers to send in worn-out apparel for reuse and repair. In short, over the course of 272 pages, Chouinard proves he not only talks the talk but also walks the walk — and has made millions championing his cause. He encourages other entrepreneurs to do the same, laying out Patagonia’s footsteps and philosophies for readers to follow. Many already have. “Let My People Go Surfing” was updated and rereleased in 2016, but either version will make entrepreneurs think twice about their
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The last of which is truly the core of the brand. Patagonia prioritizes
Give Love, Get Love
TURN AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE INTO A MAJOR REVENUE SOURCE Boosting customer retention by any amount can have a huge impact on your revenue. A study conducted by Bain & Company and reported by the Harvard Business Review found that even a 5% increase in retention can boost revenue by 25%–95%. In short, your ability to retain the right customers can make or break your business. service experience or become a customer yourself and see just how far other businesses are willing to go for you.
Another way you can win loyal customers is just by being present. One way to do that is by answering phone calls, emails, and online inquiries immediately. The more time you put between the initial customer contact and your response, the worse it looks for you.When people visit your business in person, be there to offer a hello, answer questions, and engage in casual conversation.When you’re there for your customers, your customers want to be there for you. With SCORE, you’re never alone! We offer workshops and seminars each month to help you develop the skills you need to succeed.Visit StLouisSCORE. eventbrite.com today!
Businesses are constantly searching for ways to achieve customer loyalty. After all, it’s far more cost-effective to keep the same customers coming back to you than it is to constantly go after new ones. Marketing to new customers can cost up to 25 times more than simply catering to your existing customer base. Loyal customers who love your business are an incredibly powerful asset.They can do a lot of your marketing for you through social media and other word-of-mouth channels, convincing others that your business exists and has value.
customers that is hard to break and will keep them coming back time and time again?
It really starts with stellar customer service. Poor customer service is the No. 1 cause of customer loss. Upward of 71% of people say they cut ties with businesses over poor customer service. Customer service includes your employee- customer interactions, your response to problems, your response time , and your approachability on social media. Look to businesses that have figured out how to do customer service right, like Apple, LEGO, and other beloved businesses in your community. Consider what you can incorporate into your own customer
But how do you get to that point? How do you develop a strong bond with your
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