Comments on: Be an Independent Retailer http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/ Smart Marketing - Social Media - Building Brand Loyalty Through Community & Engagement Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:01:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Twitted by leosaraceni http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5990 Twitted by leosaraceni Thu, 07 May 2009 08:47:14 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5990 [...] This post was Twitted by leosaraceni - Real-url.org [...] [...] This post was Twitted by leosaraceni – Real-url.org [...]

]]> By: Heather Whaling http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5904 Heather Whaling Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:06 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5904 Danny, I love getting my fruits and veggies from the Farmer's Market -- even though I pass at least three big chain grocery stores on my way there. I like buying gifts for friends/family at little boutique shops instead of the big department stores. I totally get where you're coming from with this analogy! I work for a relatively small- to mid-sized PR agency -- and we've found ourselves having a similar conversation as we continue to grow. There are lots of very large agencies; however, that's just not who we are. We don't need to be everything to everyone. But, what we do -- we do really, really well for all the reasons outlined in your post. I much prefer shopping at boutique stores ... which probably explains why I like working for a "boutique-like" agency. It gives me the freedom to explore new things, develop long-lasting relationships with customers and put a little of my personality into my work. So, I'm with you. I'd much rather be an independent retailer than a big box store! Heather (@prtini) Danny,

I love getting my fruits and veggies from the Farmer’s Market — even though I pass at least three big chain grocery stores on my way there. I like buying gifts for friends/family at little boutique shops instead of the big department stores. I totally get where you’re coming from with this analogy!

I work for a relatively small- to mid-sized PR agency — and we’ve found ourselves having a similar conversation as we continue to grow. There are lots of very large agencies; however, that’s just not who we are. We don’t need to be everything to everyone. But, what we do — we do really, really well for all the reasons outlined in your post. I much prefer shopping at boutique stores … which probably explains why I like working for a “boutique-like” agency. It gives me the freedom to explore new things, develop long-lasting relationships with customers and put a little of my personality into my work.

So, I’m with you. I’d much rather be an independent retailer than a big box store!

Heather (@prtini)

]]> By: Kneale Mann http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5878 Kneale Mann Wed, 06 May 2009 14:39:56 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5878 There is a lot of chatter about relationships for a reason - because they are important. The customer is far better prepared than ever, so if you are looking to buy a car - do your homework and if you are "sold" that is your fault. Most - if not all - purchases are made on emotion. The best "sales" people know it and prey on it. The best advice I ever received on buying a home was from a real estate agent friend who said "always be willing to walk away from a deal". Big box or indie, without trust there is no relationship. So take the time to build that trust then you can make the proper decision. People buy from people and if you feel you are being jammed into a deal or being fed a well-crafted script, you must be willing to walk away. Just because someone is "indie" doesn't mean they are necessarily better - they have to make a living as well. The responsibility still lies with you – the customer. @knealemann There is a lot of chatter about relationships for a reason – because they are important. The customer is far better prepared than ever, so if you are looking to buy a car – do your homework and if you are “sold” that is your fault.

Most – if not all – purchases are made on emotion. The best “sales” people know it and prey on it. The best advice I ever received on buying a home was from a real estate agent friend who said “always be willing to walk away from a deal”.

Big box or indie, without trust there is no relationship. So take the time to build that trust then you can make the proper decision. People buy from people and if you feel you are being jammed into a deal or being fed a well-crafted script, you must be willing to walk away.

Just because someone is “indie” doesn’t mean they are necessarily better – they have to make a living as well. The responsibility still lies with you – the customer.

@knealemann

]]> By: Danny http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5877 Danny Wed, 06 May 2009 13:18:23 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5877 This is where I feel the "next generation" of business superstars will come from. It's even beginning to matter less on the price advantage that the big guys used to have - buyers are seeing the value indie vendors offer and are giving them the same benefits that they used to hold exclusive to the big guys. Like you say, Frank, your friend's passion and knowledge sets her apart from many who just see the numbers - here's to it continuing. This is where I feel the “next generation” of business superstars will come from. It’s even beginning to matter less on the price advantage that the big guys used to have – buyers are seeing the value indie vendors offer and are giving them the same benefits that they used to hold exclusive to the big guys.

Like you say, Frank, your friend’s passion and knowledge sets her apart from many who just see the numbers – here’s to it continuing.

]]> By: Social Internet Marketing Daily Wrap Up : Maria Reyes-McDavis http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5861 Social Internet Marketing Daily Wrap Up : Maria Reyes-McDavis Wed, 06 May 2009 02:09:37 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5861 [...] Are You an Independent Retailer from Danny Brown:  Super post that will make you rethink your online marketing, or at least it should.  What you do, day in and day out, will make or break you - how are you portraying yourself/business. [...] [...] Are You an Independent Retailer from Danny Brown:  Super post that will make you rethink your online marketing, or at least it should.  What you do, day in and day out, will make or break you – how are you portraying yourself/business. [...]

]]> By: Frank Reed http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5859 Frank Reed Wed, 06 May 2009 01:52:05 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5859 Your ears must have been ringing today. I spoke to a local retailer who is diving head first into the opportunity that is Internet marketing and we discussed the very advantage she held over other large competitors - herself and her passion. While she wanted to learn about 'techniques' the real power she had was her ability to communicate and inspire people to want to be a part of her store's experience. I wish more SMB's got it like she is starting to. Your ears must have been ringing today. I spoke to a local retailer who is diving head first into the opportunity that is Internet marketing and we discussed the very advantage she held over other large competitors – herself and her passion.

While she wanted to learn about ‘techniques’ the real power she had was her ability to communicate and inspire people to want to be a part of her store’s experience.

I wish more SMB’s got it like she is starting to.

]]> By: Twitted by yurself http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5856 Twitted by yurself Wed, 06 May 2009 01:29:03 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5856 [...] This post was Twitted by yurself - Real-url.org [...] [...] This post was Twitted by yurself – Real-url.org [...]

]]> By: Danny http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5855 Danny Wed, 06 May 2009 01:18:12 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5855 There does seem to be a lot of "herd mentality" being discussed at the minute and much of the sales promo copycat feel. Question is, which big retailer stands apart? To your health as well, good sir. :) There does seem to be a lot of “herd mentality” being discussed at the minute and much of the sales promo copycat feel. Question is, which big retailer stands apart?

To your health as well, good sir. :)

]]> By: Danny http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5854 Danny Wed, 06 May 2009 01:15:44 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5854 I think that's one of the things I loved about Arik's post, Drew - yes, MBA's can and do play their part. But personally I'll take someone who's been educated in the playground as opposed to off it anytime. I think that’s one of the things I loved about Arik’s post, Drew – yes, MBA’s can and do play their part.

But personally I’ll take someone who’s been educated in the playground as opposed to off it anytime.

]]> By: Danny http://dannybrown.me/2009/05/05/be-an-independent-retailer/#comment-5853 Danny Wed, 06 May 2009 01:13:35 +0000 http://dannybrown.me/?p=5686#comment-5853 That's a great line, Tim: <em>"The small guys stand for something. The big guys stand on top of someone."</em> Good thing is, the foot stools are moving. That’s a great line, Tim: “The small guys stand for something. The big guys stand on top of someone.”

Good thing is, the foot stools are moving.

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