Resolve to Do Better
With the new year come resolutions. They always do. Exercise more, eat healthier, be nicer, volunteer more the top four on my embarrassingly long list of personal goals for 2003. I’m sure many of you have similar lists.
But what about your business resolutions? Have you and your staff sat down and set a list of resolutions for your garden center? Goals you want to achieve this year; habits you want to squelch? If you haven’t already made your resolutions, now’s the time.
The Top Five
If you’re like me, you’re list is pretty long. Don’t be discouraged; that’s a good thing. It just means that you have big plans for your business. It means that you’re ambitious, a thinker, a forward-looker. But it also means that you’ve got a lot on your mind, and you’re prone to easy distraction. Try paring your list down to the five most important goals for this year. Here are some great candidates to make it to the top of your list.
5. Get out more. No, I’m not encouraging you to party like a teenager, though a night out rarely hurts. We do, however, need to take better advantage of one of our best resources: each other. Everyone has a few secrets, but most retailers would love a visit from a neighbor and would welcome the opportunity to share information.
4. Experiment. Try new things. Don’t just assume that the same ad, display or plants will sell. Consumers are looking for something that catches their eye. You should strive to surprise them.
3. Train, train, train. The Training Challenge, see page 70, is a great method, but even if you don’t get involved, you can’t overlook the importance of consistently training your employees. They are the only link between you and your customers. One weak link means that the connection is broken.
2. Update facilities. I know this is a major expense and that most of you don’t have lots of extra cash lying around, but even relatively low-cost things like new displays or employee uniforms can quickly pay for themselves by raising the perception of your store and enabling a high price point.
1. Hold pricing. When you see the traffic at Wal-Mart, it’s hard not to resort to the same price-cutting tactics, but for the good of the entire industry, we all have to start pricing our products at what they’re worth. You can’t afford to have good service, high quality and low prices which two will you prioritize?
A Word of Thanks
Seem like ages since you’ve received your last Lawn & Garden Retailer? We have been on break for a few months. After the great debut you gave us last year, we needed a little rest! But we’re back, and as the saying goes, we’re bigger and stronger than ever. And we want to say thanks. The support of our readers and advertisers came through loud and clear, so in 2003, we’ll be running larger issues and more of them.
Bridget White, Editor
(847) 391-1004
[email protected]
Videos
