The Gray Cat Blog

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

 
Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 10: Grand Openings & Anniversaries Oct 01, 2024

Congratulations on the opening of your new retail store! 

You have worked hard to make your store a reality–-now it is time to introduce your store to the all-important three-mile trade...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 9: Local Store Marketing Oct 01, 2024

Most store owners build their stores, hire friendly staff, unlock the doors, and wait for the world to come in. It’s easy to get excited about your new business when your store first becomes...

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Heading into the Abyss Sep 23, 2024

Afraid to look around the corner??

Sometimes, the greatest opportunities are outside of your comfort zone.
 
Here is a quick clip from a recent podcast I participated in with John Lofstock...
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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 8: Merchandising Sep 13, 2024

Merchandising is a critical aspect of how "shoppable" a store will be. Conceal or confuse the customer with your merchandising and it won't matter if you carry the top brands, the customer will...

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Tear Down The Expense Wall! Sep 11, 2024

Every small business owner faces the same issue – managing their expenses. While most small businesses keep a keen eye on growing the top line – revenues – many small businesses...

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Creating An Offering Memorandum Sep 09, 2024

There comes a time in every entrepreneur’s life when they wish to exit their business. At that time, one of the most essential documents a business owner should create is an offering...

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Developing a Strategic Business Plan Sep 09, 2024

I have been putting together business plans for over 30 years and it is clear to me that the strength of its core rests solely on being able to execute the plan. Each year I approach business...

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G & A Budgeting – Fun Times! Sep 09, 2024

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...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 7: Strategic Business Planning Sep 09, 2024

There is an insightful quote from John Harvey-Jones, an English Businessman that says: 

“The nice thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise rather than being...

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Opening & Closing Procedures Sep 05, 2024

Whether you are working in an office; operating a restaurant; or manage a retail location, having a consistent set of opening & closing procedures helps minimize customer disruption (and...

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Burn the Ship Podcast: What does Gray Cat do? Sep 03, 2024

Ever wonder what Gray Cat does?

Here is a short clip from a recent podcast, Burn the Ship, describing that topic.

Want more ideas?  For more information on Gray Cat Learning...

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Business Planning, Part II Sep 03, 2024

Recently, I had a terrific session with one of my clients on business planning. I have written articles before on the importance of business planning, but this session resonated with me. What was...

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