In the past I had a client that had what I think is a brilliant philosophy about her business. First let me tell you a bit about Bev. She told me she started selling teas and coffees at flea markets. In time she and her family grew the company to have two locations in her market place selling top quality kitchen accessories. … Read More
This is the first in a series of posts on what I like to refer to as Retail DNA. This is a new category and something I will write on from time to time. Some owners of retail businesses seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to running their business. They approach things differently. They don’t need to … Read More
The Butterfly Effect is a popular term used in discussions of Chaos Theory. It refers to is the seemingly insignificant actions that have a dramatic impact in systems like weather and climate. In business we often don’t look at an insignificant action and connect it to the resulting change in business. You must keep in mind that dots aren’t always connected by a … Read More
What we have here is a shot of an ad on the back of a Calgary Transit bus. It says “Faster. Easier. Cheaper.” and under that is says “Two outta three ain’t bad.” Many Calgary drivers would argue vigorously, but first a little background. The ad is for the Calgary Parking Authority which has eliminated parking meters in all zones they control and have … Read More
Today’s post is about that all important decision on the part of a retail business owner, where to hang the shingle. It’s one that has such far reaching consequences and I’ve seen struggles that have resulted in making a poor decision. Location by itself isn’t the whole issue however. The location needs to fit within the overall approach of the business. … Read More
This bus bench is located on a street that I travel from time to time. Every time I drive past I am given to contemplating the motivation behind the message. Because I stopped today to take a photo, I now have little doubt what the business owner is trying to communicate. We had a heck of a spring snow storm over … Read More
Canadian cellular phone companies really annoy me. In terms of plans on offer, customers that are new to the provider get better deals than the existing customers. It’s been this way for some time. I was originally a Rogers customer and switched to Bell. This was back when numbers weren’t portable so I had to change my number when I made … Read More
I’ve noticed that some retailers are seriously understaffed. I have gone into stores with the intention of making a purchase and left without the item(s) I needed. I was unable to find the item and was also unable to find any help on the floor. A few years ago when the economy was very strong it was hard to find staff. Today, since … Read More
Here is a business anaylsis excercise that can make your company better. In sports, leagues are always changing the rules. This is done with the intent of making the league better. When these changes are viewed at an individual team level it is good for some teams and maybe not good for others. The team management has to asses the rule changes … Read More
I have a computer that keeps calling me. The dealer that I purchased my last vehicle from has an automated system to remind customers to bring the vehicle in for service. The system generates a phone call and a pleasant recorded voice tells me that my vehicle is due for service and please call this number to book an appointment. … Read More