A Smarter Store Starts With These 4 Letters

A Smarter Store Starts With These 4 Letters

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m sharing a little gem that came out of our recent Platinum Mastermind meeting here in Grand Haven. It was one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks moments, something so simple, yet so powerful, that I knew right away it had to be passed along.

The Hardest Thing To Do In Retail

The Hardest Thing To Do In Retail

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m digging into what might be the hardest part of running a retail business, and no, it’s not the long hours, holiday chaos, or even hiring problems. It’s something a little deeper, and a whole lot more personal.

Create Standards Your Team Will Follow

Create Standards Your Team Will Follow

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re talking about the power of clear, well-communicated standards, and why your store can’t run smoothly without them. If your team isn’t all on the same page, they’ll do things their way, leading to inconsistency, confusion, and frustration. You can’t build a great store without great standards.

Piña Colada Principle

Piña Colada Principle

After a solid week of rain here in Grand Haven, I got to thinking about the Piña Colada Principle, a clever marketing gem from our friend Micha Seto, a past Platinum Mastermind member and owner of Blooming Boutique.

Your Indie Influence

Your Indie Influence

The Virtual Retail Success Summit is just days away, and I wanted to share my opening remarks from the 2024 in-person Summit, a reminder of just how powerful you are as an independent retailer.

A Business Meeting That Changed My Life

A Business Meeting That Changed My Life

Years ago, when my store was struggling, a meeting with a financial advisor named Tom Williams changed my life. After laying out all the painful details—money owed, relationships strained—Tom just shrugged and said, “It’s just business.” That simple phrase shifted everything.

3 Building Blocks For Retail Success

3 Building Blocks For Retail Success

Retail success rests on three powerful pillars: mindset, skill set, and structure. When you think like a growth-focused retailer, develop the right skills, and build smart systems, you create a business that’s more profitable, more fun to run, and less dependent on you.

The #1 Way To Grow Your Business

The #1 Way To Grow Your Business

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m exploring the single biggest factor in your retail success: your mindset. It’s not just about better marketing or smoother operations, it’s about how you think. Retailers with a growth mindset see challenges as chances to improve, learn, and move forward.

Retail Lessons From My Favorite Store

Retail Lessons From My Favorite Store

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m taking a closer look at what makes Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, MI such an outstanding example of great retail.