Thanks for everyone who gave me insight on the survey I did
in preparation for the workshop I taught at the ICRS show. It was my first public workshop I held.
Here is an overview of the workshop. I explained to the
retailers that their competition “IS” Amazon, Borders and Barns & Noble but
they are not the enemy. They are still being used by God to reach the lost. It’s
like Paul said that he rejoiced when the Gospel was preached even if it was out
of wrong motives.
I then told them that the Christian retail ministry is much different
then it was 10 years ago. It has now changed with the secular Big-Boxes and
Online Giants seeing Christian retail as a profitable business. And that they
need to realize they are only competing with them on the front list books. I
also touched base on the concept of the “lost leader” (where stores will sell a
book at cost to drive foot traffic to sell other product.) And if they want to
differentiate they have to communicate the value of their knowledge and
experience that the Big-Box or the Online Giant struggle with.
Then I gave them techniques of our proprietary “Brand
Alignment” process and talked about specific marketing strategies that can be
implemented at low cost like inspiring verses in each customers bag with the
stores logo on the back. Warming up the environment with deeper colors and
pairing front list and back list books together selling one at cost and the
other at profit to build loyalty, credibility and drive traffic. Becoming more
relevant and consistent through every customer touch point.
At the end I started running them through visioning questions so they
could regain their focus.
I also shared my story, passion and encouraged them to lead like David in
1 Sam. 17. When Saul and his army were scared to fight for 40 days until David
set the vision and mission and fought to reach it. Only then did the army jump
the battle line to fight.
Besides a few people crying the comments mainly came back as outstanding
content and presentation.
Comments
“Guy is very focused and totally sold out to the Lord,
PASSIONATE & REAL!” “GREAT NEW INFORMATION, VERY MOTIVATIONAL” Mary Pawula –
Seeds @ Willow Creek Church, Il
“The word of God is the basis of Guys presentation” - Dacia Brown-Davis,
New Path Associates
“Has a wealth of info, very engaging” - George Brown, Bible Society W.I.
“Inspiring and relevant” - Chris Delaney, Generation Entertainment
“Passionate for Christ in his work” - Marie Lowery, Essentials Resource Center
“Very relevant, on target” - Joshua Williams, The Salt Shaker Bookstore
“A lot of great new ideas” - Jennifer Hulbert, Beauty for Ashes
“On fire” - Laura Shipper
“Very passionate and easy to listen to” “Energetic” -Farrley Lafferty,
Inspiration Ministries
“Very dynamic” - Brenda Tenison, South Hills Bible Chapel
Thanks everyone for your prayers and input. This was a team
effort and could not of been done with out you.
