Success only runs one direction....
Building on a great idea from Alison Heath at Hardwood Artisans, I’m going to be tying media pitches for outlets around the country to small business closings in their communities (think: the gift shop down the street “going dark” next weekend). Short of suddenly becoming all-seeing or finding ten more hours in the day to search community news nationwide, that means one thing.
I need to borrow your brain. [click here to continue…]
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I knew people would like The 3/50 Project, but holy cow….you guys are spreading the word even faster than I thought. Verrrry cool, folks.
As a thank you, I have a couple of treats in the pipeline, just for you. [click here to continue…]
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You’ve read my post about our British counterparts supporting shop local campaigns in a proactive manner. Rather than wait for consumers to return with their wallets, city leaders decided to take the bull by the horns and inspire a little economic healing on their own.
Well folks, it looks like that’s not the only thing in the pipeline across the pond, as demonstrated by the Rotherdam city council (Yorkshire) who obviously grasps the critical role independent retailers play in their local communities: [click here to continue…]
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Before I even get started, let me be clear: my heart and soul are with storefront retailers, not home based businesses who purchase the same product being sold to brick and mortar stores, then sell it at a discount.* Having taken plenty-o-kicks in the shins the past two weeks from the kitchen table crowd, I fully expect the following post will result in my photo being plastered to dartboards everywhere.
Oh well. Just be sure to use one with me smiling. [click here to continue…]
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Am I the only one that thinks this Staples email blast crosses the line?
It’s one thing to tell consumers your business is solid and stable, but it’s quite another to do so by pointing out someone else has fallen on hard times. I’ll bet the genius who came up with this shining example of bully mentality is the same kid who threw rocks at smaller kids on the playground.
There will inevitably be temptation for independent retailers to do the same—if not in print, verbally-—-as some of their local competition falters or fails. My advice? Don’t. It’s one thing to promote that your service is better, your product selection is better, and your staff is better; it’s quite another to gloat over someone else’s pain, then try to make money from it.
Unless, of course, you want to look like a bone scraping vulture.
I can think of better things to be remembered for.
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For those of you familiar with Kate’s Paperie in New York, it’s no secret what was once the shining star of stationery came upon tough times this past two years. After handing the reigns over to the next generation, Leonard Flax watched his beloved boutiques fall into financial disrepair and near extinction.
Well folks, take heart. Someone’s come in to save the day. [click here to continue…]
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There are still a few spaces available; once we max out, though…that’s it.
For: Retailers who want to stay upright and breathing through this economic melt down
When: Monday, November 24, 2008
Time: 8:00 p.m. E / 7:00 C / 6:00 M / 5:00 P
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Cinda Baxter, Always Upward Consulting and founder of RetailSpeaks
Description:
Retail has never been harder, nor the risks greater. Learn the five vital things you need to do right now to protect you and your investment as the consumer market twists and turns. The goal of this session is to assure that you’ve stacked the deck in your favor, prepared and protected-—regardless of how the game plays out.
Cost:
$37.00 per enrollment
Space is limited; feel free to have multiple people listen in on a speaker phone. (Note: This seminar is structured for retail business owners; some information may be more sensitive than what you typically share with employees.)
To subscribe to this session:
Click here to be taken to the Always Upward home page, then click on the event link. Major credit cards and PayPal credit accounts are welcome.
Not a retailer?
Feel free to spread the word to anyone you think might be interested in protecting their investment; the more stores who protect themselves now, the more that will still be around tomorrow.
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