There's been much hand-wringing about the future of brick and mortar businesses, but I say in some ways, the future has never been brighter for us.  Focus on your own strengths and create that "magical" in-store experience that you just can't find anywhere else and the customer loyalty will follow. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that humans still love to interact with one another, so let that thought motivate you as you push your showroom to the next level of engagement. 

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How familiar are you with the DoE legislation changes regarding General Service Lamps? If you're not, now is the time to learn and act before the restrictions (and penalties) take effect in July 2023! This episode recaps the pending changes and what it means for you and your showroom and steps you can take now to stay ahead of the rule changes too. Also, be sure to join the Facebook group and share your strategy for not running afoul of the laws before 2023. Can't wait to hear from you on this one!

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In this episode, I argue that the biggest ongoing challenge to independent lighting showrooms is the question of margins. How do we improve them collectively as an industry? Showrooms have all been told to pivot and evolve, and many have, but we are still left with the frustration of lower margins of sale and rising expenses and overhead. There's one quick answer here, which would help, but there are also many incremental ways we could improve margins and still maintain a high level of sales, which we all want! I know this is a tough topic so I can't wait for your feedback and thoughts, even those in opposition to mine. It is how we all learn and grow and dare I say it? Evolve! 

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The "everything" shortage continues in nearly every consumer goods industry and I want to know how your business is coping? What changes have you made that you expect to continue even when goods are readily available again? I also discuss a potential softening in our markets and my opinions on what that might mean for lighting showrooms. Finally, I close with my industry-wide request to come together as one to talk to consumers about the importance of great lighting and fans in their homes. Now is the time to explain "why lighting" matters. Join the conversation and tell a friend too!

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This episode features my new favorite IG account (@blackwhalelights), why manufacturers should at the very least fill out the ALA data file in full, and my experience and frustration with factory changes that can have a big impact at the customer level in the showroom. Please share with me your favorite independent lighting showroom social media account so I can shout them out on the next episode! Join the conversation!

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We are all looking for it in the lighting industry -- the training "easy" button. After a recent Lighting Showroom Association Round Table discussion, I have reached the disappointing conclusion that this easy button doesn't exist for us, but I came away encouraged with a new path for employee hiring, training and retention that will hopefully lead to success not only for me and the business, but importantly, for the entire staff too. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and best practices on this one! It is a collaborative effort, so please join the conversation!

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What new skills or processes or procedures are you learning or working on for your business? What has the new skill taught you about your business? How is it working (or maybe, not working)? In this episode, I recount my recent experience in learning the skill of selling online via Facebook/Instagram and Shopify and thing things I have learned along the way and still have yet to learn! Join the conversation today and every day at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lightfiles

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This week I'm discussing the "Paradox of Choice" as defined by author Barry Schwartz and the impact too much choice can have on everything from our products displays to sales in our showroom. At what point is there just too much choice for our customers? And how to we convince customers to satisfice in their selections rather than stay on the constant (and never-ending) search for perfection? I can't wait to hear your thoughts and examples of too much choice in your showrooms -- message the podcast on Instagram @lightfiles or send me an email [email protected]. 

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When do you pull the plug on a sunk cost and just move on? How long to do stick it out for a customer? an employee? a vendor? a sales rep? a manufacturer? We all encounter this question regularly and in this episode I give my take on how much I would invest in each of these partnerships and when it is just time to move on. Join the conversation! Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome! @lightfiles on Instagram or email me [email protected]. 

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We know everyone has been feeling the shipping and gas prices squeeze of late, but what can we do about it? Fuel surcharges? Delivery fees? Are there really any viable options for distribution or do we just keep taking the margin squeeze? What solutions have you tried for this problem and what is/isn't working? Can't wait to hear your suggestions and feedback.  Join the conversation! 

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