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You may have seen in the press that Center Parcs is up for sale by its current owners and allegedly they’re looking for offers of around $ 5 billion or so. The new purchasers will be buying a business with a track record of many years of providing holidays, especially for families. We are one such family having originally visited when our children were small some thirty-six years ago on the recommendation of someone with seven children… Our children have now grown up and have their own children (our grandchildren) who all enjoy the same experience (albeit updated) that we originally enjoyed all those years ago. We have had birthdays, significant birthdays and milestones, anniversaries, and even an accepted proposal! What brings us back year after year is an experience you can only really understand when you have visited a Center Parcs for a holiday. It gets into your system. Yes, nature, the swimming pools, the endless ability to walk or cycle in fresh air plus many other attractions are all very special. But the real reason it becomes addictive is the look on close family faces enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed way. They gain what we call the Center Parcs SMILE! I recently spoke at one of our weekly online Check Ins and suggested three reasons why they have been so successful. They build for the long term – it takes years to source land and build a village and simply put short-termism simply wouldn’t cut it. Consistency - is at the heart of the offering they make to visitors. Frankly, it is the same year on year, and they know it is exactly what their clients want. Their staff are happy – many have worked at sites for years and it shows when they are asked for the umpteenth time by a visitor where something is. They are clearly happy to help, and it is all the difference in the world. Now I am sure there are some who might have had a bad experience, but we never have, I am pleased to say. Their track record of growth in more than one owner's hands proves they have a very well-balanced business, at least from their client’s perspective. What’s the point, Peter? Being consistent. Looking for the long term. Being happy. These are all values that were built into the business early in its life and they are the basis for its highly prized REPUTATION. How about you? Are you building your business for the long term? Are you consistent in your approach? … and are you happy? Your REPUTATION will depend upon it… Just say'in Until the next time. Peter P.S. PLUS do check out below our brand new Scorecard How to Grow a Reputation that delivers more profitable business... - it really does hit the spot with twenty reasons why you need to take Reputation seriously... |
