The Retail Observer
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Features
    • Writers
    • Issues
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Heart of the Industry
  • Partners
    • Partner Directory
    • Buying Groups
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturers
    • Trade Associations
  • Blog
  • Events
    • 2025 Year at a Glance
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Features
    • Writers
    • Issues
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Heart of the Industry
  • Partners
    • Partner Directory
    • Buying Groups
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturers
    • Trade Associations
  • Blog
  • Events
    • 2025 Year at a Glance
  • Subscribe

TIME TO TAKE A BREAK, REVIEW & LOOK AHEAD

12/1/2014

0 Comments

 
By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

PictureEliana Barriga
With the holiday season in full swing, hopefully we all can find some time to take a small break so we can reflect on what we’ve accomplished this year and start planning for next year.

Okay, I understand that time away from your business can seem like more stress than it’s worth. And I’m not saying get on a plane and take off to Bali, although not a bad idea—I’m talking about a few days away to allow you and your management team to get a little R&R so you can get some important planning work done.

Finding a nice spot doesn’t have to be expensive either, you can rent a local beach house or cabin for 3 to 4 days. Start each morning with a nice breakfast and maybe a walk to clear your head. Plan to spend 4 to 5 hours a day on your agenda. Take a break for lunch and at the end of each day, leave work talk and thinking behind until the next day. This will allow you and your team to again clear your heads and start fresh in the morning.

During your planning time, go over each area of the business to identify what’s working and what things may need to be changed. Target several problem areas and discuss possible solutions. Review the year’s accounting reports and results from all of your store’s sales and promotions. Leave room for a brainstorming session, where everyone can add any new ideas they may have or out of the box promotional ideas.

And yes, you may not get every question or problem solved, but the time away will allow you to come up with a clear plan on how you will tackle the new year. I found from past business retreats that scheduled time away is invaluable to both the company and your sanity.

Happy Holidays,


Eliana Barriga 
[email protected]

0 Comments

ARE YOU READY FOR 2015?

12/1/2014

0 Comments

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

PictureMoe Lastfogel
First off, Happy Holidays to you all. Next month is the start of many new things to be excited about. A New Year, new sales opportunities and clients, and a new era in trade shows. Most of all Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas. As I was starting this month’s Musings, I received an email form the NKBA presenting ways to make the most out of attending KBIS. In my opinion, the tips they shared is great advice for every show you attend next year. Here is a modified version.

• Make a plan. Whether it’s your first year at the show or you’re into double-digits, goal setting can help you plan your time on and off the trade show floor. Align with your 2015 business objectives to determine which seminars and courses to attend and which booths to visit. It’s impossible to do it all.

• Arrive early. Maximize the trip by building in time for professional development during your time there. Many of the shows are offing excellent courses to help you gain knowledge and grow your business.

• Come ready to network. Networking is a huge part of the experience; prepare to make the most of it. Research businesses in other parts of the country that are complementary to yours, whether it’s a potential partner, vendor or client. The shows are offering many opportunities for this. Take advantage. The research you do upfront will help you make the most of your meetings, accelerate your relationships and make the connections more effective.

I’ve already started planning for Design and Construction Week — have you? If not, you can start by visiting www.designandconstructionweek.com to download full event schedules. This looks to be the largest gathering of our industry in its recorded history. Don’t miss out.

Happy Holidays,

Moe Lastfogel 
[email protected]

0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Elle's View
    Moe's Musings

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

Features
Writers

Partners
Blog
Magazine
Subscribe
Advertise
Media Kit
Ad Specs

Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Copyright@ 2014-2025 The Retail Observer, Inc.