92. Solicit customer suggestions
By Angela Pinkstaff for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series A large specialty chain was moving into a new community, and there was very vocal opposition from residents about the threat the chain might pose to local businesses. Rather than skirt the issue, the store opened its doors to the community at […]
37. Eliminate “can’t do” attitudes
By Steve Brester for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series There is a mathematical function called “absolute value.” The absolute value function in effect turns all negative numbers into positive numbers. Wouldn’t it be great if we had an absolute value function for our attitudes? Any time we had a negative […]
84. Do a Demographic Study
By Mary Hart for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series It’s a natural tendency to shop where we feel comfortable. I personally will not shop at Forever 21 because I know that I won’t buy something there. The name of the store makes it clear that it caters to a demographic […]
82. Attend an industry event – part 1
By Kat Fronek for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series I’ll let you in on a little secret about industry events: what happens in Vegas should not actually stay in Vegas. Don’t worry; your secrets are still safe. What I’m suggesting is lifting the veil off of your trade show visits and […]
41. Smiles in the Aisles
By Kathy Hagen for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series You only get one chance to make a first impression. Yes, this is an old saying, but it makes sense, especially when a new customer walks into your store. Recently, I stopped in at a new location of a retailer I’ve […]
98. Develop a staff/employee manual
By Brigitte Donato for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series There are plenty of good reasons to develop an employee manual. If you don’t have one already, consider creating one soon. I think you’ll find it can be beneficial for customer service, streamlining store operations, and managing your staff. An employee manual […]
78. Evaluate your progress versus your plan
By Brittany Benson for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series The word “plan” is just that, a static blueprint. However, unlike a blueprint for building a house, a work plan or life plan needs to change as circumstances surrounding it evolve. The verb “planning” implies action, a constant morphing of your […]
9. Paint your walls bright, fresh colors
By Elizabeth R. for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series Did you know that color impacts us psychologically? You might have. But do you know exactly how? Join me on a short journey along the spectrum highway; I promise there are some fascinating bits of knowledge ahead. Research has shown that […]
71. Invite your staff to implement one of their ideas
By Mary Hart for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series There is simply no better way to foster change and train your staff to be global thinkers at the same time than to have them implement one of their own ideas. Do you have an employee suggestion “box?” Does your staff […]
79. Laugh Out Loud – You’ll Get More Exercise than Frowning
By Steve Brester for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series Laughing out loud has many benefits and it’s an easy thing to do. For one, laughing makes you happy. Let me explain some of the many health benefits and why laughing out loud is so good for you. Laughter triggers the […]