Learning, not luck, provides winning edge

by Larry Meyer
MRA Chairman and CEO

Let’s face it, the economy has been healthier. Retail sales have been more robust. In fact, our Michigan Retail Index numbers are showing some of the most lackluster monthly sales performances in a decade.

But here’s the real story: those numbers are averages. For every store experiencing below-average results there is another producing above-average results. And in this economy, the trick is to be far above average.

Of course, there’s no “trick” involved. It’s not luck either. It takes hard work, creativity, attention to detail and the use of every business skill you’ve mustered during your career.

It also takes a willingness to keep learning new skills and best practices. In a word, education.

That’s where Michigan Retailers Academy comes in.

This year we’re trying something a little different in an effort to be more helpful to more members. Rather than offering a handful of seminars across several different regions of the state over a span of several months, we’re going to concentrate a full day’s worth in one place on one day.

On Thursday, June 5, we’ll hold an education conference consisting of six different seminars designed to help you improve your business. Each of the six will be repeated during the day so you have greater choices.

The seminars will address every-thing from how to live with and compete against the retail giants to how to make direct mail marketing work for you. You’ll learn how to improve inventory management and how to cut down on employee theft. And you’ll find out how to improve customer service and capitalize on better visual merchandising.

We’ll provide lunch—complete with motivational speaker (something we all need right now)—and an afternoon reception so you can network, share your thoughts with other retailers or simply relax.

And, on the theory that learning doesn’t have to be all work, we’re holding the conference at the magnificent Soaring Eagle resort in Mt. Pleasant. We’ve even set aside a block of rooms at the hotel for those who want to stay over Thursday night and get a jump on the weekend (or make up for working during the weekend) by participating in a golf outing at the championship Pohl Cat course on Friday morning.

Complete details will be mailed to all members in the coming weeks.

The location—Soaring Eagle—also serves to underscore a fundamental point. Gamble for recreation if you like, but don’t take chances with your business. Improving your knowledge and skills is the only sure way to beat the odds, especially in these uncertain times.

Note: The Michigan Jewelers Association also has come up with an exciting new format for its annual event.

Gone is the early spring trade show and hurried weekend in the Detroit area. In its place is a fantastic and relaxing end-of-summer weekend in Traverse City, a long weekend filled with education, previews of new merchandise, networking and leisure activities—just the right combination of business and pleasure that jewelers need before starting the fall season.

So, jewelers, while you’re marking your calendars for June 5-6 in Mt. Pleasant, be sure to set aside September 12-14 for MJA’s “Diamonds by the Bay—an intimate showing and getaway”—event on Michigan’s west coast.