The Gray Cat Blog
A growing library of practical business articles and insights created to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisees, and multi-unit operators strengthen leadership, improve operations, drive growth, and build more profitable organizations.
Like many youth sports teams, ours was always looking for ways to raise money for uniforms, equipment, travel, and league fees.
Most teams sold candy bars, cookie dough, or discount cards. Not us.
...Micromanagement can be the detriment for any leader.
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Transforming from being a doer to someone who oversees talented people is a very big leap for new leaders and founders.
In this podcast episode with Dilan Abeya, we discuss this key evolution.
Opening a new retail location is one of the most exciting milestones in business. Months—or even years—of planning, investment, construction, merchandising, and staffing finally come together as you p...
Turnover has a hidden cost to organizations. Â In retail, turnover can be one big revolving door.
Creating a work environment for employees that keeps them around is a huge benefit - both in continuit...
Having a wide-ranging corporate background enables Gray Cat to bring a breadth AND depth to any project and/or multiple projects for my clients.
In this podcast episode with Arif Moriya, we discuss t...
Shooting for targets - be it initiatives, projects or financial - puts a stake in the ground to focus the organization.
In this podcast episode with George Lowe, I talk about implementing a "Daily Sa...
In this podcast episode with Bea Guzman, we talk about what makes a bad leader.
On the flip side, exhibiting leadership traits that allow the team to do their respective roles for a common goal - mak...
Budgets are tight, but you need to move top line sales – fast! What is a quick and easy way to expand your customer base? Partnering with noncompeting retailers to help your broaden exposure is a simp...
One of the hallmarks of successful brands is consistency. Whether a customer encounters your company online, in-store, through advertising, or at a community event, the experience and message should...
Few responsibilities have a greater impact on profitability than labor management.
Schedule too few employees, and customer service suffers. Long lines, empty shelves, delayed orders, and poor expe...
One of the most common questions I hear from convenience store operators is:
Should we partner with an established foodservice brand, or should we build our own?
The answer is simple:
Both strate...
