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Patricia M. Johnson & Richard F. Outcalt
Retail Strategists and Retail Turnaround Experts
Co-Founders, The Retail Owners Institute® • Business Strata:G®
We've often explained that The ROI is like the local public library. It’s brimming with information and resources. But, there is no one starting point, no set pathway through The ROI. Just like you have no one issue.
At your local library, folks are looking for different information each time they visit. That’s also true for visitors to The ROI’s website. It depends…
Given that usage pattern, we decided to essentially make it official. We've now departmentalized The ROI much like a library.
Why did we do that? To make it easier and much faster for you to get whatever you need.
Our library has nine specialized retail resource centers awaiting you. Here's the directory for when you visit RetailOwner.com.
We’re sure you will have fun exploring each of these Resource Centers. Each one is filled with its own collection of The ROI’s proprietary resources: how-to articles, webinars, calculators, etc available nowhere else.
And BTW, The ROI’s library is very retailer-friendly. No fines for overdue books. No insistence on keeping quiet. Open 24/7. Available on-demand, whenever you need it.
Be sure to check it out! And let us know what you think.
WEBINAR Of The WEEK
Especially during times of major changes economically, retailers are well advised to
focus on your customers
control the "controllables"
and above all else, keep perspective!
Ahh, yes, retailers. That third one - "keep perspective" - can seem daunting. What's the secret to achieving that?
In today's lingo, it would be "metrics". That is, measure and monitor your tactics and results.
For a quick overview of a 4-step process that enables you to know whether your business is trending up, down, or sideways, take advantage of this week's Webinar of the Week, led by Pat Johnson and Dick Outcalt, Co-Founders of The Retail Owners Institute®.
Go here to take advantage of this lively webinar, and to download your own master copy of The ROI's Trend Tracker form.
What is “value” for today’s shoppers? Benefits received for the burdens endured.
Want to add more value for your customers? Unburden them!
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We’re familiar with a middle-aged woman who recently applied for a sales job at a local “dress shop.” She’s a very pleasant person with an above-average family lifestyle. She sure didn’t need the income.
When she was asked what prompted her to seek employment at that shop, she quickly said, “Oh, that’s the happiest place I know!”
Another woman we know prides herself on going to her favorite supermarket almost every day. She wouldn’t have to; she wants to. Why?
“The nice produce lady helped me pick out the best melon. And, behind the meat counter, ‘my friend’ found the perfect lean ground beef that had just come in. And, my favorite checker always calls me by my name. I’m going back tomorrow.”
Maybe you don’t agree with us, but we think that we’re all going through a period of uncertainty, worry, sadness and concerns that seem to put a damper on much of normal pleasantries.
This gloom is getting old and those who can are seeking places where they’ll find smiles. And independent retailers specialize in smiles! 😊
Is there anything more fun than showing a customer what’s new or what has just come in? The excited voice and smile is a welcome tonic.
We all can welcome that kind of tonic.
Years ago a Nordstrom executive was asked how they were able to get such good sales people. The answer was classic. “We interview for their personality. Are they upbeat, pleasant, and genuinely like people? That’s the primary step. Then we teach them everything else.”
During this difficult phase that we are going through, retailers have an unprecedented competitive edge: smiles, fun, exciting merchandise and an uplifting environment that is more welcome today than any time in memory.
Look. If you don’t agree with us, that’s okay. But, in your store, do all of us a big favor. Fake it ‘til you make it!
Thanks.
Good question. Often comes up in the middle of the night, right? Especially these days.
Well, now you can get a quick answer for that. On your own. And free! Just take advantage of The ROI's online Four Month PROFITS Outlook. (There's even a short, silent video about it to help you get started.)
Got it? Great! That was pretty easy to do, right?
Sure enough, The ROI has you covered there as well. We call it our Near-Term CASH FLOW Planner. (Or, Cash Flow Gadget.) Online, free for everyone to use, 24/7.
Don't be fooled by its name. This Cash Flow "Gadget" is a simple, practical tool you can use – free! – anytime. Quickly get a Big Picture understanding of your short-term financial situation.
There IS a difference between profits and cash; they are not the same. These two calculators let you readily see where and how they differ.
Once you know that, it’s much easier to decide where to focus your attention to guide the financial outcome of your stores.
Plus, the four month time frame is well suited to most retailers.
We invite you to make it a habit to take advantage of these two “gadgets.” Free, online 24/7. Built specially for busy retailers. Only at The ROI.
The Retail Owners Institute® has been empowering retailers since 1999 to "Turn on their financial headlights!" Our tools and resources are trusted by thousands of store owners to help grow profitable, resilient businesses.