July 4th is upon us as summer is now in full swing. As I write this, it’s 109 degrees outside in Las Vegas! What do you have planned this summer for yourself and your employees? Company outings, a vacation or in store contest? Are plans already in place or are you feeling spontaneous this year?

Company BBQ’s and outings have always been a favorite of many companies I have worked for in the past. There’s nothing like getting together, firing up the grill and enjoying summer food and fun. But has the annual summer cookout become passé? I think not! I feel that these events still help bring employees together and help them burn off some built up steam.

Let’s face it, customers, deadlines and sales goals can take a lot out of your team, both sales and support staff and you, the store owner. Every day you are all dealing with a constant bombardment of phone calls and issues that need immediate attention that doesn’t always leave room for fun. The stress that this causes can build up tension and bring your team down.

Maybe this year think outside of the box and offer something unique to build up team moral. How about a local ball game or bowling night? Maybe a cook-off where the winner gets a special prize or trip? You might even have a manufacturer or distributer help with judging and prizes. Instead of a park for a picnic maybe an old ghost town or local amusement park can host your event. I’m sure there are many entertainment options close to your store that you could choose from.

As an added thought, invite industry partners to participate in the festivities. A local NKBA, ASID or NARI chapter would be a great addition for fun and networking. Whatever you decide, just remember that your team and their moral are the most important part of your success and a happy team makes a profitable business.

Happy Retailing and enjoy your summer,
Moe Lastfogel
[email protected]

Lately I’ve heard myself saying, “I just don’t have the time to focus on that right now,” a little too often. And it is usually in response to something in my business that desperately needs my attention, like hiring a new administrative assistant or starting that new digital marketing project.

Most people think that running your own business means endless free- time to do “fun things” in life like play golf or go to the spa. In all honesty, I would have to admit that this was one of the main reasons why I started my previous business as an interior designer. And yes, I do enjoy flexibility in my schedule that I wouldn’t trade in for the world. However, even with the choice of “how” I spend my time, it seems I choose to use it to work longer hours versus taking an afternoon off.

Is it really because “I just don’t have the time?” A new administrative assistant would easily free up 10-20 hours of work each week which would allow me to start that new digital marketing project that would help expand our reach and grow the business. So, it seems quite mad that I wouldn’t find the time to hire an administrative assistant, right?

How many of you find yourself stuck even though you want to grow, take things to the next level so you are running a more competitive, more lucrative business? But you find that there just isn’t enough time in the day to take the steps required to move forward.

A colleague of mine once asked her mentor, “When do you know that your business is ready to hire more employees or outsource work to a consultant or agency?” The mentor simply responded, “When that business is ready to grow.”

Are you ready to grow? If so, you must make the time to “let go” of some of the day to day tasks and hire and train a support team. I can assure you, if you continue doing all of the work yourself, you will not grow. So, the next time you find yourself saying, “I just don’t have the time,” STOP and think again. Because what you are really saying is, “I am just not ready to grow.”

Until next time,
Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]