The BusinessMakers Overtime - Week of February 3, 2010: The Sweetest Show to Date

Episode 028 originally broadcast on February 03, 2010

This week the girls are out and about at Tasti D-Lite, the healthier substitute for ice cream and yogurt. They will be interviewing Aaron Webster, a managing member of Webster Foods, an investment group established to bring Tasti D-lite franchises to Texas. Also Katie and Esther discuss how you can use web applications like Yulp.com to improve your customer relationship with your business, since it is all about the customer. But sadly not every business is topped with sprinkles, the girls will touch base on some of the businesses that might be hurting a little, like Harley Davidson.

Not Everything Comes with Sprinkles

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld dissect the week’s business news in a sweet show recorded live at Houston’s Tasti D-lite. Harley Davidson posted its first loss and is making plans to restructure accordingly. A PetSmart employee working overtime has been fired for a bad pet decision. Oracle executive Charles Phillips has some pretty serious problems with a crazy ex-girlfriend. ("And of course there was a website!")

Aaron Webster, Webster Foods L.L.C.

Katie and Esther interview Aaron Webster, a managing member of Webster Foods, an investment group established to bring Tasti D-lite franchises to Texas. Webster discovered the “low-fat ice cream alternative” in New York and, with a team of investors, is working to grow multiple locations throughout Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Webster discusses his marketing efforts—both online and offline—to increase awareness of his sweet treat shops. (“Oreos ‘n peanut butter is tough to beat. It’s a real bruiser!”)

Technology to Improve Your Business

Katie and Esther discuss the audience during the show they recorded live at Tasti D-lite. Technology is a wonderful thing for restaurant/business owners today who are interested in fostering the social community of their venue. Smart entrepreneurs will monitor customer comments of what’s right and what needs work. We’ll discuss interfaces, apps you should know about, including Yelp.com, a clever and interactive website, that helps users find, review and talk about “what’s great” in their city or area. (“Your rabid fans will stand up for you hours before your PR people notice it.”)