FutureProof – The Story Co.

Oct

Cuppa T FutureProof grad

We are so excited to feature another graduate of the FutureProof Retail Certification course run by myself and Lisa Hutcheson of JCW Group retail consultants.

You cannot imagine the energy behind Jule! And I don’t think it is all tea fuelled!

Jule epitomizes what it means to be FutureProofed and to be able to adjust to the changing and uncertain times that retailers face today and likely for many days ahead.

She is nimble in both mind and action. She quickly adapts to changing times because her mind is always open – to new ways of doing business, to new ways of thinking, and to new ways of being. That attitude was inspiring for the whole group!

When Jule learned something new – she applied it! Often within 24 hours!! Lisa and I got pretty excited about that because the certification is all about application and building a stronger retail business.

There was no pause for Jule during COVID. CuppaT now has a new brand identity, new website, online shopping, re-merchandised, and has just introduced subscription boxes. Do you see what I mean?!

For Jule the opportunity to be in the course gave her some fuel to strategically “focus on her business and get the creative juices flowing again.”

I am not sure about you, but I will definitely have whatever Jule is drinking!

I encourage you to check out CuppaT! It is the perfect season for a warm cuppa or to gift one of her swoon worthy teas to anyone who needs to know you are thinking of them.

After visiting with Jule, I think you will also carry out some of her infectious optimism and who wouldn’t want a cup of that.

Aug

Our first FutureProof Retail Certification is complete!

We are so excited to be introducing our graduates to you in the coming weeks and telling their stories.

Lisa Hutcheson of LHR Consultants and I co-facilitated the course. An inspired group of retailers jumped on board for the journey, and we will never forget the experience.

Our first cohort of participants was engaged, eager, smart, and whole heartedly committed to providing a captivating experience for customers.

Retail is not an easy gig, never has been. It draws the passionate, the brave, the innovative and the resilient.

Covid threw many curveballs and our local retailers kept rolling…. finding new opportunity and constantly reinventing. Diving into online, curbside, masking and unmasking, and finding pockets of hope wherever they could.

Another commonality was their drive to be better. To be leading retailers in every aspect of their business, to raise the bar and earn your trust, taking nothing for granted.

Futureproof was made for now.

By its very definition to future-proof means to develop a clear path forward in uncertain times. And we know things will be uncertain for a while yet.

During the course we looked at retail trends and translated them into opportunities. We examined retail benchmarks so there was an understanding of where they fit in, and what should they be striving for in everything from profit margins, sales per square foot, merchandising, branding and finance.

Each participant got very clear on where they are now, and created a retail strategy that capitalized on their brand and was a road map to get them to where they want to be. It was jam packed!

What did we love most? The synergy, the connections and networks made. A new team of support emerged amongst participants and in these uncertain times having more support might be the best way to FutureProof.

If you would like to FutureProof your retail business DM me so you can get on the list for our next course.

Apr

Thank you

We launched The Story School, PurposeBrand, and FutureProof your Retail Business, all in March … all at the same time!

It seemed like a good idea. The concepts have been in various hoppers for many years and it was time to press “GO”.

I was fully embracing Michael Bungay Stanier’s philosophy of setting worthy goals.

He describes a worthy goal as something that “unlocks our greatness and allows us to work on the hard stuff.” Not too intimidating, is it?

Worthy goals being further defined as having three primary criteria:

They must be thrilling. Check.
They should be daunting. We could check this box like 3 times, or 5, ok 10, but who’s counting?
They should be important, as he describes it, “the accomplishment of these goals will have a positive impact on others.” Check.

So, all three criteria had been checked, and I sat in my bright office and hovered over “go” or in this case “send” or “post”, or both.

Whatever “go” is, it really is weird to press “go” during Covid. It’s a bit like watching a Raptors game with no fans! Did we score, did anyone start the wave, was there a collective gasp of “oh this is just what we needed?” We pressed “go” and still my pup slept on my feet – no happy dance from you Stella? C’mon we have worked so hard on this!!

And then a ding here, and then another, and a few DM’s there and then…. oh wow! It was full on! There were many great conversations, I met new people, and we shared desires to strategically tell the right stories, build purpose driven brands and leaders, and to Futureproof Retail.

Pressing “go” was every bit as thrilling, daunting, and important as it should be.

And I have each of you to thank for helping me to actualize these worthy goals. You are at the heart of every new initiative. This great response leaves me both humbled and thankful.

We might not launch 3 courses at the same time again(!) but we will continue to set worthy goals, and deliver with big hearts and deep connection, while remaining committed to our purpose of elevating others through the power of their own story.

Game on!

Mar

Get ready to FutureProof your Retail Business even when the future is uncertain!

If you live in Sk this training is qualifies for 100% reimbursement through RSTS (reopen Saskatchewan Training subsidy) but only March 31!!!

Retail has changed dramatically and it can be overwhelming to try and keep up and know what is ahead. Juggling ever-changing Covid protocols, launching online stores, managing cash flow, all while keeping a smile on your face is a lot! Although everything has changed the day is still only 24 hours long!

We also know the economy is going to be uncertain for a while longer and we know you want to own your position in the marketplace and keep growing your business.

So we have created the FutureProof Retail Certification Program!

What does it mean to Futureproof your retail business? It means we help you anticipate the future and develop innovative strategies to increase your resilience to change, so you can thrive.

It is everything you need to remain a leading retailer in 2021! A one-stop shop to learn about :

Retail trends and processes for 2021 and what this means for your business?
Use the StoreDoctor to understand exactly where you are now
Create your Futureproof Road map your very own go-forward strategy.
Understand the power of your brand and how to strategically leverage your unique
one on one integration coaching – putting what you learn to work

Janet Lee of the Story co. has teamed up with Lisa Hutcheson from retail consultancy J.C. Williams Group and their passion for retail runs deep!

It is only surpassed by their passion to help retailers. They are dedicated to elevating the retail experience so that retail can take its place helping neighborhoods, communities and cities to thrive.

We can’t wait to tell you more about it and secure your seat – click here for more information.

Cuppa T FutureProof grad

Our first FutureProof Retail Certification is complete!

Thank you

Get ready to FutureProof your Retail Business even when the future is uncertain!

get inspired.

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