Name the movie: “If you build it, they will come.” That phrase was whispered by a mysterious voice in a corn field in Iowa in the 1989 film Field of Dreams. Writing that gives me pause as I realize some of you were not born yet in 1989. In any case, I hope you have seen the film because it is a winner. If you have not seen it yet, give it a watch. You will be happy you did.
After hearing that mysterious voice whisper that phrase, an Iowa corn farmer, played by Kevin Costner, is moved to plow under some of his corn field and build a baseball field – a Field of Dreams. Everyone says he is crazy for doing so. His determination wins the day as his baseball field becomes a magical success. I am reserving further details so as to not play spoiler. Folks come from all around to watch baseball games in a corn field in Iowa. In a time before mass internet and cell phones word of mouth drove them there; no marketing and no self-promotion. Just “…build it, they will come.”
How things have changed since 1989. Not only do you have to build it today, you have to promote and talk about it. The highest success comes when one’s friends promote and talk about what you have built. Self-promotion, as such, is difficult for many – believe me I understand and appreciate the value of humility. In today’s world though, those who get talked about celebrate. Last week, we asked our leaders to go on the offense and ask our friends and guests to share their love for the Ram, our food, and our graciously hospitable team members online. To help move the needle, per se, so that when folks unfamiliar with the Ram search the internet for a great place to eat the Ram is at or near the top. Great online reviews are the best way to ensure that. In one week, the result has been impressive. On this Monday morning of December 1st, I got writer’s cramp from writing so many Boulder Cards to our team members who were mentioned positively online by our guests. Now that is Game On! We had about a half dozen restaurants really stand out – thank you. We expect all restaurants to stand out from here on out. We have a tremendous number of guests dining with us this holiday season. Let’s have our Game On! Let’s Make ‘em Smile and let’s give them Reasons to Return. Let’s also graciously ask them to share their positive experiences at the Ram online.
Happy December birthday to: Murph Miner, Amanda Helmke, Kelly Van Matre, and Austin Iverson.
A sincere thank you to those team members celebrating significant anniversaries with the Ramily this month: Angelina Basile (9 years), Codi-Rei Pezario (9 years), Stacey Moon (21 years), Marquise Davis (6 years), Payton Sutphen (7 years) and Robyn Ortiz (10 years). Thank you all very much.
“You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-loss record of the referee.”
~ John Holcomb
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”
~ Florence Nightingale