In episode 14 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer is joined by guest Eddy Rosell, who shares his eight principles for achieving consistency in fitness and health goals. They discuss the importance of adherence to a plan and the positive results that can be achieved through consistent effort, even with less-than-optimal workout or nutrition plans. 

Tune in to learn more about the key to success in fitness and how to apply it to your own routine.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:16] Consistency in Working Out.

[00:04:48] Body Transformation and Self-Acceptance.

[00:08:31] Trusting the Process of Change.

[00:13:00] Start Small for Consistency.

[00:18:06] Using Technology for Accountability.

[00:24:08] Cardiovascular Health Improvement.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and Eddy Rosell emphasize the crucial role of consistency in both business and fitness. They stress that adherence and consistency are key principles in achieving any health or fitness goal. They also emphasize the need to develop discipline alongside motivation to sustain long-term success.

In addition, Kevin and Eddy highlight the role of discipline in maintaining a fitness routine. They explain that motivation may fade over time, but discipline is what will keep individuals going even when they wake up tired or face challenges. Developing discipline is crucial during the beginning stages of a fitness journey when motivation is high. By leveraging motivation and building discipline, individuals can overcome obstacles and stay committed to their fitness goals.

QUOTES

• “People notice that you don't notice, right? So, and it's like if people with you every day, they're not going to notice that you're losing weight until, you know, that big grand surprise is there.” - Kevin Spencer
• "We are where we are today because of all the tiny little decisions that we've made in our lives. And for health and fitness, it's the same thing." - Eddy Rosell
• "So you have to start small, leverage the motivation that you have in the beginning, but understand that you have to develop what we call discipline. Because once that motivation goes away and you wake up tired, the discipline is what's going to keep you going." - Eddy Rosell

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Eddy Rosell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddyrosellfit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EddyRosellFitness/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Eddy Rosell Fitness: https://eddyrosell.samcart.com/products/trm---online-self-guided-program/

In episode 13 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer welcomes Marcelo Muñoz to discuss the NRF (National Retail Federation) show, which is considered the retail industry's biggest event. With over 35,000 attendees from various countries, the show showcases the latest technology and innovation in the retail sector. They also touch on the misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence

(AI) and its potential for revolutionizing the industry. 

Tune in for insights from this massive gathering, where the focus is on learning, networking, and gaining valuable knowledge to kickstart your year.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:03] National Retail Federation (NRF) - Retail's Big Show.

[00:11:37] Technology Demonstrations at Trade Shows.

[00:17:34] AI and its Impact.

[00:21:26] The Cloud and its Evolution.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and Marcelo Muñoz discuss the retail’s big show, the National Retail Federation (NRF), which provides a platform for networking, learning about industry trends, and showcasing innovative products and services. This show emphasizes that their products are not standalone, but part of an overall solution. Hence, it highlights the importance of both the product itself and the team and integration capabilities behind it.

In addition, Kevin and Marcelo emphasize the interconnectedness of retail and hospitality, showcasing how these industries can complement each other and provide a more comprehensive experience for customers.

QUOTES

• "If you are an owner of a supermarket, if you're the owner of a bodega, if you're an owner of a chain of restaurants, this (NRF Show) is where you want to go to get an idea of what progress has been made over the last year or what newer technologies can help your business grow." - Marcelo Muñoz
• “The interaction you want to have with that end user is the most important part of that, is the follow up. So, you know, the booth visit is great. Conversations are awesome. But if you don't seal the deal when you come back after the show, you just wasted your time.” - Marcelo Muñoz
• “I think this perspective of NRF as well, as in any conferences that we go, I think the relationship or the networking that we do at those shows and those events that they put on in the evening. It's really to meet with people among our peers, as well as meet with those people that we haven't seen in a year or six months, just to reestablish that connection of doing business together.” - Kevin Spencer

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Marcelo Muñoz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelo-muñoz-38318842/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 12 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer delves into the dynamic world of training programs in the retail and hospitality industry. He highlights the strategies, challenges, and success stories that shape the training landscape of these crucial sectors. From evolving customer behaviors to conflict resolution, Kevin discusses how to build a strong foundation for your business through effective training.

Tune in for informative and inspiring insights that will help you grow your business and win in the bustling world of commerce and culinary delights. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:00] Importance of Customer Service.

[00:07:11] Tracking Employee Performance.

[00:13:08] Training Programs and Technology.

[00:15:42] Building Relationships in Hospitality.

[00:21:10] Evolving Customer, Consumer Behaviors.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer suggests that incorporating real-life issues or problems that occur in customer service or conflicts between employees and customers can be instrumental in building a successful business. This highlights the need for training strategies to address these specific situations and equip employees with the skills and knowledge to handle them effectively.

