Business survival tips for Peter Barlow

please note this post makes reference to the July 30 episode on CBC

Let's face it. Peter Barlow's Bookie business is in big trouble. How much trouble? Well, he's sleeping on Deirdre's sofa, that's how much trouble. The venerable bookie shop, once the economic backbone of the Street seems to be on the edge of bankruptcy. At times like this, Peter has no choice but to consider all his options:

1. Merger 
Peter could merge his bookie business with an existing business where there are synergies. How about a merger with Underworld? After all, Carla is already a major shareholder in both businesses. Knickers and gambling?  Now that's innovative. Not convinced? I admit it's a bit of a branding challenge. Okay, how about a merger with the Kebab shop?  Consider the promotional possibilities? Free hot sauce with every trifecta. And the slogans: "Peter's Bookie Kebab Shop: we bet you won't get food poisoning"

2. Hostile Takeover
Well, the most hostile takeover would involve Rob. He could buy the Bookies and turn it into that fantastic, cutting-edge business idea that Tracy came up with (you mean a pawn shop? - ed) which is destined to be a rip roaring success - until the punters discover eBay.

3. Another Hostile Takeover
How aboout Nick? He's pretty hostile and he could expand his Bistro into the bookies as a second location just for students and police drug raids. Also, it would be a place to put Gail so she wouldn't be hanging around the real Bistro.

4. Downsizing
No-one likes this option but Peter Barlow needs to to take tough measures and that means cutting costs immediately.  He will simply have to lay off staff (i.e. himself), move to a smaller, cheaper location (i.e. a phone booth or Deirdre's sofa) and cut back on costly overhead (i.e. cigarettes, orange juice anf gifts for Carla)

5. Outsourcing
All the big companies are doing it and maybe Peter should too. The bookie business would be more cost effective if it were based in Malaysia in the broom closet of an airline call centre. Plus, it would be a lot more difficult for Steve Macdonald to collect his 2,000 pounds, if he has to spend three hours on the phone waiting for the next available customer service agent.