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Re-Inventing Retail

From the Co-Founders of The Retail Owners Institute.
Tips | Tactics | Insights on the Business of Retailing.

And How Do You Define "Success?" Bookmark

On August 18, 2017 in From The Co-Founders by The ROI
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In 2004, Apple Computer was still climbing out of "beleaguered condition." Steve Jobs was the CEO, they released the first iPod Mini, and were just beginning the projects that would become the iPhone. 

And the company put Apple's "Rules for Success" on the back of employee badges.

You don't even have to be beleaguered for these "Rules for Success" to resonate. 

Consider:

  1. Let go of the old, make the most of the future.
  2. Always tell the truth. We want to hear the bad news sooner than later.
  3. The highest level of integrity is expected. When in doubt, ask.
  4. Learn to be a good businessperson, not just a good salesperson.
  5. Everyone sweeps the floor.
  6. Be professional in your style, speech and follow-up.
  7. Listen to the customer; they almost always get it.
  8. Create win/win relationships with our partners.
  9. Look out for each other. Sharing information is a good thing.
  10. Don't take yourself too seriously.
  11. Have fun, otherwise it's not worth it.

If your company hasn't already developed guidelines for how you want to do business, this might be an inspiring starting point for you. ( It sure was for Apple.)

And in these dog days of summer, with all the tumult and conflict that is swirling around, it seems to us that a bit of inspiration is quite welcome! 

"What constitutes success?" for your business today?


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About The Co-Founders

Pat Johnson and Dick Outcalt, The Co-Founders of The Retail Owners Institute®, have been called "The Zen masters of retail finance!"

Since 1999, they have been assembling  their proprietary content into a unique self-help website. The Retail Owners Institute is an unmatched resource that assists retailers worldwide with basic financial training, assistance and easy-to-use tools.

Their engaging and empowering how-to resources about the financial levers in retailing are informative, fun(!), and retailer-friendly. Their promise: "Everyone will 'get it'!"

Pat and Dick are recognized experts in strategic retailing. Working only as a team – Outcalt & Johnson: Retail Strategists, LLC – they have been consulting, publishing, and speaking professionally throughout North America since 1990.

They focus exclusively on retail, or wherever retail is involved. They work with CEOs, CFOs, boards and owners of retail operations, as well as manufacturers or wholesalers expanding into retail. And they also are Retail Turnaround Experts.


Since 1999, empowering retailers and store owners to "Turn on your financial headlights!"