Jan. 31-Feb. 6
MARKETING Hopefully as we publish this, the COVID-19 situation will be improving and you can think about holding events in 2021. Sketch out a seasonal calendar for the year.
STAFF Set a 2021 learning goal for staff. It could be sales skills, social media practices or technical know-how. Just make sure it is NEW knowledge. Workers thrive when they experience both a sense of vitality and of learning. They also are less susceptible to burnout, and much healthier and more productive.
Feb. 7-13
INVENTORY As efficient as the new POS systems are, you should do a manual stock count once a year. Post-holiday season is often the best time.
DISPLAY Decorate your store and reorganize your frame boards for Valentine’s Day. Aim for fun, not schlocky. Scatter some hearts around with a few touches of red and pink here and there.
OPERATIONS Give up bacn. The dozens of email newsletters you’ve subscribed to but rarely read were named “bacn” for being a close relative of spam. A study by MessageGate estimates up to 30 percent of emails are bacn. A huge inbox slows searches, eats up storage, and makes your head hurt.
Feb. 14-20
FINANCES Get an early start on your taxes. On average, small-business owners spend more than 40 hours filing their federal taxes every year. One in four spends at least three full weeks on the annual chore.
MARKETING With the disruption to the big trade events and sales in general last year, there’s a good chance your inventory balance has been distorted. Drill down into your data (GPM, brand performance, price points, markdowns) to find “white spaces” where you’re under-represented, to weed out underperformers and identify new category trends. Set targets and support plans for your emerging inventory stars.
Feb. 21-27
NETWORKING Create a list of primary care providers you can meet in your market. Let them know you are eager to help them improve their HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) scores through partnership, collaboration and referrals.
MANAGEMENT Ask staff to write out their answer to this question: “Why do you get up in the morning and why should our customers care?” You may just find a new mission statement in those answers.