The Gray Cat Blog
A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators.
For the multiunit operator, managing a retail real estate portfolio is tricky business. Keeping winning stores in tip-top condition – both physically and financially – is the key to...
So, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
The key to group sales is to market your store and products as a turnkey solution for a large gathering. Finding key groups in which your...
One of the most-asked questions I hear from store owners is “What sales volume does my store need in order to make money?” While it would be convenient to rattle off a sales figure off...
In today’s competitive economy, the fight is on for convenience store customers. While some tried-and-true c-store product categories have taken a hit in the past few years, one has continued...
Joining and becoming active in your local chamber of commerce is an excellent way to increase your store’s visibility within your local business area. In addition to meeting a number of key...
The conversation usually starts like this:
“So, do you know your customer?”
“Of course, I know my customers, most by name”
“Great, let’s communicate to them that...
One of the most significant changes in the labor market over the last decade is the notion of free agency within the marketplace. Gone are the days of staying with one company for the duration of...
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.
This adage held true in your first job search and still holds true today in business. Building and fostering long-term business...
Ah, the glamour of business travel.
The security lines, the $14 airport beers, the ongoing game of “how much can I stuff in an overhead bin”, all for the privilege of boarding...
Like every other team, though, we were challenged with raising funds to help offset the team expenses for equipment, uniforms and the like. Most teams seemed to sell candy bars or other simple...
I admit I like technology. I was one of the first adopters to laptops, mobile phones and social media. I remember joining LinkedIn when it had 2 million users – not the 700+ million like it...
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...