A century ago, in small towns around North America, everyone in a community knew everyone else. You also knew all of the merchants and they knew you. Merchants were responsive to the needs and wants of their community. Customers could offer feedback and merchants … Read More
I will start with what I consider a missed opportunity. A young woman, let’s call her Stephanie, has drawn a name for a company gift exchange. The individual she draws if British so Stephanie decides to put together a gift … Read More
One of my top ten favorite business books is “Customers for Life” by Dallas car dealer Carl Sewell. He’s one of the business owners I respect because he understand Retail DNA. I will refer to this book from time to time to discuss lessons … Read More
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read More