Furthermore, Kevin emphasizes the importance of well-crafted training in enhancing employee performance, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. Despite acknowledging the high turnover rates in the retail and hospitality industries, he emphasizes the necessity of delivering a consistent experience to customers. This implies that training strategies should focus on equipping employees with the necessary skills to meet evolving customer expectations and behaviors.

QUOTES

• "The most important step of your first training program should be customer service. Customer service is important, and the incentive of employees going through that program."
• “Most of the time we try humor, of course. But the most important thing is to build your own standard. Build that standard so every time an employee walks in to your establishment, they go through this program before you expose them to the public.”
• “‘Let me see if I can make your experience great.’ You know, that's fundamentally a good approach. And we don't see that every day. But wouldn't we appreciate if somebody gave us a compliment without having to gain anything from it? And you would see, based on that, and I talked about customer loyalty before, customers will see that as a value to come to your store.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 11 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer explores the importance of effective inventory management for businesses. He discusses how inventory management helps avoid overstock, improves cash flow, enhances customer satisfaction, and provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Kevin also addresses the common challenges businesses face, such as inaccurate forecasting, and provides insights on how to overcome them. 

Tune in to learn how to optimize your inventory processes and ensure the success of your business.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:30] Common Inventory Management Challenges.

[00:08:03] Prioritizing Inventory Management.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer emphasizes that effective inventory management is crucial for the success of a business as it offers several benefits. It helps prevent overstocking, which can tie up valuable resources and capital, while also improving cash flow, which is essential for financial stability and growth. Thus, it enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring products are readily available and delivered on time. It also provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making, allowing businesses to make informed choices about product offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies.

In addition, Kevin highlights the importance of understanding the value of inventory for insurance purposes. Accurate reporting of inventory is necessary for producing an insurance claim in case of any unfortunate events or damages to the business. By having a clear understanding of the value of their inventory, businesses can ensure they are adequately covered and can recover their losses in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

QUOTES

• “The most important thing is to invest in training your people. And if you do that, it can help address some challenges.”
• “Technology has transformed the way businesses manage their inventory. Technologies like automation artificial intelligence and data analytics are going to contribute to more efficient inventory management. Automation reduces manual errors and speeds up processes.”
• “Building strong ties with your suppliers and conducting regular audits are vital for a well-oiled inventory management machine.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 10 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Eduardo "Eddy" Alvarez, president and co-founder of Transac Unlimited. They discuss the importance of being personable and amiable in business, as well as the energy and vibe that can make a difference. Eddy also shares his insights on the importance of family values in business success and the role they play in keeping us energized during stressful days. 

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and grow your business.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:35] Positive Energy in Business.

[00:08:15] Level Playing Field in Payments.

[00:11:44] Personalized Approach in Retail.

[00:16:58] Having a Physical Storefront.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and Eduardo Alvarez emphasize the importance of being a direct point of contact for their clients, rather than having them call a generic 1-800 number or wait for a response. They believe that building a personal relationship with their clients and being readily available to help them sets them apart from their competition.

Furthermore, Kevin and Eduardo emphasize that the merchant service industry operates on a level playing field. This means that companies of all sizes, whether processing a large or small volume of transactions, pay the same interchange rates. This equalization of interchange rates ensures that all businesses, regardless of size, have an equal opportunity to compete in the industry. They also mention that their company competes with larger companies and continues to win business by offering better optimization, fee savings, and improved payment processing solutions to underserviced merchants.

QUOTES

• “You really have to love what you do in order for you to be able to exuberate that energy and that confidence to the customers and it come across as genuine.” - Eduardo Alvarez 
• "Our goal is to turn everybody into a customer or everybody into a partner. You know, I call it doing alchemy. There's always an opportunity to work together." - Eduardo Alvarez 
• "That personalized approach is really what makes your customers feel that you really care about them." - Kevin Spencer
• "The morals and values of family are really what really makes you successful in business." - Kevin Spencer
• "Anybody who takes a payment, we're their payment processor. That's the goal. We'd like to be able to help whoever we can, and we treat everybody the same, you know, from the small merchants to the large merchants, everybody has a direct point of contact." - Eduardo Alvarez 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Eduardo Alvarez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-alvarez-0b761184/

WEBSITES

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Transact Ultd: https://www.transactultd.com/

Contact Number: (745) 701-0045

In episode 9 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer dives into the aisles of supermarkets during Christmas time. From the transformed ambiance to the strategic moves retailers make to boost sales, Kevin explores the organized chaos and shares tips on navigating the holiday shopping rush. He also emphasizes the importance of planning and understanding customer preferences to create a memorable Christmas experience. 

