Happy Monday, kemosabe.
Yesterday, the business newsletter “Seeking Alpha” reported the following:
Hotel Taco Bell: The power of a strong brand will be on display when Yum Brands’ (NYSE: YUM) The Bell: A Taco Bell Hotel and Resort starts taking reservations on June 27 for the taco-inspired destination in Palm Springs, California. When the hotel officially opens in August, guests will be served up Taco Bell’s version of a poolside resort menu in addition to exclusive Taco Bell menu items that will make their debut at The Bell.
Say what?
“Hey honey, for our 25th wedding anniversary, I planned something extraordinary. I’ve booked us at the Taco Bell hotel!” My guess is that husband won’t be around to see wedding anniversary number 26.
Who the heck is their target market? Are there enough people who love Taco Bell so much that they would want to stay at their hotel and float around in the pool on floaties in the shape of hot sauce packets. (That is NOT a joke. The hotel will have those.)
We’ve all heard about the importance of niching our products and services but, good lord, this is insane.
I wonder what their fine dining restaurant will be like? Will there be a tasting menu with a wine pairing? Inquiring minds want to know.
I predict that this hotel will do well in the beginning because of the novelty factor, but it will quickly struggle. Novelty and fads can only take you so far.
The sports analogy that’s over-used in business is that success comes down to “blocking and tackling.” Meaning that your success comes down to mastering the fundamentals, and not wasting time on here today, gone tomorrow tricks and gimmicks.
And what’s the most critical fundamental you need to master for lasting success?
If you guessed “sales,” then give yourself four out of four tacos.
Okay, gotta run. I’m getting hungry.
Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!
Dave “Hot Sauce” Dee
P.S. The best and easiest way to master the art and science of selling is to become a Dave Dee Inner Sanctum VIP. You can get the details here: