Yes, this one IS about YOU!

Yes, This One IS About YOU!

by Sid Raisch

“Is this about me?” This is a common question as most things I write about are common among garden retailers. No, you’re not alone in this weird business. (Other article writers tell me this also happens to them.)

Weird is as weird does. Everyone is weird in some way. Some of us are weirder than others, some are weird in a weird way, and some are really weird in every way. Nobody escapes, not even you or me. Outside of our weirdness, we have many things in common with each other.

The weird things are more important when it comes to standing out (in a positive or negative way).  Other words for weird (not in a thesaurus) are different, special and unique.

Weirdness is how we’re distinguishable among our family, our peers, our friends, and even our enemies.

Here are a few forms of weird to consider:

  • Language – We have unique vocabularies and accents.
  • Mannerisms – The way we walk, hold a pen, and hold our coffee cup or the other person’s beer when they’re doing weird stuff.
  • How we spend our time – Our favorite things to do come out as we do whatever it is we do when we have a choice, or ignore one choice over another.

Involvement in The Garden Center Group brings us together in a weirdly wonderful way. Think of what people think when we say, WDR, (or as John Heaton at Knupper’s used to call it - the “WD-40”). We have other unique weirdness to celebrate. We know what profit really is while many others are fooled into thinking that Gross Profit is profit.  We know who Jim-Roy is, I mean GMROII. Don’t make me spell it out! Okay, “Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment”.

These weird words and phrases are terms of a great company’s vocabulary. Start a list of words that you’re eliminating from your company vocabulary and another list of better and more powerful words you’re ingraining and indoctrinating your team with.  To help you along the way, there’s a weird document Steve Bailey and I created years ago, titled “Merchan+ Ma+h”. Click HERE for it!

Enjoy the weird and celebrate it. Invite other garden center friends of yours to get weird with us. The Fall Event 22 is coming up soon and there’s room for a few more.

We’re not a cult, but we’ve got potential for it and that’s the kind of weird that I’m up for too. If you need more encouragement and useful guidance in our kind of weirdness (and you do) I can help. Send a text now while you’re thinking about it and I’ll get in touch. 937-302-0423.

Your friend,

Before procrastination or other busyness steals another year from you Text or Call 937-302-0423 or send an email to [email protected] .

Sid Raisch is an advocate for family business leading growth, change, and results throughout US horticulture. Redefining the business future for consumer horticulture by understanding how the end-to-end supply chain needs to be redirected is a skill Sid has honed into an art. He has understanding and insight through inquisitive observations and extensive experience and has served as a trusted advisor helping transform both national and local businesses into more profitable and sustainable businesses. Developing national and international educational programs that create change in culture, community and company provides Sid venues with a front row seat creating effective and innovative business models.

Sid is a Certified Value Builder System Advisor, and currently serves as Chief Strategist and the Swiss Army Knife of Consultants to The Garden Center Group clients. Contact Sid at [email protected] or call or text  937-302-0423.

REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Sid Raisch, Tim Quebedeaux, Jean Seawright, John Kennedy, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!

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