The Gray Cat Blog

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

Self-Service Kiosks Feb 03, 2023

Self-service kiosks continue to be a growing trend in retailing and is expected to accelerate over the years. This exploding industry has launched retailers to develop their own kiosk strategy in...

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Operational Excellence Feb 03, 2023

Managing a retail store is tough work.

Between operations, merchandising, marketing and facility upkeep, retail business owners have their hands full. Managing the details of retail is the...

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Local Store Marketing: Sports Sponsorships Feb 03, 2023

Most sports teams-especially the smaller, local teams-will have a variety of sponsorship packages that are available. Depending on your budget, it can determine the extent of your sponsorship....

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Feb 03, 2023

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a vital resource to managing your business. Each selected KPI can be your bellwether...

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Making Prudent Capital Investments Feb 03, 2023

When it comes to the long-term success of a business, one of the key drivers is prudent capital re-investment. Unlike operational expenses that are used to run the daily business or working capital...

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Vendor Management – The RFP Process Feb 03, 2023

We select our store locations. We select our staff. We select the merchandise to carry; and along those lines, we select our vendors. Selecting the correct vendors – in addition to ...

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Capital Management Best Practices Feb 03, 2023

Hopefully your business is growing, cash flow is strong, and if that is the case, what a fantastic scenario to be enjoying! Now, one must determine what are the best ways to put those earnings to...

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The Value Of An Outside Board Feb 03, 2023

Sometimes another set of eyes can make all the difference.

Small businesses are a phenomenal entity. Often started in a garage or at a kitchen table, the sheer energy of the small business...

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Sales Forecasting Basics Feb 03, 2023

A while back, a gentleman that wanted help selling his company approached me.  I listened to him describe all the attributes of his company and I was intrigued.  He gave me an overview of...

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Tear Down The Expense Wall! Feb 03, 2023

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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Local Store Marketing: Product Sampling Feb 03, 2023

One of the most successful local store marketing (LSM) tactics to build into your daily operations is a sampling strategy for your products. If your retail establishment is foodservice, your...

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Local Store Marketing: Promoting Your Store Through Public Relations Feb 03, 2023

Public relations can incorporate a number of items and each should be interwoven in a consistent theme. At the beginning of the year, identify key people, events and community tie-ins that you wish...

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