Employees can also increase sales. They know things about their local customers that no centralized system can know. They know what the customers are asking for that the store or restaurant doesn’t have.
Of course, all this requires enough time to do the daily work and engage in improvement. Many low-wage employers think that increasing labor productivity means doing as much as possible with as few people as possible all working as quickly as possible.
But key aspects of great service can’t be speeded up. An IT system may find an answer quickly, but it can’t listen to the customer’s problem more quickly or with any empathy. Nor can thinking about improvement and experimenting with countermeasures be speeded up.
Zeynep Ton is a professor, author and leading expert on operations management in retail and service businesses. She is a sought-after international keynote speaker who has spoken at major conferences worldwide on topics ranging from leadership and innovation to women in technology.
In 2017, Zeynep co-founded Good Jobs Institute, and she serves as the President. The non-profit organisation provides evaluations, workshops, and long-term collaborations to assist and support retail executives in transforming their businesses.
Zeynep has been researching and writing about business strategy for over 15 years, focusing on how companies can create good jobs and offer excellent customer service while still achieving superior returns to investors. In 2014, her work culminated in the publication of her book, The Good Jobs Strategy.
Zeynep’s research has been published in managerial and scholarly journals including Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, and Organization Science. She also wrote several Harvard Business School cases. Her work has been featured widely in the media, including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, PBS, and NPR.
Zeynep Ton teaches MBA and executive education courses in operations management. She received several awards for excellence in teaching both at HBS and MIT Sloan. She was named one of the World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under the Age of 40 by Poets & Quants and was featured by CNNMoney as one of eight young business school professors on the rise.
Zeynep lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children. A native of Turkey, she first came to the U.S. on a volleyball scholarship from the Pennsylvania State University.
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Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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Whitney Johnson is the CEO and co-founder of Disruption Advisors, a tech-enabled talent development company. Whitney is a globally recognized thought leader (named by Thinkers50 as a top #10 management thinker), author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant; Whitney is the WSJ, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company (Harvard Business Press, […]
Jasmine Star helps entrepreneurs build a brand and market it on social media. After quitting law school, she picked up a camera, built an internationally recognized business, and teaches others how to do the same. In addition to chasing wild dreams, Jasmine works with her husband and grumpy dog, and you’ll likely find her walking […]
Sophia Amoruso is a visionary who redefined the e-commerce landscape and built a global brand from the ground up. As the founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss, she has transformed the way women approach business, leadership, and personal growth. Her journey from selling vintage clothing on eBay to running a multi-million-dollar fashion empire is a […]
Robyn Benincasa has made an art form of extreme performance by competing and winning at the highest levels of sport and business. Robyn is an award-winning keynote speaker, a 20+ year veteran San Diego firefighter, a World Champion Adventure Racer, a 2014 CNN Hero, a Guinness World Record Endurance Kayaker, a best-selling author, and founder […]
Scott Bales is not just another technology enthusiast; he is a luminary guiding the world through “The Digital Shift.” As a technology guru, Scott navigates the intricate landscape where innovation, culture, design, and mobility converge in our increasingly digital world. His expertise extends far beyond mere technical proficiency; Scott delves deep into the realms of […]
Carolyn Strauss is a powerful, compelling, effervescent, and entertaining presenter who speaks with audiences – not at them. Her programs are based on over 28 years of research and experience as a successful businesswoman in the marketplace. For over twenty years, Carolyn has passionately shared her strategies and business methods with audiences worldwide, teaching people […]
The Swing Cats Big Band with the Swing Kittens is Southern California’s freshest and most dynamic swing band around. Composed of top musicians dedicated to the performance and preservation of big band music, The Swing Cats will take you back to the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s with their high-quality, authentic sound. Come cut a rug […]
Katie Linendoll is an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, consumer technology expert, and one of the leading women in the field of technology. As one of the most in-demand technology experts worldwide, Katie Linendoll is recognized by a wide-range of audiences for her reporting and frequent appearances as a regular expert contributor for major media outlets […]
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