Sales Truths: Encourage Idea Sharing … and Then Act

Published

9 years ago

March 17, 2015

Dave Richardson

WHY IT IS TRUE: No one who works in a store does so without developing personal thoughts and ideas about how the business might be improved. These ideas may be significant, simple, or even impossible. The bottom line is … the ideas are there, and many times go completely unnoticed.

PLAN OF ACTION: Encourage your staff to share their ideas regardless of how outlandish they may seem. It’s one thing to say it, it is another to act upon it. Tell your people, for example, that on next Thursday night after close we are all going to dinner to talk about ideas for maximizing impact in our community with our customers. Challenge them to come to this event with ideas, any ideas regardless of how outlandish they may appear. Get the juices flowing and your staff members will begin sharing new thoughts and ideas with you on a regular basis. Remember this is not just “your store,” it is also “their store.” — David Richardson

This article originally appeared in the April 2015 edition of INSTORE.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”