The Gray Cat Blog
A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators.
Hurry, hurry, step right up!
It is time to play the game called “G & A Budgeting”. This is the game where heads are counted; budgets are sandbagged and perks are justified. It is an...
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...
“I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do.” – From the HAL 9000 computer, 2001: A Space Odyssey
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“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...
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,...
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...
“Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd……Smiling” (Waters, Gilmour)
Death. Not for the faint of heart, then again maybe that’s exactly what it is.
Peer...
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...
