I recently participated in an online discussion discussing several different factors that when done right are a fail safe method to retail success. It really got me thinking about all of the things that I have learned throughout the years, and if I could narrow it down to just a few things that when executed flawlessly will always produce success.
The secret is in that thought. "Executed flawlessly". We are human and not without flaw. Therefore we have to try to make it into an incredibly simple formula. My formula would look something like this: People + Passion + Product = $$$. But, how do you guarantee you can hire that right person that has the intense passion to pursue the success of your product? You can't.
So, then I thought about the things that have been consistent throughout my career. First and foremost is a passionate leader. I have been inspired by some pretty amazing people. The wonderful thing about passion, is that it is contagious! That kind of leader can make the people around them the right people with the intense passion. Then it is the environment that those passionate people create for the consumer. Passion means that an employee will be inclined to take initiative to go the extra mile with the customer, enhance visual standards, be confident to share ideas, and most importantly they will be the person that your customer looks forward to seeing!
So the people and the passion part will handle the customer experience, but what about the "business"? When all is said and done and the doors are closed and the lights are turned off, it is about the money going to the bank!! That passionate leader also understands this. They understand that ordering supplies doesn't come from some imaginary and unlimited bank account. They understand that greeting a customer with value doesn't necessarily mean directing them to the least expensive items in the store. A great manager is not a bad thing, but a dynamic LEADER will always get you to the next level!!
The secret is in that thought. "Executed flawlessly". We are human and not without flaw. Therefore we have to try to make it into an incredibly simple formula. My formula would look something like this: People + Passion + Product = $$$. But, how do you guarantee you can hire that right person that has the intense passion to pursue the success of your product? You can't.
So, then I thought about the things that have been consistent throughout my career. First and foremost is a passionate leader. I have been inspired by some pretty amazing people. The wonderful thing about passion, is that it is contagious! That kind of leader can make the people around them the right people with the intense passion. Then it is the environment that those passionate people create for the consumer. Passion means that an employee will be inclined to take initiative to go the extra mile with the customer, enhance visual standards, be confident to share ideas, and most importantly they will be the person that your customer looks forward to seeing!
So the people and the passion part will handle the customer experience, but what about the "business"? When all is said and done and the doors are closed and the lights are turned off, it is about the money going to the bank!! That passionate leader also understands this. They understand that ordering supplies doesn't come from some imaginary and unlimited bank account. They understand that greeting a customer with value doesn't necessarily mean directing them to the least expensive items in the store. A great manager is not a bad thing, but a dynamic LEADER will always get you to the next level!!
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