TELE-SWAP GROUPS

Did you ever wish you had someone to talk to about your business?

Now you can!

Join one of our retailer tele-SWAP groups

As an independent retailer you face unique challenges. One of these challenges is that you have no one to talk to about issues or challenges that come up with your store. Or, you may have a new idea to try and would like some input from other retail experts before you go forward with it. I have spent more than 30 years in retail, first as controller for a 5-store chain of better family apparel stores, then as a consultant helping independent retailers around the country survive and thrive.

DON’T STRUGGLE ON YOUR OWN WHEN YOU CAN GET HELP FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE DONE IT BEFORE!

You do not have to struggle alone to solve all your store’s problems. All retail stores have similar problems and many have had, and solved, the problems you are facing right now. By being part of this discussion group of similar retailers you can save time and money, and increase your bottom line.

What issue or problem do you have RIGHT NOW that you would like some input about? Sales? Employees? Expenses? Buying? NOW is the time to do something about it!

Below are some actual recent questions we discussed in our groups:

“Are there any outside opportunities, corporate or otherwise that you are doing, and we all should be considering?”

“What has been your most successful line thus far this spring? Most disappointing?”

“I am curious as to what everyone’s sales are YTD (as a percent of LY sales). Is anyone at the stage of cancelling anything for fall yet or are you all comfortable with your up-front buys?”

“In the good old days we could begin to bring in fall merchandise in at the end of May. Now customers don’t want fall until August and they expect spring/summer to be on sale in June. We have a dilemma for appropriate goods to bring in June and July. Do any of you have this problem? If so, how do you deal with it?”

To sign up, email:

This service is a monthly teleconference call that is a combination of discussion group and coaching. Each month there is a one hour conference call for the group. The group has 5-7 members with all members operating similar businesses. This makes the information more relevant for those in the group since you are meeting with others with the same or similar merchandise and type of store operation. For example, although menswear retailers and dance retailers both own retail stores, their needs and challenges are very different. Also, a single store operation has different issues than a 5-store chain.

The stores in the group must also be in non-competing areas. That way you do not need to be concerned with being on a call with your competitor and you will be more open with your ideas and opinions. This is critical to the success of the group.

HOW DO THE MONTHLY SESSIONS WORK?

At least a week prior to the monthly teleconference call each group member is asked to submit one question, problem or issue they would like to discuss with the group. I compile the questions and distribute them to the other group members so they can be prepared for the call. During the meeting we go around the circle and everyone gives their opinion or suggestions concerning this issue for this retailer. Everyone will get an opportunity to present their question, problem or issue to the group and get input.

One of the retailers who is a part of one of my groups had this to say about it:

“I was starting to think I was ‘alone in the world.’ I am busy and did not want to participate in something that was not going to help my business. I am thrilled with my participation in the Tele-SWAP. I discovered that I am definitely not alone and the other similar businesses have the same challenges and now we are helping find solutions to those challenges together. I strongly recommend trying a Tele-SWAP Group – it is definitely worth my time!” Katie Andrios, GWK Enterprises, Geneseo , IL

HOW DO I JOIN?

To be a part of this you must first complete the Questionnaire / Application form and send it in. I will then match you up other retailers based on location, and similarities. After that I will contact you with the details and mail you a participation agreement to sign and return along with your payment.

The cost is very reasonable – less than the price of a cup a coffee a day. You have the choice of paying your semi-annual fee of $180 ($30 a month) at one time or you can pay monthly at $40 a month.

Get the benefit of having your own private group of retail mentors without the cost of travel or having to spend days away from your store! You need only commit to spending one hour a month on the phone with the group.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Linda Carter

PS. I know that as the owner you are pulled 10 different directions at once. Take 5 minutes now to complete the application Questionnaire and send it in so it does not get left undone! Doing so does not obligate you to actually join a group, but lets me get the matching process started. Once I have contacted you that I have a group for you, you can then make your final decision.

If you are ready to share with, and learn from, similar retailers, and are ready to make a commitment to spend one hour a month discussing issues, send an emial with tele-SWAP in the subject line. We will email you back a form to be completed and faxed back to our office.

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