 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
        
|
 |
  Invitation: The importance of your store front.
As the season changes it is especially important that your window displays change, too. Are your Christmas decorations taken down? I just recently saw some greenery trimming the backdrop of a window and wondered if the staff was early or late for the holiday... Are your windows sparkling clean? Is the front entrance swept daily and all the plants trimmed and watered? Are your hours of operation prominently displayed? Are all of the lights working? Is your store front well lit along with the name of your business? And how about your signs—are they positive and inviting? Remember: An inviting store front leading into a spotlessly clean store with dynamic displays and informative signs can encourage a customer to stay longer. Their shopping experience is positive and the chances are good that they'll spend some money with you!  "C" is for Courtesy.
Common courtesy. Treating others as you would like to be treated. Whether staff-to-staff or staff-to-customer, kindness goes a long way. I recently was in a resort town doing business and had a bit of down time so I sat in the hotel lobby planning my power shopping attack. The concierge came to me saying it might rain and that I would certainly need an umbrella, which she then brought to me. Sure enough, as I was wandering the streets, I was caught in a downpour. I ducked into the nearest boutique and the salesperson met me at the door offering to take all of my packages and shake out my umbrella, urging me to warm myself by the fire. I then went into a jewelry store that offered to clean my rings while I shopped. The entire afternoon was extremely pleasant and when I got back to my hotel room I thought about the experience. I would have to say that it made an impact on me because all of the employees I encountered that day were so courteous. I also noticed that in each store I felt an atmosphere of camaraderie. There was no tension between staff members. Everyone was truly helpful and gracious to each other. Remember: The customer will respond to kindness. They will enjoy shopping at your establishment because they feel good when there and know they are treated with courtesy. Use the "Golden Rule" for superior customer service!  Investing vs. impulse shopping.
Many people hesitate to buy professional clothing because they think the price is too high. Have you thought about investing in clothing rather than merely purchasing it? If you are serious about your career then you can figure that you'll be working in it for at least 30 years, correct? If a good three piece suit costs you $500.00, and because of its quality and simple styling it lasts you 10 years, how much is that a year? About $50! Well worth the investment, wouldn't you say? Let's say that you add five pieces to this wardrobe three times a year, every four months. Perhaps you have $150.00 a month ($5.00 per day) budgeted for clothing. For an investment of $1800.00 per year your cost for the ten year investment you have just made is $180.00 per year or 49 cents a day. Remember: Shop wise, put your money to good use, and your professional wardrobe will give you a business edge for years to come! 
Kauai, Hawaii I traveled to Kauai, Hawaii, last October, and now count it as being one of my favorite spots on Earth. Although it was also a working trip I found plenty of time to explore the island. Kauai is a 550 square mile island with such environmental extremes as to possess the wettest spot on earth and a "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It is laid-back and most relaxing. While there are many beautiful resorts and condominiums on the island we chose to stay at The Kauai Country Inn two miles from the ocean into the interior of the island. We had a spacious suite, complete with full kitchen, in a quiet area with much privacy. Most evenings we stopped by a local fish market, The Fish Express, and grilled on our private lanai under the stars. We found some excellent snorkeling beaches in secluded areas of the island that were not packed with tourists. In the book "Hidden Kauai" by Ray Riegert are many "hidden" beaches that are hard to get to and therefore well worth the effort. (Larsens Beach on the North Shore and Mahaulepu Beach in the Poipu area are exceptional.) I took the above picture of the sea turtle on Tunnels Beach with a disposable underwater camera!
I highly recommend this island for relaxation, invigorating outdoor sports, sunshine, and a general unwinding of the worry-lines! Kauai Country Inn Owners, Mike and Martina Hough 6440 Olohena Road Kapaa, HI 96746 808-821-0207 www.kauaicountryinn.com SIDE TRIPS: Banana Joe's Tropical Fruit Farm 5-2719 Kuhio Hwy. Kilauea 808-828-1092 A yellow house on the left side of the highway just past the turnoff to Kilauea, toward the north shore. Buy some apple bananas. They taste like a banana should taste! Be sure and sample a smoothie made from these fruits, as well. The tourist I met there told me it would "change my life"...I think he was right! IF YOU LOVE TO COOK: The Fish Express 3343 Kuhio Hwy. #10 Lihue 808-245-9918 A local fish market with the freshest fish on the island. Papaya's Natural Foods Kauai Village Shopping Center 4-831 Kuhio Highway Kapaa 808-823-0191 Organic fruits and vegetables. Also an impressive take-out counter for picnics on the beach. Big Save Markets are less expensive than other grocery stores on the island. WATER SPORTS: Snorkel Bob's www.snorkelbob.com Two locations in Kapaa and Koloa on Kauai; also on Oahu, Kona and Maui. Rent your snorkeling equipment here for the best prices and easiest return system. Outfitters Kauai 2827-A Poipu Rd. Poipu 808-742-9667 Guided sea kayak excursions. Wailua River Kayak Adventures 411 Kaholalele St. Kuhio Hwy. Kapaa 808-822-5795 Take a guided tour up the Wailua River to Secret Falls. 
See previous tips, including travel destinations, here. < Back to Top P.O. Box 4164 • Evergreen, CO 80437 • 303-512-7638 • fax: 303-674-5356 |
 |
 |
 |
 |