Join us as we unwrap the secrets in the world of commerce during the most wonderful time of the year.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Behind the scenes of commerce.

[00:12:26] Navigating the holiday shopping rush.

During the Christmas season, supermarkets undergo a significant transformation to create a festive atmosphere and increase sales. Kevin Spencer explains that as soon as customers step into a supermarket during this time, they are greeted with aisles that have been transformed into a winter wonderland. This includes festive decorations and a variety of sensory experiences, such as product tastings, to entice customers to make purchases. He also emphasizes that Christmas is a crucial period for supermarkets, as it brings in the highest revenues of the year.

Overall, the podcast highlights the importance of careful planning and strategic decision-making for supermarkets during the Christmas season. By creating a festive atmosphere, understanding customer preferences, and managing expectations, supermarkets can maximize their sales and provide an enjoyable shopping experience for customers.

QUOTES

• “Christmas really takes over supermarkets, doesn't it? From the moment you walk in, the aisles are transformed into a wonderland, or we say winter wonderlands. The ambiance, the festive decorations, the sense of vendors having tastings of their different products to impulse you to buy and push those revenues up during the Christmas season.”
• “It's the biggest revenues that any retailer or supermarket or whatever reach you are in expect from the Christmas season. You know, when you're going to supermarkets, there's organized chaos. Some people just love that last-minute chaos of being in the rush.”
• “Going forward into the future, I think there should be a strategic plan in terms of what first muscle, any particular period that you generate high sales, you're going to have to manage that and execute the plan the way you need to do it. Because at the end of the day, if we don't plan, then we're just playing along.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 8 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Alan Cohen, an international speaker, public speaking coach, and author. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in business and how it can benefit business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs, and parents. Alan shares his expertise on emotional intelligence and explains why these skills are essential for success. 

Tune in to this insightful episode and discover how emotional intelligence can transform your personal and professional relationships. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:20] Importance of Emotional Intelligence.

[00:07:24] The Challenge of Connection.

[00:09:41] Chaos and Purpose in Leadership.

[00:20:03] The Power of Storytelling.

[00:23:40] Stories About Family Dynamics.

[00:27:23] The Neuroscience of Storytelling.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and Alan Cohen 5talks about the importance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding and connecting with others for success. The ability to interpret nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, and to read the room are highlighted as essential skills in building effective relationships.

In addition, Kevin and Alan discuss the significance of emotional intelligence and empathy in developing exceptional leadership skills. They mention being brought into companies to help leaders enhance their emotional intelligence and empathy. They also believe that emotional intelligence is the key to success and that it distinguishes exceptional leaders from those who are merely competent.

QUOTES

• “One of the things I like about emotional intelligence is it's that ability to be energized and energize the people around you.” - Kevin Spencer
• "The set of tools that comprise emotional intelligence are the most important skills and tools that any business owner or leader, entrepreneur or parent needs to develop and master." - Alan Cohen
• “I'm often brought into companies and into businesses to help leaders learn how to be more emotionally intelligent and learn how to develop empathy and all the different aspects of emotional intelligence, which really, I believe, are the keys to our success.” - Alan Cohen
• “The interpersonal relationships are, that's what separates people who are just good at their jobs from people who are exceptional leaders.” - Alan Cohen
• “So checking in with people is so important because otherwise if we're missing those cues, we're not connecting with people in a way that can create meaningful exchange.” - Alan Cohen
• “Sometimes we don't know how to relieve our stress or position our stress in a different way. And I think that's important by people understanding or sharing the words that you really want to hear at that point in time.” - Kevin Spencer

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Alan Cohen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alansamuelcohen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alansamuelcohen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-samuel-cohen-33a7418/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions:

In episode 7 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer delves into the topic of customer loyalty and its importance for business success. He explores the emotional connection that keeps customers coming back and discusses the factors that contribute to brand loyalty. Drawing upon the human psyche, Kevin highlights the desire for familiarity, reliability, and positive experiences as key drivers of customer loyalty. He emphasizes the significance of building strong customer relationships and providing exceptional customer service.

Tune in to learn how you can cultivate customer loyalty and set your business apart in today's competitive market.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:33] The Power of Experience.

[00:07:37] Loyalty Beyond Products and Discounts.

[00:11:39] Building Relationships Beyond Transactions.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and being ready to evolve strategies. Challenges will inevitably arise, so it's necessary to stay ahead of trends and learn as you go along. It's crucial to consider customer feedback and collaborate with the marketing team to strategize effectively. 

