Just like in personal lives, stores should have new year resolutions. It is important to have goals in mind, rather than just dreams.Some people desire to lose weight, start a new hobby, or even meet love in the upcoming new year. A business should have the same optimism. However, are you unsure about where to start and/or how to follow through on these New Year goals for 2019?  The following steps should help.

Dream vs Goal

Some may argue that they are the same thing. But there is a clear difference among the two. A goal has a plan and a dream does not. A person can desire to lose ten pounds, but if they never do anything towards losing the weight then it is simply a dream. Yet, if you go to the gym and change your lifestyle, you are working towards a goal.

With that being said, what is your plan for the success you want as a store owner? It could be difficult to even develop a plan in general, but by doing the following, those dreams may become goals.

Pen & Paper

In order to begin the process, you must write down exactly what you want, as specific as possible. Within that goal, be specific with the time frame in which you plan to accomplish the goal, too. For example, if you want to increase advertising for your store, then write down how long you believe it’ll take you. Writing down your goals will not only motivate you, but it will create a realistic perspective on them.

Outline

Now that you have the goal and time-frame, you’ll need to write out the game plan. What are the necessary steps towards your goal? Again, be as specific as possible. Breakdown each step. By breaking down each step, it’ll make you feel more comfortable towards your goal. Many times, people become overwhelmed with big tasks and have no idea where to start. The moment you allow yourself to become lost in your goal, you have already lost. So, write down each step and check them off as you complete each step.

Reflect

As you finish more and more steps, it is important to slow things down. By slow things down, I don’t mean slow your progress but remember to smell the roses. Reflect on each step you have taken. Acknowledge that you are working towards this goal and your journey has begun. In addition, think to yourself. Are there things you need to adjust in your plan? Has the time-frame changed? Has the actual goal changed? Be clear about where you are and remind yourself of the end goal as much as you can.

Reward Yourself

This usually is forgotten. Every moment you have achieved a step, that is victory. Yes, the main goal may not have been accomplished, nor even close, but you are making progress. That goal is closer than ever before and that is something to celebrate about. When you do accomplish a big step in your plan, celebrate that milestone. You have been working hard and your work will reflect it. Even if the reward is small, it is still self-recognition. Celebrating and rewarding also helps your mentality. It’ll motivate you even more towards your goal.

You should even consider celebrating your success with employees and customers.  Offer a new discount on consumer favorites in celebration of your business growth or improvement, or maybe host an event celebrating the accomplishment.  Customers are encouraged to spend their money at a business that clearly aims to continue improving, celebrating your success could be a great way to catch their attention.

As an owner, your plan may have different steps compared to others but that’s okay. Each store is different; therefore, each plan should be properly adjusted to each store. Remember not to lose focus. It’ll be difficult but the moment your goal is achieved, it would have all been worth it.

Want to prepare even more? Click here for “Easy Ways to Enhance Your Convenience or Grocery Store”

Some are blessed, and embrace the sunrise, most people need some assistance for starting the day. In addition, people may need to refuel in the middle of the day. The obvious answer is coffee, but whether it’s cold or hot may not be so obvious. In 2017, sales of cold brew coffee jumped to 38.1 million, from the 8.1 million in sales from 2015. As these numbers continue to grow, sales are expected to reach new heights.

Offering cold brew coffee in your store, is a must have. The following are the top cold brew coffee brands your customers are expecting:

1. Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: This super smooth coffee will start your day off right with the taste of this New Orleans flavor. When in doubt, this is a good recommendation.
2. La Colombe Pure Black Cold Brew Coffee: This selection is steeped for 16 hours in stainless steel wine tanks, then pressed and filtered twice. Despite being on the sweeter side, the taste is unforgettable.
3. HeyDay Cold Brew Coffee: This delicious coffee is perfect for those with sensitive stomachs. It is easy to sip and goes along great with sweeteners.
4.  RISE Brewing Co. Original Black Nitro Cold Brew Coffee: Organic and free of harsh chemicals and additives… This brand may be one of a kind in what it’s bringing to consumers.
5. Lucky Jack Double Black Nitro Cold Brew Coffee: For those who need an extra kick, this is infused with extra espresso to deliver the double dose of caffeine. It will surely get the job done.

Your store already sells coffee. Why not take it to the next level and sell cold brew coffee? Contact YOUR distributor to learn how you can increase your sales and make it easy for the customer to start their morning off right.

Are you prepared for the Holidays? It’s never too late! Click here to learn what you can do to maximize revenue.

The holidays have already begun! Thanksgiving has passed, Hanukkah has started, and Christmas along with New Years is right around the corner.

Retails sales are expected to grow more than 5% from last year’s winter holiday season. To put that into perspective, retailers could make more than $1 trillion in holiday sales for 2018. That is an amazing amount that should not be taken lightly. 

Make a list and check it twice.  Here are our suggestions for the most important steps to take while preparing your c-store for the 2018 holiday season.

Inventory

With these expected sales, it is important to have enough inventory to meet the demand. Yet be wise and do your own research to see which products and services will need to be increased. The worst scenario would be having ordered too much supplies, rather than not enough. Regardless, you want to cater to your customer’s needs and make sure your shop is the difference. The biggest benefit in inventory may be the simple last minute supplies! This could be extra plates and napkins to the extra hot sauce needed for that special holiday party. 

Promotion

Now that you have inventory checked of your holiday list, it is time to get the word out there. Creating offers and deals would create buzz to attract even more customers than before. Depending on your kind of customer, be sure to promote in the best way that communicates to them! You know your customers better than anyone and can know what grabs their attention. 

Decor

Having supplies and reaching out to customers is only part of the holiday preparations. Getting into the holiday spirit does not have to put a dent into your wallet! Believe me, your customers will notice the little things. Putting up banners, lights, and even a small tree will create a difference. Not only will it boost moral for your employees, but it may encourage customers to spend more time in your store.

Customer Service

To really stand out from the competition, it is necessary to treat your customers like guests in your own home. Be sure to welcome everyone with a big smile, no matter how much they plan to spend. Encourage your employees to do the same! Greeting customers as soon as they step into your shop, will break the ice. Go the extra mile and see if you could make their shopping experience any better. After all, if the roles were in reverse, wouldn’t you want to be treated with holiday joy?  

Spend time with Loved Ones

This is the busiest time of the year. Shopping for some may be just as important as the holidays themselves. By making that list and checking it off, you won’t have to worry about meeting expectations. Don’t forget about the people that matter in your life. Customers come and go, but family and friends will always be there. Be sure to decide your time accordingly and make time for those significant in your life. Making sure you express your feelings to your loved ones is the purpose of these holidays. 

We here, at goEBT, hope everyone has had and continues to have an amazing time with friends and family this holiday season!

• Sources: Deloitte