When I started working in a retail buying office, I found it to be an exciting time in my life. I adored being part of the decision-making that shaped what customers bought. Specifically, I enjoyed learning how to understand my customers so deeply that I could shop of them — thousands and thousands of them.

What you and I have in common is that we excel at translating visual or emotional inspiration into something a customer will pay for. We also have strong presentation skills — from visual communication to store merchandising to selling. Like you, I love this large portion of the job being a merchant!

During this early part of my career, I could have left the rest of the merchant role behind. Believe me when I tell you, I tried and here's how it went!

Ultimately, I couldn't. I couldn't pick and choose what to focus on and what to ignore, and neither can you.

I quickly learned that selling inventory to a paying customer happens in an ecosystem of sorts and that this environment has an infinite amount of influences — some that we control and some do not.

Listen to this week's podcast episode to get a bird's eye view of the merchandise life cycle so that you can have more clarity and control of your time.

• The difference between operating a business on a solid foundation vs. shaky ground
• Unlocking more personal time off by mastering production management
• Learn the six phases of the merchandise life cycle
• Similarities and differences of how retailers and makers or small-batch manufacturers move through the merchandise life cycle

After you've listened, it's time to take action! Remember: Knowledge and action are most effective when applied within the context of your unique business using your unique style.

To help you find your path to business growth, take my free 60-second Retail Success Style quiz at MerchantMethod.com/Quiz. © Thinking Thumbprint LLC DBA Merchant Method. All rights reserved. For more information and terms of use visit MerchantMethod.com.