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.
Imagine having access to an extended team of experts who understand your industry, bring fresh ideas to the table, and are invested in helping your business grow.
Most companies already do.
They’re ...
Several years ago, a business owner approached me for help selling his company. After describing the business, its history, and its future potential, I asked a simple question:
“What do you think y...
Winning a customer’s business once is important. Giving them a reason to come back—and bring their friends—is where long-term growth begins.
One of the most effective and inexpensive local store ma...
It was one of those phone calls every executive dreads.
“The CEO would like to see you.”
As I walked toward his office, my mind raced through every possible mistake I might have made. Had I oversp...
Almost every month, I receive a call or email from someone leaving the corporate world to start a business. The excitement is contagious. They have industry expertise, a great idea, and the confiden...
One of the most common conversations I have with small business owners begins the same way:
“Our first location is doing well. We think it’s time to franchise.”
While franchising can be an outstan...
“The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” — George Jessel
Public speaking has intimidated people for generations. In many surve...
“We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.” — Bill Gates
Few ...
      Who knows more about your business than anyone else? You do.
Too many small business owners wait for someone else to notice their success. The reality is that if you don’t tell your st...
One of my favorite presentations is titled “There’s a New Store in Town—Are You Ready for the Disruption?”
The presentation explores how changing consumer expectations are reshaping
...
For a growing retail chain, few initiatives deliver a greater return than developing a store attribute predictive model.
Every company has limited capital. Every new store, remodel, relocation, or ...
During a recent podcast interview, I was asked a simple question:
“What’s the single most important thing a leader can do?”
My answer came without hesitation:
Hire people who are smarter than you...
