​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Do you remember the day you received your business license, found the perfect location for your retail store or the  rst time you opened your doors to the public?

If you were anything like me, you sprung out of bed that morning full of energy, excitement and high expectations. Those feelings propelled you through the dreaded first year of running a business. But somewhere along the way, maybe it was year 5 or 10 or 20, those feelings fizzled. Your business has now become a monotonous routine of day to day tasks and weekly processes that you could probably do in your sleep. And without that spark it may be hard to build up the momentum to upgrade your show floor, redesign that outdated website, try out new promotional ideas or add the latest product lines.

Today, customers expect to be blown away during their shopping experience. So it’s important, now more than ever, for you to take the time to renew the spark you once had for your business and this time keep the love alive.

Here are some ideas to get you started from Entrepreneur, How to Rekindle Your Flame for Your Business and American Express, How to Get Your Passion Back:

• Think back until you’ve unearthed your initial motivation for starting your business.
• Assessandupdateyourbusinessgoalssotheyarechallengingandmeetthe needs that matter to you the most today.
• Re-liveatypicaldaytomakesureyouarespendingtimedoingmoreofwhat you love and less of what you hate.
• Makethefamiliarstrangeagainbypushingyourselfoutofyourcomfortzone, taking on new tasks or moving your desk to a different location.
• Createamoremeaningfulexperienceatworkwithactivitiesthatengageyour employees and make the work environment more interesting.

Bring back the Love,
Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]

​By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

The shows in 2016 are expected to be even larger than previous years in attendance, education and show floor exhibits. As we are in the middle of show season, and I’m just getting back from CES and KBIS, I thought I’d share a few show strategies that I have learned to make your experience more manageable, educational and enjoyable.

Plan ahead—On many of the shows’ websites there are maps and mobile apps. I suggest using these tools to plan the most direct route to booths and areas that interest you the most, since backtracking can waste valuable time.

Make appointments—For the first 2 days, it is important that you make appointments with any executives or sales reps, since they are usually only in the booths for a limited time—you don’t want to miss the opportunity to speak with them.

Make time for education—Many shows today offer educational opportunities through classes, seminars and roundtable discussions. Take some notes on what interests you and pick a few of these events that you can put into your schedule. It will be well worth your time.

Have some fun—Las Vegas, Orlando, New York or New Orleans: not only do these cities offer a wide variety of entertainment, culture and food; many of the shows held there offer the same. Cooking demonstrations, after parties and even giveaways are all there for you to enjoy.

What to do if you don’t go—If you are unable to attend the shows, they can still be a great resource for you. You can find exhibitor lists online that will provide you with contact information and descriptions of what they offer. Many show websites also have videos and press releases so you can keep up to date on what happened at the show.
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No matter what you do or how, these shows can support the continued growth of your business.

Happy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
[email protected]