The other day I read something online, one thing led to another, and I finally got around to ordering and installing that new memory. It essentially doubled the memory on my MacBook.
The difference is unbelievable. No, the difference is UNBELIEVABLE. My MacBook is now lightening fast, no spinning ball and my productivity has skyrocketed. It's like I have a brand new computer.
The total cost for this amazing difference was $39.90 and 15 minutes of my time.
What's really unbelievable is the amount of time and productivity I wasted thinking and talking about upgrading my computer instead of just doing it.
The same thing happens in stores every day.
Someone might put off painting the store and as a result the space looks tired and old. That's a missed upgrade.
Some retailers hold on to products too long, determined to get full price. Then they can't bring in new and exciting products that will actually turn. That's a missed upgrade.
Sometimes retailers stay with lines that are no longer relevant to their customer, which keeps them from bringing in new ones. That's a missed upgrade.
I hear a lot of stores talking about doing a Facebook page, an electronic newsletter or more events. But month after month they just haven't found the time to do anything about it. That's a missed upgrade.
There are sales associates that aren't working to improve key elements of their sales approach. They might be really good, but they could be GREAT. That's a missed upgrade.
There are managers and owners who fail to address under-performing employees who are costing them sales and losing them customers. That's a missed upgrade.
What about you? What are some of the upgrades you've been thinking and talking about but just haven't done? Your particular upgrade is probably going to cost you more than the $39.90 and 15 minutes mine did, but what's the true cost of not doing it? Even better, what will be the reward for doing so?
So let me ask, what upgrade do you need to start today?
About the author: Doug Fleener is founder of the Dynamic Experiences Group. He is a veteran retailer with more than 25 years of hands-on retail experience with world-class retailers including Bose Corporation and The Sharper Image. He has also owned and operated his own specialty stores. His new book, The Profitable Retailer: 56 surprisingly simple and effective lessons to boost your sales and profits published by Acanthus Publishing.
Doug is now president and managing partner of Dynamic Experiences Group LLC, a Lexington based retail consulting firm dedicated to helping retailers create unique customer experiences that results in higher sales and profits. Learn more at www.dynamicexperiencesgroup.com or call Doug at 866-535-6331.
Fleener also shares his knowledge of experience based retailing in a series of custom key notes and workshops designed for stores, businesses, corporations, non-profits, and trade associations of all sizes. His casual style and quick wit make him not just a crowd pleaser but also an incredible motivator, encouraging people to take action and deliver extraordinary experiences to customers and employees alike. Learn more at www.dougfleener.com.