Tip Sheet: April 2005

Published

19 years ago

April 1, 2005

Four fresh ideas to better your business

[componentheading]REINFORCE WITH PHOTOS[/componentheading]

Want to make sure your employees get the message? Then use pictures — rules, procedures, goals and targets are all better emphasized through the use of images and charts. So, the next time you set a monthly sales target … put it in chart form up on your bulletin board and, like they do in those charity donation drives, fill in each level as you hit it.

Source: Seeing is believing, Stewart Liff and Pamela A. Posey

[componentheading]EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT[/componentheading]

Don’t concentrate too much on the top 10% of your performers. They can take care of themselves. And don’t worry too much about your bottom 10% … they will be gone soon, or at least they should be. Instead, spend most of your time and attention on the people in the middle who are already doing some things right but need more instruction and support.

Source: Contagious Success, Susan Lucia Annuncio

[componentheading]REMEMBER YOUR BIRTHDAY[/componentheading]

What month was your company born? Throw a birthday party for your business and ask your customers to bring “gifts” of testimonials that you can use in your marketing. Including such third-party recommendations on your website and in your ads is one of the best ways around to convince others that your store is, indeed, the best place to shop.

Source: Idea Site For Business

[componentheading]WATCH THE ADS[/componentheading]

Always keep an eye out for alternative methods of advertising. Below is the approach used by a enterprising chiropractor who scattered coins on a city sidewalk. (Wouldn’t you just bet that most of these coins not only were picked up, but passed on and shown to others?) Could you think of a similar approach — perhaps using rhinestones or CZ’s?

Source: Entrepreneur Magazine

[span class=note]This story is from the April 2005 edition of INSTORE[/span]

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.”