Can you tell I like the one-on-one conversations that happen at Trade Shows? For me I get a chance to sell our company. What we can do for the vendor. What they get from dealing with us. It helps overall understanding. Setting expectations right from the beginning conversation and looking the person in the eye changes the relationship. They see the investment you are making. You have a deeper connection to them. So start small. You will hear 100 no’s before one yes. Then try to improve that ratio and wash, rinse and repeat. Pretty soon you have a strong wholesale business with a future.

This is our approach to tackling a trade show. It is almost the who, what and where approach. Don’t get overwhelmed, go with a plan. Remember you are going to help them sell. That is their business model: sell stuff! Sponsors Viral Launch – Save $50 with this link (Use coupon code: Momentum) SPECIAL OFFER FOR MY LISTENERS ONLY TWO WEEKS FREE TRIAL!!!! Gaye’s Million Dollar Arbitrage List Solutions4ecommerce Scope from Sellerlabs Tactical Arbitrage – Get an 10 day free trial with code: “Tactical” Freeeup– Save 10% (forever) and get an instant $25.00 voucher for your first hire. GoDaddy Grasshopper Amazon Accounting Podcast: Before we get into the chart of accounts we want to mention our course: AMZACCOUNTING SIMPLIFIED WE CAN HELP YOU CREATE YOUR CUSTOM ACCOUNTING SYSTEM WITH QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND MASTER YOUR AMAZON FINANCIALS You’re overwhelmed with accounting software options and are afraid you’ll pick one that might limit you down the road. You have no idea how to adjust your Amazon deposits for gross sales, refunds, and fees. You’re confused about the difference between inventory and cost of goods sold not to mention how to track them. You’ve invested so much time reading blog posts, downloading free accounting resources … now, you’re stuck on information overload AND [...]

Want to learn the lingo? Want to sound knowledgeable when walking the trade show floor? We all do. Here is a list, not all inclusive, but enough to get you started in talking the talk. Here is a more inclusive list: Wholesale Term Definitions

Who better to have a conversation with about trade shows then Charlene? She has the experience , she has the confidence and she has the knowledge that she brings value ALSO to the table. Know that you are valuable to vendors as you bring them much needed dollars in this disrupting retail period. Think about things. More than 3,800 stores have closed in the last year? Sears, Toys R Us, Bon Ton, Macy’s , JC Penney, Victoria’s Secret have all shuttered stores or closed completely. The wholesalers need customers to sell their wares to. So here is where you step in. Ready to buy, ready to sell and ready to take them to the next level. If only it were that easy. Mentioned: Free List of Tradeshows Wholesalesourcing Experts There are 3 types of shows according to Charlene 1- Local Show – These exist in every large market and typically are called gift shows or expo’s. Great place to find new or regional products. If you know how to sell online then you have a great shot at landing accounts. Requirements: Some require a state reseller license or business card, some also let the general public in and have a [...]

The phrase goes something like: It’s not what you sell, it’s what you keep. So anytime you can reduce costs by reducing touch points, getting better rates, lowering shipping costs, managing inventory storage and increasing inventory turnover you gain margin. Gaining margin with little or manageable negative affect on your business can make the difference between a successful enterprise and one on the way out. In this episode I give you some areas to look hard at. This list is not all inclusive but it does address the low hanging fruit that can help optimize your business. Here is the example I reference in the podcast Mentioned in this episode Selleressentials – Greg Purdy’s information website with best list of Prep/Fulfillment centers WebRetailer’s Supply Chain Management Cost control and efficiency article

After tackling a tough subject like budgeting I thought it wise to get the other long laborious task right up front: SOP’s. Imagine a form (Us old guys remember the binders of procedures) or a document for every step you take in your day. Awaken 1- Turn off alarm 2- Go to bathroom 3- Wash hands 4- Turn on coffee 5- Drink 1st glass of water (Do not put glass in sink as you will need it for more) 6- etc…. Then details on how you get to work, then on how you work, then on how you eat lunch…. Again, you get the picture. If you want everything to be exact in your business then you need SOP’s. Regardless of the size of your business you need guidelines, got to help you out documents that can keep you consistent. Outside influences you can not control but by controlling what you do, what you r staff does right down to every step in the process will help you build another foundational block. See if you sell your business these SOP’s will be critical and necessary and expected. So why wait until you sell? Why not make your business stronger? Why [...]

Who likes to budget? Who likes to follow a budget? Most people do not. Most businesses have no clue how they are doing versus what they thought. Is 30% growth good? maybe! If growth is in low or unsustainable areas of your business then no 30% is not good. If you are liquidating old inventory and that is where your revenue growth is from then no it is not good. If you do not have exclusive (or limited exclusivity) for a brand and that is all of your growth then it might or might not be good. See the lack of understanding is what could be the demise of your business. After all the outside influences will keep coming. They probably will accelerate so being ready is the key. That starts with a plan. Plan your revenue Plan you expenses Plan your profit The hardest part is starting. Get one version done and track against it. Guess what, next time it is easier as you have a base. Maybe 20% of your budget was right. Ok start there. Now lets get some more right and so on. CONTINUOUS improvement is just that. Continuous! It takes time and finesse. Get better [...]

Why another podcast Steve?