PRICE IS NOT THE ONLY IMPORTANT QUESTION

As a former furniture and appliance store manager I am frequently asked for recommendations by friends and colleagues. Too frequently people only look at price when deciding which retailer or merchant to patronize. Price is important, but not the only factor in making a good choice.

Take a few minutes and read this post and the next time you are making a furniture or appliance purchase, consider these questions.

Turning the page on price focused marketing

Marketing and advertising is all about us; however, the vast majority is just “noise,” and too many small and medium-sized merchants get caught up in that noise. Today’s post is about “turning the page on price” to focus on those things that add value for your customers and clients.

Common Sense, the least common of all senses, and Lesson’s Learned.

Learning from mistakes, encouraging feedback, and applying lesson’s learned should be common sense … you would think. Unfortunately this is not always the case. One of the most important “Tools Everyone Can Use,” is incorporating some method of applying “Lesson’s Learned” to things you or your organization do.

Help to Make an Informed Decision

Part of my job for many years was to examine advertisements and figure out exactly what they really said. For you, whenever buying anything for your home or any other large purchase, take the time and do some research. Read what the advertisements say, filter out the noise, the gimmicks, and the fluff; and then make an informed decision.

I hope this post helps you to recognize the “hooks,” ask questions, and make an informed decision.

Success is often found in small details

Often lost in everything that is written or said about great leadership are small, but very important attributes. Leadership is about building relationships with people, gaining willing cooperation, consistency, and thoughtfulness. Please take a few minutes, read this post, share the points, and add anything that you think is missing.

keeping a job – a short guide to standing out

I have been helped by some tremendous people throughout my career. To be able to pay back those people who took a chance on me, who mentored me, and who saw something in me worth saving and developing, is the primary reason I started doing these posts.

21 Things you should know when Buying a Washer and Dryer

Recently a friend asked me for some tips on what to look for when buying a mattress. As a former furniture and appliance manager/buyer, it was nice to help them out. Someone else asked about Laundry Teams so this one is for them.

We all try to help with what we have to offer.

Building People with a Team Charter

What is a team charter? It is a building block. It is an interactive and inclusive tool to give people in your organization the freedom, the space, and the ability to get things done.

I will not pretend that this post has all the answers. But in this post and in my other posts, you will find places to start. These posts all share three common themes, one is that you or your organization can start today, all they require is a change of thinking or a change of process and finally, the cost is virtually zero.

Working in the Weeds – Front liners

In my experience and observation the organization that causes the most stress and anxiety for its people and leaders … is usually their organization.

We have a responsibility to recognize, appreciate and acknowledge, and most importantly to help alleviate that stress for our people.
The closer people are to your “front-lines,” the more people “working in the weeds,” the more stress and anxiety they likely feel.

Some stress is good, too much is never good …

Is your daily focus simply on “surviving” each day? What follows are some simple ideas that can help you have your life again, achieve a better work/life balance, and “grow” your business or organization.

These are not my ideas, these are lessons learned from some of the best leaders and entrepreneurs I have met in more than thirty years in the “for-profit” and “charitable” sectors.