Furthermore, it is mentioned that personalization, empathy, and the human touch have a significant impact on customer relationships. Kevin emphasizes that every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the business and the customer. By personalizing the experience and showing empathy toward the customer's needs and preferences, businesses can create a positive emotional connection that keeps customers coming back.

QUOTES

• “In today's competitive market, customer loyalty is the secret sauce that can set your business apart.”
• "Sometimes it's just not about the product, but the experience.’’
• “Customers remember how you make them feel. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between you and your customer. Personalization, empathy, and the human touch make a significant impact.”
• “You must come up with your own formula to reward and retain your customers. And this is why feedback is important.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 6 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer welcomes Jim Roddy, CEO and President of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA). They discuss the importance of building relationships and networking in business. They also explore the role of self-checkout technology and its impact on the labor shortage caused by the pandemic. 

Tune in to learn more about building meaningful relationships and finding support in the business world. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:19] More Technology in Retail.

[00:03:50] Self-Checkout and its Future.

[00:09:26] The Power of a B2B Organization.

[00:12:48] The RSPA Scholarship Fund.

[00:15:11] Community Response and Scholarships.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and Jim Roddy highlight the value of getting to know people in the industry and how these connections can benefit business owners. They emphasize that business owners don't have to go it alone and that resources and support are available through associations like the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA). Being part of a business organization allows individuals to tap into the knowledge and expertise of others, providing a network of people to lean on and connect with.

Furthermore, Kevin and Roddy discuss the constant evolution of technology and its importance in our lives. They emphasize the need for self-taught learning to keep up with these advancements. While they are knowledgeable in the technology field, they acknowledge that not everyone has the same understanding. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to take the initiative to learn and adapt to new technologies.

QUOTES

• “There is that fear when online started happening, but there's no doubt that those are going to stick around and that technology is going to be a big part of not only brick-and-mortar but integrating that with any online sales.” - Jim Roddy
• “Fundamentally, technology is going to be at the center of retail operations.” - Jim Roddy
• “Everybody needs to integrate with dozens, oftentimes of partners. And that's really what we do is we really accelerate the partnerships. We accelerate their learning. And so we end up accelerating their success.” - Jim Roddy
• “When I talk about retail now, when I talk about RSPA from a perspective of being involved, it really shows my passion to be part of such an amazing organization.” - Kevin Spencer
• “I think the standard is up there in terms of even from a presentation perspective, even on the boots, they really go all out for their resellers in terms of delivering that technology and getting the knowledge to even go push that technology to our end users.” - Kevin Spencer

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Jim Roddy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_roddy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimroddy1/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA): https://www.gorspa.org/

In episode 5 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer welcomes Jamie Nolan, CEO of the Anima Collective and a life and business coach. Jaimie shares insights about her online community for entrepreneurial women and discusses the intersection of entrepreneurship and personal development. The conversation highlights the challenges women face in the business world and celebrates their resilience and determination. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:05] Women in Business Entrepreneurship.

[00:06:14] Shifting Mindset for Greater Success.

[00:08:50] Living the Life you Desire.

[00:14:47] Autism and Sensory Issues.

[00:16:57] Taking Care of Your Brain.

In this episode, Kevin Spencer and his guest, Jaime Nolan, highlight the idea that what we invest in our bodies, businesses, and lives is what we will receive in return. Therefore, having the right support, such as a business coach, can assist entrepreneurs in making decisions, shifting their mindset, and achieving their goals.

Moreover, this episode highlights the significance of understanding and aligning personal goals with one's true desires to avoid self-sabotage. It emphasizes the need to differentiate between external goals imposed by others and internal desires. By aligning goals with true desires and establishing a strong why, individuals can enhance their motivation and commitment, reducing the chances of self-sabotage.

QUOTES

• "Because if it's not what you really want, it's not what you desire, you will sabotage yourself every time." - Jaime Nolan
• "Autism, ADHD, a lot of the autoimmune disorders all fall within this kind of giant spectrum and figuring out like what is happening in the body to be able to just make them feel better can make remarkable changes." - Jaime Nolan
• "Because most of the time, it is that idea of whatever you're putting into your body, whatever you're putting into your business, whatever you're putting into your life is what you're going to get back at." - Jaime Nolan
• “Desire, it just brought back that memory to me in terms of, you know, I could achieve what I want once I know what it is.” - Kevin Spencer
• “Some of us in this world don't even know what it is or understand what it is to have a child that is autistic or somebody who's autistic…. That's a very important topic I think a lot of people need to be aware of.” - Kevin Spencer

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Jaime Nolan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimenolan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/time2byou/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-nolan-jn333/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/