Two Minute Tweaks w/ Lisa Uhrik

Tweak #54: Spaces that make us feel big

In this episode, we're exploring the power of child caves -- and thinking about the adult equivalent too. Do you have spaces that make people feel big? Ensconced?

Saving a MONTH of Effort

Sustain: The Final Five S Strategy

This little idea can easily save you a month (or more) every year and I say that with confidence. I've seen it happen a lot.  It's even happened to me, and that's saying something.

We're looking at the last of the Five S strategies -- with a review of the first four in case you missed it -- with the hope of giving you a clearer, more efficient space to do your thing.

Making Time to Make Time: Standardize and Shine

This segment is the follow up to the 5 step organization method (called Five S) started two weeks ago called Sort and Set in Order.  (What can I say -- we teach what we need.)  Today, we're talking about the 3rd and 4th S's with a review of the first two just to keep us all in the loop: standardize and shine.  

 

While some will drum their fingers in delight, others may feel this is less than the most fun of topics.  But it can be fun and meaningful and just plain useful for everyone, even the least organized among us (perhaps me).  Here's how you claim a couple of your hours of life back each day --- which is most necessary if you are going to save the world with books.  

Let There Be Light: A Two Minute Tweak #051

We need easy strategies that improve the browse experience. This short podcast from Lisa Uhrik offers a small challenge you can use to see the shadows and bring things to light -- literally and figuratively. It's a little bit of focus that can yield immediate and profound results. Click to listen now.

 

Saving Time with Sorts & Sets

We all work around things that cost us time and are nagging annoyances in our cash wraps, offices and storage areas. Using Sort & Set In Order -- the first 2 steps of the Five S strategy -- can help us make quick improvements so that we can redeem hours of time each day for the things that matter most --

connecting people and books.

We teach what we need and I really need this right now -- hoping it's helpful to you too!

Warmly,

Lisa

Something More Than Sidelines: A 2 Minute Tweak #049

Words matter and the word we're thinking about today is: sidelines.

Rethinking that word leads to a fresh perspective on all the "other-than-book" things we carry in our stores and, perhaps, how to make it all work a little bit better. 

Cultivate the Art of Browsing

Inspired by Jeff Deutsch's book In Praise of Good Bookstores, Lisa is chewing on an old idea with new depth. Browsing is an art, an experience and one of a bookstore's best offerings. 

What Has You Feeling Stuck?

Taking a look at a challenge with a fresh perspective can turn that obstacle into an opportunity.

Lisa shares a small idea that's had a powerful personal impact in the face of on-going flooding situations, with hope that it provides some helpful inspiration for you.  

Story of One: A Two Minute Tweak#046

Taking storytelling in display to a new level, you're invited to try telling a personal story of one (perhaps not so famous) person with a display that breathes with authenticity.  It's a small idea that can have a big impact as we connect people with their books.  (song credit to Sarah Ramirez, "The Story") 

Themes in Display: Two Minute Tweak #45

This week we continue talking about storytelling in display, with the easiest and most accessible of the strategies: use of simple themes. Unexpected collections, color flow, and fun pairings can make themes easy to create and maintain as books and merchandise leap from the shelves.

It's a simple idea that could make a big difference today.

The Shared Quest: A 2 Minute Tweak #044

This week we return to the topic of merchandising; specifically, storytelling in display and the use of themes. As we've learned, themes are an easy and good way to display, as we're using the shelves and tables to talk to the individuals who are interacting with them. Listen as Lisa takes this practice to a new level – the shared quest. This theme is something the viewer is involved in with others. Click to get started!

Inspiration with New Friends: A 2 Minute Tweak #043

This tweak is about reaching out, learning with and from each other, with a challenge for you, dear listener, at the end.

Listen as Lisa tells about her recent experience following up on a "one day" promise to visit a newly-made bookstore owner friend (thanks to SIBA) should she ever be in town, and her journey learning with and from them.

Does Your Store Taste Great?: A 2 Minute Tweak #042

Starting with a personal cake analogy, Lisa dives into the question of how does your store "taste"? Some days it's the best flavor in the world, some days, well, not so much. As store owners and managers, we want to always be on the mark for our customers, so how do we keep that consistency?

Join Lisa as she begins a multi-week lesson on merchandising, consistency and – if you have them – using Franklin Fixtures' unique features to make your store the tastiest around.

The Art of Greeting & Connecting with Customers

Greeting and connecting with customers – it's an art. 
In today's episode, Lisa, with the help of colleague Tasha, a social worker, teaches how to communicate with customers that they're not just in a store but in a place where we are seen and belong. 

The Gifts: A 2 Minute Tweak #040

This week Lisa builds on last week's tweak, where she talked about honoring the effort our customers make in coming to our stores. Listen now as she unveils 3 gifts we give as independent bookstores that can't be replicated in a formula: Welcome, Thoughtful Curation and Ourselves.