The Gray Cat Blog
A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators.
Nothing like an acronym in the title!
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps companies gain a better understanding of where they are positioned in the marketplace. In a nutshell, SW...
Imagine a business world where resources were plentiful and industry expertise could be available at every juncture. Where decisions could be made that dovetailed alignment in support of your strategi...
Recently, I appeared on the C-Suite Sherpa's podcast with fellow Chicagoan Brian Marshall where we discussed the biggest challenges facing a sole proprietor.
Have a listen to this 100-second clip.
Public relations can incorporate a number of items and each should be interwoven in a consistent theme. At the beginning of the year, identify key people, events and community tie-ins that you wish to...
When a multi-unit organization begins to grow, one common step in this process is the creation of advertising and purchasing co-ops that enable stores to pool their financial and strategic resources. ...
It was the situation that everyone dreads. Out of the blue, the anxiety-filled request was made – the CEO had summoned me to his office. Thoughts raced through my head – mostly bad thoughts, mind you ...
One of the questions I ask audiences when I deliver presentations on retail marketing is “How many did a grand opening celebration for your store?” I am generally amazed that usually only 1 in 5 rais...
Upon opening their first store, many single-store operators come to an often premature conclusion that they are going to franchise. While this may be a noble end-game goal, what is often missing from ...
Foodservice operators have long wrestled with the challenge of balancing the demand for increased menu options by customers with that of menu simplification. While a focus on systems and procedures at...
As more and more consumers are craving healthier, locally sourced, and convenient foodservice options, convenience stores are in a race against time to capture this demographic or run the risk of beco...
Recently, I appeared on the Jada Willis Experience where we discussed the challenges of managing multiple teams concurrently.
Here is a short clip.
We select our store locations. We select our staff. We select the merchandise to carry; and along those lines, we select our vendors. Selecting the correct vendors – in addition to managing these vend...
