The doctor told me it would happen. I didn’t really understand until recently the impact my car accident from a year ago would have on my life. The doctor said, “Your life as you know it will be forever changed, and everything in your life will be up for re-evaluation.” Well, his prediction is currently unfolding in my life at breakneck speed. (No pun intended!)

This pivotal realization catapulted me headlong into the process of evaluating and editing the script of my own life, a process we can apply to our businesses as well.
Acknowledging that you have the power to edit out the things that are no longer serving you personally or in your business allows you the ability to replace them with new systems, ideas, and influential people. Are you looking for ways to take your small business to the next level? Where do you want to be one, five, and 10 years from now? What is it going to take to make that happen?

Start by re-imagining your company from the ground up. Get out the red pen and start editing. For starters, begin by finding ways to stay relevant in this rapidly changing marketplace. Use publicity to gain exposure for your company by supporting charities or publishing content on your website your customers find beneficial. Consider engaging influential bloggers that have large fan bases to significantly boost your company’s reputation.

Evaluate your current business relationships—are they beneficial for both parties? Does that vendor bring to the table the benefits they claimed when they were first wooing you for your business? Is that employee enhancing your customers’ experience or contributing to the overall helpful can-do climate of your business? If not, perhaps some thoughtful communication is in order. If that doesn’t remedy the issues, it may be time to do some housecleaning to find individuals more suitable with which to partner.

With a solid plan, you will be able to capitalize on new avenues for your business. So get busy re-envisioning the future of your company NOW! What are you waiting for?

Flip the Script!
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com

I spent the first half of June traveling in Italy visiting some of our manufacturing partners. Factories were toured, products were reviewed, and as always, we were showered with wonderful Italian hospitality focusing on food, family and
discovering new friendships.

It's now July and back at home, we are in the height of summertime – sun,
fun, and outdoor entertaining is at its finest. As we gather around the BBQ cooking in the late afternoon and evening, we free ourselves of the world and put our To-Do lists on the backburner for a few hours. This time is for creating a sense of community, to come together, prepare and cook, eat and drink, and gather around the family table to unwind with food, games, stories, family, and each other.

The outdoor dining experience is more than the cooking equipment itself. It's the environment as a whole that creates an atmosphere of warmth, delight, safety and fun – the perfect ambiance to connect. The lighting, garden, furniture, and comforts are what help create an inviting space to be in. In a way, we are re-creating a culture that our society as a whole has forgotten - the importance of "downtime". In most of Europe, they take the month of August off, pack up and take the family to the seashore to spend an entire month together relaxing, eating, drinking and having fun together. It’s the connection that we all crave.

We need to redefine what it is that we need, adding back in what has been missing in our workaholic culture; a sense of connection and sharing through food and wine that cultures around the world have been doing for centuries. Outdoor living is a strong and growing market. How much of this market share do you want to own? How do you promote the concept to your customers? Create the feeling of gathering and sharing in your own showrooms, one that invites your shoppers to dream and imagine themselves doing this at home with their friends and loved ones. Become the "go to" place for finding all the elements that build the environment of entertaining at its finest.

Here's to connecting--
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com