THE FUTURE IS NOW

In our industry, question that is constantly being asked is “What is future for this business?” It’s a question that rarely gets a definitive answer. I have come to appreciate unlimited potential that it has. I have also realized that there are some stumbling blocks that must be overcome if this potential is to be realized.

When I began as a chief executive for alternative financial services market, industry had a very different outlook than most service-based companies. There was a prevailing attitude that you did not have to advertise and that good customer service was not as important as in other retail settings. I immediately took issue with those assumptions as our business is no different than any other service-based retail business. The same rules apply, even though many still disagree with that premise.

Some, on other hand, are seeing need for professional looking locations, professional looking employees and a wider range of products and services. They also understand need to market through a variety of advertising vehicles, including TV and radio, along with print. What once seemed out of norm is now being more readily accepted as vitally necessary for growth. Many operators are going beyond advertising and are understanding and embracing concept and value of branding.

Yet many do not, and this is where slippery slope begins. As long as vast majority of check cashers cling to old ways of doing business, industry will be unable to reinvent itself and transition to true alternative financial service centers. As long as operators continue to provide services that diminish their location to a sundry shop, they will continue on a downward slide. It is clear that universal change is needed. FISCA, industry’s trade association, is beginning to see need for these changes. But what they can’t do is mandate, implement and execute needed changes that individual operators must make. And that’s a big problem. As long as majority of check cashers refuse to transition their outlets into true financial service centers, industry will never progress or even feel good about itself.

January 21st, 2005

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Men in high-status positions are expected to execute certain tasks and behaviors in a superior manner. Just like James Bond who readily knows how to do everything and nothing, you need useful skills in order to become a suave "Jack of all trades." Use following list in order to acquire skills necessary to embody essence of a successful man.

1- Dining etiquette

During influential functions and fancy dinners with clients, it´s important to know your way around table. When eating a meal with many courses and a plethora of forks, knives, little spoons, and napkins, remember this simple rule: You typically use utensils from outside in. The set of utensils furthest from your plate is used for first course and so on. Put your napkin on your lap before you start your meal, and do not commence eating until all guests have been seated and their meals have been served. Gentlemanly etiquette separates composed from crass.

2- Ordering alcohol

For elaborate meals with five courses or more, it´s wise to know when to order which drinks. Cocktails, like martinis and Scotch on rocks, are generally served with hors d´oeuvres before meal and typically away from table setting. Before meal, sometimes it is customary to order an "aperitif" like port or a sweet wine.

In terms of what wine to order with dinner, remember that red wine typically goes with cheeses, red meat and creamy dishes, whereas white goes with fish, chicken, and fondue. After meal, you can also order a "digestif" like cognac or a sweet liqueur like Anisette or Baileys. Likewise, tipping well increases your sophistication.

3- Smoking a cigar

There´s nothing like a sweet Cuban between lips of a head honcho. Classier and more celebratory than a cigarette, a real cigar -- rather than one of those cheap, crispy imitations from convenience store -- can be a measure of true class.

First, go to a specialty store to select a decent cigar. Expect to spend at least $10 for a quality cigar. You will likely have to "clip" end of cigar (where you will be putting your mouth), so it is wise to obtain a cigar clipper.

To light it, turn cigar slowly with one hand, so that entire end is evenly exposed to heat of flame. When it glows evenly, consider it lit. Take a long puff of your cigar, and let smoke gather in your mouth rather than inhaling into your lungs. It´s about taste, not tobacco.

Remember not to re-light a cigar after it has been out for more than thirty minutes because taste will alter unfavorably. Generally, cigars are allowed in special smoking lounges, and it is prudent in restaurants to ask if they have a "no cigar policy." The same goes for dinner parties because some people find odor offensive.

Speaking with confidence, managing time and shaking up a storm...

4- Speaking well in public

Being able to persuade, influence, flatter, motivate, and inspire is essential in life of every successful man. In any situation, being a master of social seduction takes one main attribute: Confidence. When you speak in front of a crowd, you must first be relaxed with yourself and your abilities.