The Gray Cat Blog

A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators. 

Managing A Retail Real Estate Portfolio Apr 18, 2025

For the multiunit operator, managing a retail real estate portfolio is tricky business. Keeping winning stores in tip-top condition – both physically and financially – is the key to long-term success....

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Conducting a SWOT Analysis Apr 09, 2025

Nothing like an acronym in the title!

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps companies gain a better understanding of where they are positioned in the marketplace.Β  In a nutshell, SW...

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Developing Open Communication With Your Vendor Partners Apr 07, 2025

Imagine a business world where resources were plentiful and industry expertise could be available at every juncture. Where decisions could be made that dovetailed alignment in support of your strategi...

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Facing Challenges as a Sole Proprietor Mar 27, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the C-Suite Sherpa's podcast with fellow Chicagoan Brian Marshall where we discussed the biggest challenges facing a sole proprietor.

Have a listen to this 100-second clip.

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Local Store Marketing: Promoting Your Store Through Public Relations Mar 27, 2025

Public relations can incorporate a number of items and each should be interwoven in a consistent theme. At the beginning of the year, identify key people, events and community tie-ins that you wish to...

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Forming An Advertising Co-Op Mar 23, 2025

When a multi-unit organization begins to grow, one common step in this process is the creation of advertising and purchasing co-ops that enable stores to pool their financial and strategic resources. ...

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Retail Facilities Management Mar 23, 2025

It was the situation that everyone dreads. Out of the blue, the anxiety-filled request was made – the CEO had summoned me to his office. Thoughts raced through my head – mostly bad thoughts, mind you ...

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Re-Energizing Your Customer Base Mar 23, 2025

One of the questions I ask audiences when I deliver presentations on retail marketing is β€œHow many did a grand opening celebration for your store?”  I am generally amazed that usually only 1 in 5 rais...

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The Basics Of Franchising Mar 18, 2025

Upon opening their first store, many single-store operators come to an often premature conclusion that they are going to franchise. While this may be a noble end-game goal, what is often missing from ...

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Menu Simplification: Maintaining Your Focus Mar 18, 2025

Foodservice operators have long wrestled with the challenge of balancing the demand for increased menu options by customers with that of menu simplification. While a focus on systems and procedures at...

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The Many Steps to a Successful Foodservice Program Mar 18, 2025

As more and more consumers are craving healthier, locally sourced, and convenient foodservice options, convenience stores are in a race against time to capture this demographic or run the risk of beco...

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Connecting Multi-Faceted Teams Mar 10, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the Jada Willis Experience where we discussed the challenges of managing multiple teams concurrently.

Here is a short clip.

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