In the ever-evolving world of restaurant technology, staying ahead of the curve is both a challenge and an opportunity. In a recent episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian engages with Seth Temko, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in hospitality tech, to explore his journey and the innovative strategies he’s developed to support restaurant tech companies through his consultancy, Full On Strategy.
Introduction and Guest Background
The episode begins with a warm introduction to Seth Temko, a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to various companies in the restaurant tech space. Jeremy Julian highlights Seth’s extensive background, including his work at companies like Touch Bistro and PAR Technology. Seth shares his passion for the industry and his motivation to continually return to it, even after exploring ventures outside of restaurant tech.
Innovations and Missed Opportunities
Seth recalls his early days in the industry during the Web 1.0 era, working with startups in San Francisco. He shares a candid story about a missed opportunity with OpenTable, a company that he and his team didn’t fully understand at the time, highlighting the unpredictability of the tech landscape. This honesty and humility set the stage for a discussion on how timing and understanding market dynamics are crucial for success.
Career Transitions and New Ventures
After years in large-scale operations and witnessing the impact of the Great Recession, Seth decided to pivot, starting a recreational youth sports franchise. This transition eventually led him back to the industry with Xenial, where he contributed to building a cloud platform. Seth emphasizes the importance of embracing change and innovation, a philosophy he carries into his consultancy work at Full On Strategy.
Founding Full On Strategy
Seth Temko’s latest endeavor, Full On Strategy, was born out of a desire to provide affordable, high-impact consulting services to restaurant tech companies and groups. He describes their comprehensive approach, which includes go-to-market evaluations, strategy crafting, and implementation. The consultancy focuses on delivering tailored playbooks for sales, marketing, and product development, making them a valuable asset for businesses aiming for growth and innovation.
Marketing Challenges in Restaurant Tech
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the complexities of marketing in the digital age. The discussion delves into the ‘noisy’ landscape that businesses face today and how Full On Strategy helps clients navigate these challenges. Seth and Jeremy explore the importance of understanding buyer psychology, differentiating through education, and the nuanced science behind effective marketing strategies.
Understanding Buyer Psychology
Seth emphasizes the role of emotion in purchasing decisions, noting that people often justify their choices with facts post-purchase. He advises companies to focus on building trust and credibility with their clients, a strategy that pays dividends as relationships and careers evolve over time.
The Importance of Doing the Right Thing in Marketing
Seth stresses the long-term value of honesty and integrity in business dealings. By prioritizing client needs—even if it means recommending a competitor’s product—businesses can foster trust and establish a reputation that attracts future opportunities.
Understanding Marketing Attribution and Data Points
The podcast also tackles the intricate world of marketing attribution, where Seth explains the importance of tracking touchpoints and measuring campaign effectiveness. He shares insights into balancing art and science in marketing, highlighting the need for data-informed decision-making to drive successful outcomes.
Engaging with Full On Strategy
Seth extends an invitation to restaurant tech companies seeking guidance in navigating market complexities. Full On Strategy offers tailored consulting services, from market assessments to execution support, positioning companies for sustainable growth and success.
