5 mistakes Bob Belcher makes that we can learn from
I’m not ashamed to admit that we watch a fair amount of Bob’s Burgers on repeat, no less. Now, admittedly, it took me a while to start watching it before becoming a fan because of the voices. But, now, I don’t even notice until someone tells me they never watched because they couldn’t get past their voices. Honestly, their voices are what makes Bob’s Burgers, Bob’s Burgers. But I digress.
As a business owner and advisor, there was a time when I’d watch in anticipation of Bob’s success because his burgers are amazing. How do I know that? Well, if you’re a regular watcher of the show, then you have seen countless times when this has been proven. But here are a few.
A celebrity chef was so enticed by the mere scent of his creations coming from his station in a competition they were in together that the first thing he did after beating him… Again, he was a celebrity. He went straight to Bob’s restaurant to try the burger Bob' created. This guy later went on to recommend Bob be featured in a food magazine in place of him.
The chef's support doesn’t stop there. A crew of chefs from some upscale restaurants were so hooked that they used Bob’s as their after-work hangout spot. Plus, another chef loved his food so much that she invited Bob and his wife to come and eat for free at her fancy restaurant on Kingshead Island.
Bob followed in his father's footsteps when he opened his restaurant. His dad’s loyal customers preferred Bob’s burger over Big Bob’s (Bob’s Dad).
So, why is he always late on rent, constantly worried about shutting down, and in default on his bank loan? Well, Bob, though passionate, makes terrible business decisions. Just because you are following your passion and purpose doesn’t mean that you have to be broke.
Let's look at some mistakes Bob from Bob's Burgers has made, and the lessons we can glean from them:
Lack of Marketing:
Bob tends to undermarket his restaurant. The mistake is not investing enough in marketing efforts to attract new customers.
The Lesson:
Effective marketing is essential for business growth.
Overlooking Cost Control:
Bob occasionally overspends on his unique burger creations. Failing to control costs can impact profitability.
The Lesson:
Keep a close eye on expenses and budget wisely.
Resistance to Change:
Bob often resists modernizing his restaurant. The mistake here is a reluctance to adapt to new trends or technologies.
The Lesson:
Embrace change to stay relevant.
Ignoring Customer Feedback:
Bob sometimes dismisses customer feedback. Ignoring or not addressing customer concerns can lead to a decline in business.
The Lesson:
Listen to customers and use feedback for improvement.
Poor Employee Management:
Bob faces challenges managing his quirky staff. Mistakes in employee management can affect the overall business atmosphere.
The Lesson:
Prioritize effective leadership and communication.
Lack of Diversification:
Bob primarily focuses on burgers. The mistake is a lack of menu diversification.
The Lesson:
Explore additional offerings to cater to a broader audience.
