Comments on: Can This Business Be Saved? Interview with Katie Linendoll, Technology Wizard

By: Roseann Egan

Roseann Egan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:29:43 +0000

I just recently found the make over program and was very impressed with the proffesional manner in which it was done. My son is very good at what he does but needs help with the rest – He has a learning disability which affects his organization skills in running the financial part of the business. However he is very pasionate about his business which he has been doing since he was very young. I bought him a shed to work in when he was a young teen which he used up until a few years ago. He now has purchased a commercial shop and appears to be struggling. I explained to him that one can’t always be good at everything and that he needs to get his books organized – I am afraid that if he doesn’t get the help he needs he will end up losing everything. His first chld is on the way and I know with good direction he will be very successful. I hate to see him so stressed but lending him money is not the answer. I am hoping that your program would consider him for an upcoming make over. I thank you for your kind attention in this matter.

By: Dave Scott

Dave Scott — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:27:11 +0000

It is easy to get new technology when it is given to you but who can afford $2000-$4000 dollars worth of computers and printers while the business is going? I’d love to update my POS but money is the problem.

By: Arthur Bland

Arthur Bland — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 03:35:53 +0000

Yeah, But What if the Owners Won’t Listen? –> Then leave them alone. It’s their loss not ours.

Just kidding. Well, we can always remind them or at least try to convince them that business must embrace technology. If still they won’t listen after we reach out to them, it’s their choice. By then, we must leave them alone of their lives and businesses. They will be held responsible for whatever consequences of their actions and decisions.

By: Mary Grace Ignacio

Mary Grace Ignacio — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:29:57 +0000

Wow Inspiring to know Katie, a tech wizard.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:27:02 +0000

I love the show. I DVR it so I never miss it – as Sat. mornings are usually hectic.

So far in the episodes I have seen, they take businesses that are in the red and owned by people you wonder why they are even in business. What I’d like to see the show do is take a business that IS making money and take them to the next level.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:40:44 +0000

I wasn’t aware of this program either which is surprising because I watch A&E. I’m going to have to go check it out now. . . .

By: Walt

Walt — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:15:53 +0000

Amanda, did you see the contest for a $25K Dell makeover? Runs thru November 7th 2008: http://www.dellmeansbusiness.com/contest/

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:42:59 +0000

This is a great find, I had no idea this was even on. I wish they would pick a different time than Saturday mornings though. I love shows like this, I often watch Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey. It amazes me how clueless people can be. Even when they are offered professional advice, they fight every step of the way. I would give my left arm for an opportunity like this and I would take every piece of advice to heart.

I agree with Martin that this would have made a great show interview. I’d love to hear about her experiences with these particular businesses.

By: Martin Lindeskog

Martin Lindeskog — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:54:58 +0000

Anita: Yes, it would be perfect as a radio interview, but your notes are valuable too. Do you have any plans to start video TV / video interviews?

By: Anita Campbell

Anita Campbell — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:09:25 +0000

Hi Denise,

Yes, most of the business owners had a classic case of “working IN the business, not ON it.”

For example, you could tell that the doggie daycare owner loved working with the dogs but had far less enthusiasm for other aspects of running the business, such as presenting retail products in an appealing way. You hear her say “we almost never sell any of the dog food” etc. , which should be a clue right there that she should listen to the team’s advice about proper presentation of retail goods.

Same goes for the pizza shop owner. He loved perfecting his pizza recipe, but was resistant to changes that would have improved marketing and sales. I loved the comment he made in the follow up video about why he tore out the customer order counter: because it was taking up two valuable table spots. Yet, the place was empty during the peak lunch hour when the team was there, and later he reported that the business had not gotten better. Doesn’t sound like the lack of those two tables was holding back business, yet that was a key reason for taking out a customer counter that made the place much more appealing to customers.

What I got out of the series is that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. It makes me wonder: ‘what is obvious to others about my business, but I am too stubborn or blind to see?’ Hmmmmm.

Anita