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.
I recently facilitated a strategic planning session with one of my clients, and it reinforced a lesson I’ve learned throughout my career: writing a business plan is only the beginning.
Execution is...
“The nice thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise rather than being preceded by a period of worry and depression.”
— John Harvey-Jones
Every year, leadership teams gath...
Many business owners think of public relations as something reserved for large companies with dedicated communications departments. In reality, public relations is one of the most affordable and eff...
One of the most rewarding parts of leadership isn’t hitting a sales goal or completing a major project—it’s helping people realize their potential.
Whether someone is a quiet, dependable contributor ...
When I speak to retail audiences, I often ask a simple question:
“How many of you held a grand opening celebration when your store first opened?”
I’m always surprised by the response. Typically, o...
If I had to choose one Local Store Marketing (LSM) tactic that consistently delivers results, it would be product sampling.
Why?
Because customers believe what they experience far more than what t...
I have always enjoyed creating something from the ground up.
One of my favorite hobbies is landscape design. Over the years, I’ve transformed blank spaces into gardens complete with patios, winding...
Successful retailers don’t build their merchandising strategy one promotion at a time—they build it one year at a time.
As you begin planning for the upcoming year, your merchandising and promotional...
One of the most effective—and least expensive—ways to improve customer service, increase sales, and retain employees is simple: recognize great work.
While bonuses and financial incentives certainly ...
In this episode with George Lowe I talk about how I maintain balance in life but knocking items off the list.
There are some stress free tidbits here.
Want more ideas? For more information on Time ...
In this recent episode with Dilan Abeya, we discuss the benefits (and determents) of using AI.
AI can be a fantastic tool - it can also make you lazy.
Have a listen.
Most companies have a marketing plan. Far fewer have a brand game plan.
There’s a difference.
A marketing plan outlines where and when you’ll spend your advertising dollars. A brand game plan defi...
