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Competing in the "Sea of Change"
In 2010, it is imperative that business owners carefully re-examine all of their business strategies. In this "sea of change," coupled with prevailing strong economic headwinds the forcast looms uncertain with market changes, technology changes, sales and marketing changes, and necessary operational changes, among others.
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How to Use the "Voice of the Customer" to Grow Your Business
In our recent Shop Talk column "Brand-Speak," I promised to share some simple research alternatives for small businesses. These techniques will give you insight that will allow you to implement "TLC" - not the traditional 'tender loving care' - but rather to "Think Like a Customer."
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Brand-Speak: How Do Your Customers Define Your Brand?
As the economic climate continues to challenge businesses on many levels, I think it is the opportune time for independent merchants, restaurant owners, and owenrs of service businesses to ask themselves some difficult questions about the perception of their "brank".
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Store Image: Time for Rethinking?
What would your merchants' reaction be if someone said, "Excuse me, your image is showing?" Would they be proud or embarrassed about their store image? Think about it. They may have been in their stores for a few years upon opening, most merchants undoubtedly had a grand plan for a dynamic store.
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Internal Customer Service
Ask a group of retailers about their greatest daily challenges and, invariably, chief among them will be employee turnover and morale. The ripple effect of this "silent sabotage" impacts virtually every area of a business, severely altering the sales and bottom-line results.
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5 Steps to Reaching Your Goals
I am often asked, "What one strategy do you consistently recommend when consulting with a new specialty retailer?" The answer is simple: Set goals for your business, yourself and your staff. Too often I see a very lackadaisical attitude about this topic. Clearly one of the fastest ways to energize your business...
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Miles on Main Street
Reprinted with permission by the Virginia Main Street Newsletter
During this past year, I have had the exciting opportunity to spend many days and countless hours with Virginia Main Street retailers from Marion to Berryville, Radford to Franklin, Staunton to Winchester, Warrenton to Rocky Mount, Orange to Martinsville, Waynesboro to Culpeper, and ending in Lexington. Miles and miles on Main Streets! My visit in each town consisted of...
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757.491.1411 • 1604 Hilltop West Executive Center • Suite 205 • Virginia Beach, VA 23451 • shoptalk@shoptalk.org