At Least Someone's Lovin' It

In these tough economic times, most businesses are failing and beginning to collapse. Our banks have needed government aid to survive and future prospects seem rather grim. Yet in the face of all this news of companies who are beginning to fall apart, we can still see a few businesses who are doing well, if not better than before.


McDonald's, in fact, is thriving. While its competitors are weakening, Ronald McDonald is seeing increasing profits, sales, and improving stocks.... But why?

When asked in an interview by CNN, Karen Wells, vice-president of "strategy and menu" says that:

"there's two things that's really attributed to McDonald's success. First and foremost, listening to our customers. It's menu variety, it's value and affordable prices at McDonald's and the convenience that only McDonald's can offer.

The other piece is our system alignment around one plan. You know, under the arches we have a term called the three-legged stool. It's our franchisees, our suppliers and our corporate staff working together. Those are the two things that have worked for McDonald's and our success."

This doesn't exactly explain their success, I mean, I'm sure most companies try to "listen to their customers" after all...

What do you guys think about this?