Store Visit: Be Ready to Tell Your Story

One of the realities of retail are visits from District Managers, Regional Managers, or Corporate Support Partners. In most cases these visits are designed to help the store be more successful. I understand that it may not always feel that way, but if you have good leaders in place, that is the intent. Really. I have been a part of these visits many times on both sides of the equation. I have been a part of good visits as well as visits that you wish you could forget. Again, on both sides. One of the things that I have taken away from this over the years is that nervousness can really get in the way of a good visit, especially on the part of the Store Manager. It is completely understandable to be nervous, but don't forget that it’s your store. This is your opportunity to tell your story. Assistant Managers, Supervisors, and every associate should see this as an opportunity to get to know the leaders of the Company and share what they contribute. Again, if you have good leaders in place, that is exactly what they want to see and hear. Sharing the real-life stories of your team and customers can really make a difference both for the individuals as well as for the Company. There should be learning for everyone involved.From the nervousness, you tend to see three outcomes.1) The over talker. Someone that just continues to talk and talk past the point of relevancy. Be concise and make your point.2) Blank Brain. Somehow the most basic of information begins to elude you. You forget your story and the exciting things you want to share. You begin to question what you have to share. Just spit it out. Once it’s out, the discussion can start from there.3) Shut Down. You become paralyzed from the experience and you try to fade into the background. Unfortunately, this is the toughest one because it can really stifle the learning that can come from the time. Saying nothing and disengaging leaves little room for conversation around what may be impacting your business or where you can use some support to help you, your team, or business grow.Here are three tips that can help you overcome any of those and enjoy the visit experience with your leaders.

Know Your Business

Regardless of your position within the store, know what is happening in your business. Know your key metrics and how your location is doing. It is OK to have a cheat sheet to keep track of everything but be able to speak to how the business is progressing in your store. Also know what factors may be impacting your location. Finally, explain what you are doing to make a difference for your team and customers. Set up your story by knowing the in and outs of your business.

Tell Your Story Concisely

What is your location’s story? What are the fun and exciting things you and your team are doing? What gives your store its personality? And, yes a location does have a personality. Talk about your team, talk about your customers. Weave in what you are doing in your leadership role to make a difference for both. It’s OK to share opportunity areas; in fact, I encourage that. Provide the situation, the struggles, and the pieces you are working on. Remember, this is a learning event for everyone involved. And, everyone there wants the team and the business to be successful. Keep your story on point and concise. Plan ahead some of the key wins or opportunities you want to speak to and then work those in as the discussion progresses naturally. This opens the door for the most important part: the conversation.

Engage in Two Way Dialogue

Share your story and be ready to capture feedback and ideas that can help you. Push back on things you don't understand or need more information on. As ideas come forward, build on them with your own thoughts. This should not be a one-sided conversation or feel like just a 'report out' from you to your leaders. You are a key player in both sides of the conversation. Everyone learns when there is two-way dialogue. This can be one of the hardest parts, but trust me, good leadership wants to engage at all levels and have that dialogue. By being fully present and open to the learning, it will become a rewarding experience that you will look back on favorably. I still remember some of my visits from many years ago and the ones that stick out are the ones where everyone was fully engaged in the conversations.Visits are a part of the business, but they can be something to look forward to instead of dread. Remember that everyone wants the team and the business to be successful. Using that as the starting point, frame what you communicate around that thought and you will have a more positive experience and learn more throughout the visit. It’s your location, and you know more about it than anyone. Tell your story and convey the personality of your store. Be fully engaged in the discussion that ensues. Combine all of those to set yourself up for a fantastic visit.What will your story be for your next visit? Click here or on the comments button above to share your visit story.