Dominos are small oblong pieces, usually rectangular but sometimes square, with a number of pips on each end. They are used to play a game of dominoes, in which players place one domino edge to edge against another so that the adjacent faces match, or form a specified total. They can be arranged in a wide variety of ways to create patterns or pictures, and they can be set up on top of each other to build 3-D structures like towers or pyramids. The word “domino” also has a figurative meaning, denoting an important or essential person or thing. In the late 17th century, the word was also used to describe a large hooded cloak with a mask worn at masquerades.
In the mid-1960s, Domino’s founder Tom Monaghan opened the first official franchise in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The company grew quickly. Monaghan focused on establishing Domino’s in high-traffic areas, particularly near college campuses. His strategy tapped into the market’s demand for pizza delivered quickly. By 1968, there were over 200 Domino’s locations.
While Monaghan’s business model was successful, it did not necessarily translate into success for other companies using similar models. The first challenge faced by other Domino’s-like chains was the issue of employee turnover. In order for a business to thrive, employees must feel valued and supported. When employees feel that their employer is not listening to them, the company suffers. The domino effect can be felt on the level of individual stores and even the entire industry.
When a customer experiences poor service, they may spread the word to others, leading to further decline. This downward spiral can be hard to break, but it can be prevented with good communication and an emphasis on customer needs. One example of this is the Domino’s value of Championing Our Customers. As soon as the company’s CEO, David Brandon, took over the company in 2004, he refocused on communicating with employees and addressing their concerns.
Domino’s has since implemented a series of changes, including more flexibility in work schedules and a revamped leadership training program. The company has also placed a focus on improving communication with its customers.
A key factor in Domino’s success has been its ability to innovate, especially when it comes to technology. In addition to offering online ordering, Domino’s has developed its own delivery system and is testing autonomous vehicles.
If you’re a writer, the domino image can help you identify scenes that aren’t necessary or don’t advance the plot. For example, if a character is going to uncover a clue that will ultimately help them solve the mystery, but the scene itself doesn’t add much tension or emotional impact, something is probably amiss. Whether you use outlines, writing software such as Scrivener, or just write by the seat of your pants, the domino image can help you spot and eliminate unnecessary scenes. By doing so, you’ll create a stronger and more compelling story.