Retail Brilliance

Catch the final segment with Susan Negen on building the skill set for a resilient business! Tune in at https://lnkd.in/eGF82N_t #SparkAndIgniteYourMarketing #EntrepreneurSkills #BuildingConfidence #RetailSuccess #Podcast

Sunday Insights: My Weekly Thoughts on Small Business Success: When the Game Changes: Lessons from the Chicago Ice... This week, I’m writing to you from Chicago, where I’m attending the WhizBang Retail Mastermind group with some of the finest independent retailers in the US. But before diving into all things business, I found myself at a hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators. It turned out to be a game full of insights, not just for the fans but for us as business owners, too. The Blackhawks came out strong, taking a commanding 2-0 lead just five minutes into the second period. Things looked even brighter when they scored a third in the same period. But then, the game shifted. Nashville challenged the goal, and it was disallowed for offside. That decision changed everything - the momentum visibly swung. Within minutes, Nashville scored, clawing back into the game. Eventually, they pulled ahead to win with two more goals in the final period. What seemed like a sure victory for Chicago suddenly slipped away. And it reminded me of being in business. Often, things go smoothly; we’re in a rhythm, and the results follow. But sometimes, out of nowhere, we’re blindsided by an unexpected challenge, and the momentum shifts. When that happens, it’s easy for you to lose your focus or confidence. Your “winning streak” can turn, and you need to find a way to get back on track. Just like the best sports teams have strategies in place for when things don’t go as planned, you, as the business owner, need your own approach. You can’t always predict every challenge. But by preparing, staying calm, and having a process to fall back on, you can be ready for whatever comes your way. In my own experience, the key has always been to remain focused. To get back to basics. And to take action - especially on the things you’d rather avoid! I’ve learned so much from studying other businesses and how they’ve faced their own setbacks. No one has all the answers, but being a lifelong learner can mean the difference between bouncing back or letting a single obstacle shake our confidence. Being able to draw on others’ experiences really helps. Along with learning from your own. I’m sure there were huge learnings this week for the Blackhawk players and coach. But it’s how they react and what they take from the experience that will shape their future. And it’s the same for you. So, this week, why not take a moment to think about your “game plan” for when the unexpected happens? When the game changes, are you ready to adapt? Have a great week. Mark

Sunday Insights: My Weekly Thoughts on Small Business Success: Retail Bravery and the ‘Wow’ Factor – Lessons from 103 Stories Up... Last week, I found myself standing 103 stories above the ground on the Skydeck at the Willis Tower in Chicago. If you've never been, it's an experience that demands courage - a step onto a glass panel suspended in the sky. I was there with some of my retail 'besties.’ We nervously ventured out, testing our mettle against the dizzying heights. I can confirm it's every bit as daunting as it sounds! The experience was a vivid reminder of two key things in business: the courage it takes to make bold moves and, most importantly, the lasting impact of a memorable customer experience. The Skydeck isn't just about looking out at the city; it’s about creating a moment so thrilling that tens of thousands of people flock to it each week. And it’s the same in retail. The most successful retailers understand that people don't just buy products. They seek experiences. The 'wow' factor that keeps customers talking and returning is not built by accident; it's designed with intention and care. This week, I’m challenging you to ask yourself: What’s your retail wow factor? What experiences are you providing to keep your customers coming back? Stepping out onto that glass pane 1,353 feet above the city was an exhilarating leap of faith, but what I walked away with was a deeper understanding of how experiences, those 'wow' moments, can lift any business from good to great. So, why not take a moment to reflect on what you can do to step out of your comfort zone and create an unforgettable experience for your customers? Have a great week Mark

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Did you know that nearly half of America's workforce is powered by small independent businesses? 🌟 Learn more about small businesses in our latest episode here: https://lnkd.in/eTMEJw-Z #SmallBusiness #BusinessSuccess #SparkandIgniteYourMarketing #MarketingPodcast

What is your Ikigai -- your reason for being? Women in Retail Leadership Circle hosted a powerful talk in NYC about this Japanese term that is the intersection between what you love, what you're good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs. Map this out for yourself to discover your ikigai.

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