Archive for the ‘Operations & Marketing’ Category

Steppin’ into Spring and Springing into Summer
by Jim Callahan, Convenience Solutions

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

I recently read a great quote attributed to a one time door-to-door sales person and lately more recognizable as founder of the billion-dollar company that bears her name, Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay Ash said, “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe you can achieve.” (more…)

Staying Alive: Planning to Thrive!
by Jim Callahan, Convenience Solutions

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Staying Alive: Planning to Thrive!

Staying Alive is both the title of an old disco tune, as well as a description of the challenge that today’s c-store operators face. C-store growth in numbers as well as quality continues unabated. I certainly don’t have all the answers about staying relevant, but I have some very interesting facts that indicate it is being done on a consistent basis in one of the very toughest markets. (more…)

Negotiation Practices for Small C-Store Chains
by Jim Callahan, Convenience Solutions

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

The sweet science of obtaining a better deal than was offered!

To compete with the big chains more effectively, you’ve got to be able to buy better, which is obviously much more difficult for a smaller chain, even more so for the single store operator. But in reality it’s much easier than you might think (more…)

Growing Same-Store Sales in a tough Market by Jim Callahan, Convenience Store Solutions

Friday, August 17th, 2007

So simple – so profitable – so what’s stopping you!

Unless you run an above average operation, you might just experience a sudden urge to stop reading, part way thru this article. I’m going to put the results toward the top to help, suppress that urge!More…
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Can’t Take the Trip Without a Road Map!

Wednesday, April 4th, 2007

Running Convenience Stores is a long and exciting journey, albeit fraught with Pot Holes, Winding Roads and Stormy Weather. If you’ll stay the course, you will still find that a small pot of gold awaits you!More…

So tell me, what other long, rugged and expensive Trip would you make without using a “Road Map”?
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