Operations

Consider this advice from these retailers who have mastered special orders. Have someone take charge “Any employee can place an order on the special order list, but we have one person to do all the ordering and another to do …

In the iconic movie “The Godfather,” Al Pacino said, “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies even closer.” I was recently inspired to put a positive spin on this sentiment when it came to my management philosophy: “Keep your …

As a website consultant focused on serving independent home improvement retailers, I truly enjoy working with retailers like yourself and have learned so much over the past few years about how you build your businesses. What’s most impressive to me …

By Michael Bergdahl, author and business consultant Isn’t it ironic that it takes years to build a great customer relationship, but only moments to tear one apart? Below are several of the most common customer service mistakes companies make. The …

Bringing a pet into your store is a great conversation-starter for employees and customers. But before your four-legged friend becomes an in-store regular, make sure the animal, store and employees are prepared. Any retailer thinking of bringing a pet into …

Questions to Ask Before You Start Hiring Gregg Gregory is a professional speaker and trainer, and as founder of TeamsRock, has helped businesses of all sizes find and keep top-notch employees. He suggests reviewing your own expectations of a new …

Gregg Gregory is a professional speaker and trainer, and as founder of TeamsRock, has helped businesses of all sizes find and keep top-notch employees. He suggests reviewing your own expectations of a new employee and how you plan to find …

Doug Kooyman, owner of Kooyman Lumber in Pella, Iowa, uses a 14-step hiring process he and one of his employees developed several years ago. While sometimes he’ll modify the process based on the position for which he’s hiring, his 14 …