Some day, expect DeLon Mork to write (or have ghost-written.... and DeLon, I know a literary guy who can help you with that!) a best-selling book on how to succeed in business. While we wait for that tome, USA Today fills the gap with coverage of how Madison's ice cream entrepreneur has turned his diminutive Dairy Queen into a nation-leading, Blizzard-selling, fundraising powerhouse.
The tips for success aren't revolutionary: use resources wisely and "think outside the box" (advice quickly approaching trite uselessness). But permit me to spotlight recommendation #3: motivate your community.
Get the community excited by asking for volunteers and doing fun pledges. This year, Mork and the chief of police agreed to skydive out of a plane if they sold more than 25,000 Blizzards, which has been the talk of the town. He also receives community support: committees from local church groups and volunteers from the police force and fire department handle crowd and traffic control. Mork's passion inspires all to participate, and the entire community gives what they can to help the important cause of saving children's lives [Christie Garton, "How One Small-Town Business Owner Rallied His Community for Charity," USA Today, 2011.08.16].
Key words there: inspire all to participate. Make all residents feel like part of something important. Invite and welcome help from anyone willing to show up.
DeLon Mork is a smart, hard-working businessman, but his store's nation-leading Mircale Treat Day performance does not come solely from his brains or sweat. It comes from his ability to inspire his crew and his community to do more than expected.
Update 22:28 CDT: The new Miracle Treat Day Blizzard sales total posted today: 25,648. DeLon and Police Chief Chuck Pulford plan to celebrate by going skydiving on Thursday, August 25th. Bring your binoculars!
Where are they expected to land? I have the day off work so I am excited to watch! :-)
I haven't heard yet, Nichole, but when I do, I'll post!