by Steve Choate for our 99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy blog series
How does the old saying go – “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?”
No one can be an expert at everything – no matter how hard you may try. We are all good at some things and bad at others. This is the way it is in your business. You have spent years becoming a pharmacist. You are an expert at what you do. Your days are full. Some days you feel like you need 48 hours in the day instead of just 24. You do not have to be an expert at all the various aspects that you need to run a successful business. Look at other successful retailers in your area and learn from them what makes their businesses hum!
These businesses may not even be in the same retail channel as you. When you visit your favorite fast-food establishment, observe how they handle their customers and incorporate the positive traits into your business. Go visit your competition and see what they are doing that makes them successful. Talk with your counterparts there. They will not divulge trade secrets (you should not either), but they may be able to help you understand how they handle their workflow and are able to increase their prescription throughput.
If you see signage at your favorite clothing store, ask the manager where they acquired it. You may be able to upgrade your signage by utilizing a source already in your area. If you are thinking about remodeling your store, visit local businesses that have recently been renovated. If you find an aspect of their renovations that you like, ask the owner who did the work for them and reach out to that contractor.
Take advantage of other retailers’ knowledge and experience. Again, there are not enough hours in the day for you to be an expert on everything.
Learn from others and incorporate that knowledge into your business!
As business development manager, Steve’s primary goal is to build long-term alliances and develop mutually beneficial relationships with existing and new clients and meet or exceed their past, present, and future revenue goals in a cost-effective and efficient way.