Tip Sheet: October 2004

Published

20 years ago

October 1, 2004

Instore presents ideas for better business

[componentheading]NAME TAGS ARE IMPORTANT[/componentheading]

It’s networking season. Which means it’s the perfect time to invest a few bucks in a custom-made name tag that will let prospects know — at a glance — what you do. Example: a bright red heart tag, that reads: “Bringing Love To Johnson County” (insert your town or county name here). People will actually cross the room to see what your tag says, giving you a great opportunity to introduce your business.

Source: Mary Gillen; Idea Site For Business

[componentheading]OWN UP TO MISTAKES[/componentheading]

Have you ever screwed up, big-time? As a storeowner, it’s time to step up and take responsiblity. One way to handle it is to do what Doug Bergum, founder and CEO of Great Plains Software, did. During one of his company’s annual conferences, he walked up on stage and discussed in great detail a mistake he had made. He then proceeded to smash three fresh eggs on his forehead.

Source: Bob Nelson; I,001 Ways To Energize Employees

[componentheading]DON’T FORGET THE EYES[/componentheading]

Keep in mind that a smile originates in two places — the mouth and the eyes. Give your customers a mouth-only version, and it looks like your smile was pasted on. It’s like saying “Cheese!” for a photographer. But your eyes are the true window to your soul. If you can’t muster a convincing smile, practice in front of a mirror until you get it right.

Source: Paul R. Timm, 50 Powerful Ideas You Can Use To Keep Your Customers

[componentheading]PRAISE, PUNISHMENT[/componentheading]

We all know that employees are more motivated by positive feedback than negative feedback. But we never knew before what was the proper ratio for parceling out praise and punishment. Turns out the optimum ratio is five positive comments to every negative one. But don’t overdo it: increasing the ratio to 13 positive comments to every negative one does more harm than good.

Source: Tom Rath and Donald Clifton, How Full Is Your Bucket?

[span class=note]This story is from the October 2004 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.”