The Gray Cat Blog

A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators. 

Owning Your Calendar Jan 07, 2025

As the year gets into full swing, it’s time to take a hard look at the way you manage your calendar.  I learned very early on in my corporate career that there are two paths one can take...

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Operational Consulting Jan 06, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the C-Suite Sherpa's podcast with fellow Chicagoan Brian Marshall where we discussed the differences between a consultant that provides vaporware versus on that produces...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 12: Communications Plan Dec 10, 2024

Amazingly, many companies do not think about communications – both internally and externally – until it is a necessity. A crisis occurs, a reaction follows, and, in many cases, they do...

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Multi-Unit Store Segmentation Dec 10, 2024

Multi-unit retail operators are often presented with challenges with their product assortment due to varying demographic and store configurations throughout their network of locations. Often,...

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Labor Management Dec 10, 2024

Labor management is perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of running a profitable business. Servicing the customer with too few people on staff and sales will be negatively impacted as...

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Mapping Your Path Forward Dec 10, 2024

I do like a good cup of coffee. 

So, when I get asked by business colleagues for a cup of coffee and to “pick my brain” on ideas on their next career path, I jump at it.  ...

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Gray Cat Books Dec 09, 2024

Looking for ways to improve your business?

If you’re willing to implement some of the ideas contained in any of these three Gray Cat books, you may find some answers.

In this radio...

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Organizational Transformation – A Step Forward Dec 02, 2024

In business, it is essential to know the path just traveled. Most organizations take a look back at the preceding 1-2 months to evaluate their financial results and attempt to make rhyme or reason...

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Adding Balance to Your Life Dec 02, 2024

One of the greatest benefits of being a sole proprietor is that I can wield tremendous influence over my schedule and thus, add balance to my life.  Gone are the days of “punching a...

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The Blocking and Tackling of Retail Nov 19, 2024

Recently, I appeared on the John Lofstock podcast where we discussed retail basics.

While I like to chase the shiny penny on occasion, there is no substitute for simple blocking and tackling to...

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Local Store Marketing: Store Anniversaries Nov 19, 2024

I am amazed, that generally, less than twenty percent of the audience actually created a Grand Opening celebration at their store. A store owner spends upwards of $250,000 or more to build a store...

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Fostering Better Communication Through Franchise Advisory Councils Nov 19, 2024

Establishing a Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) as a formal communications system to ensure franchisees input with regard to store marketing and operations is a natural stepping-stone for a growing...

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