Enlightened Purrs...pectives
T.E.A.M.
Ok … now don’t get all ‘skitzed” out because you recognize the format of the word team in my title.
“Here we go another motivational discussion from little miss cheerleader.”
Ok … well maybe a little bit of motivation.
I just returned from a Carpet One RNG Coordinators meeting in Phoenix. I have the honor to assist David Smith from Skaff’s Carpet One in Flint, Michigan. I have always returned from gatherings like this with so much more insight than my brain can normally handle. But I am also always excited to take what I’ve learned and institute the ideas into my store or to my peers.
It has amazed me that we’ve been members of the Carpet One Co-Op now for over 13 years and there is so much to learn with every contact I make. The brilliant and devoted men and woman in the flooring industry inspire me at every turn. Taking time out of their schedules to improve not only their store’s environment but those of all the Carpet One members is an unselfish act. “Together we are ONE” is a strong and constant message we all must believe and live by if we wish to build our brand and succeed in this tough and trying economy.
I remember joining Carpet One in 1997 and participating in numerous seminars over the years with John Umbaugh, Liz Calendrino, Sally Kelly, Ronnie Thomason, Brian Metcalf, Bob Hutter, Jonathon Trivers, Sam Allman, Tim Landry, Jim Aaron and other brilliant facilitators. The overall message has always resonated…
”Together Everyone Achieves More!”
During the coordinators meeting in Phoenix, the message continued and to me, stronger than I’ve ever felt.
“How do we get more people involved?”
“How do we engage the members more?”
“What tools can we provide to assist with getting more people into our stores?”
“What’s the best format of advertising?”
“The Product selection that we have, is it enough?”
“How do we stay above the competition?”
The initiatives and the ideas and the “how to’s” kept coming and the answers were all being shared in an overwhelmingly dynamic network.
No matter if you belong to a Co-Op like Carpet One, Abbey or Flooring America, no matter if you have a business with a sizeable staff and no matter if you have families to care for…we all have to work together, support each other learn from each other to keep our lives functioning. To keep our lives focused with faith and trust and believe that each member has a purpose and a belonging. Let’s face it, it’s tough out there guys and we have to stay tough and maybe get even tougher, smarter, challenge ourselves everyday and “not give up the ship.”
Sorry, I still have the ship posters in my store. I am a product of the BHAG!
I don’t know about you, but I am geeked about January’s Convention in Dallas. I can’t wait to see my friends, to learn something new, to share great ideas, to find new and better ways to raise my margin, to achieve a higher average ticket, find another avenue of advertising, compete better with the box stores and Empire and basically to get the consumer to realize we are the best answer for their flooring needs.
We are it! We are ONE!
And…we have so many wonderful tools to prove it!
So, whether or not you’re on the Advisory Council or a RNG Coordinator, Marketing Committee member, larger store or smaller store, mom or dad, sister or brother, your input is always needed. Your presence is important to the growth of our group and to your business and to your family.
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” – Luke 21:5-19
Until we meet again, thank those around you this Thanksgiving holiday for supporting you this far and creating a life worth living. And when the Christmas and New Year festivities arrive take a moment to breathe and appreciate your teammates, co-workers and family.
“There is greatness all around you- welcome it! It is easy to be great when you get around great people.”
Keep Climbing!
Cat
