One of my favorite quotes is “continuous learning is the key to continuous living” or more simply stated “Living is learning.” We are presented with opportunities every day to improve ourselves. The processes that surround us and each and every opportunity involve some type of learning. Funny how we choose what knowledge we decide to acquire, how to work your new GPS, play the latest video game, use Facebook. While all these things make life more entertaining, what about things that take a little more effort?

In retail that could mean a new POS system or your first venture into online retailing; for manufacturers it could be learning the ins and out of overseas production or supply chain management.

The bottom line is that you have to learn a new skill to position your business better. The new knowledge gives you the tools and often the motivation to move forward with an idea or venture, create a new product or process. It keeps it all from getting boring and it is this knowledge -- and how it is applied -- that makes some more successful than others.

With the trade show season around the corner, new dates at Surf Expo and the economy might cause one to pause and think of passing on the opportunity to visit a national marketplace. Remember that tradeshows are more than looking at product, they are the live versions of Facebook -- a place to exchange ideas and knowledge. Trade shows (Surf Expo) are a place to learn.

This August we are excited to partner with the Board Retailers Association to offer you the Retailer Survivor Series.

The Retailer Survivor Series, a BRA Retail Certification Program, will be held August 19, one day prior to the opening of our trade show. Take advantage of your trip to Surf Expo by attending a full day of certified retail education focused on current market issues facing specialty retailers.

The entire program features eight courses, with the first two tracks running simultaneously in August:



Track I - Merchandising
Includes analytical trends, pricing and promotion, OTB, inventory budgeting and control, cash flow structuring and private label production.*

Click here to access the full course agenda for Track I.

 

Track II - Digital Retailing
Includes online retailing, driving web traffic, web analytics, social marketing and targeting the youth market.*

Click here to access the full course agenda for Track II.


It will be time well spent. Knowledge is the key.



See you in a few weeks!