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Business Solutions Forum

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Article Thumbnail Business Solutions Forum: How did I become such a poor communicator?
Jul 28, 2010
I started my own business about 15 years ago. Recently, several employees approached me, concerned that they weren’t being kept informed about plans and results. In essence, they were complaining about my communications. How could I have gone from a great communicator to a poor communicator in a just a few years? Our Expert Network sheds some light on the situation.
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Article Thumbnail Business Solutions Forum: Putting risk into perspective
Mar 15, 2010
I am a relatively new manager and I am challenged with the tough decisions I have to make. I really want to do a good job and don’t want to make any mistakes. Yet, I feel paralyzed by decisions that involve risk...
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Article Thumbnail Business Solutions Forum: Gain control of a seemingly out-of-control business life
Jan 6, 2010
I feel totally buried and out of control. I come in to work early and leave late, and spend the night feeling guilty and worried about what I didn’t get done. What can I do?
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Article Thumbnail Business Solutions Forum: Tips to make sure emails are clear and concise
Oct 30, 2009
"I get emails that are so confusing that it takes me several minutes of deciphering before I can even start understanding the email. When I figure out what they are talking about in a general sense, then the email makes more sense. But even then, it is sometimes hard to know why I got the email and what is expected of me. Any tips?" You betcha!
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Article Thumbnail Business Solutions Forum: How do I plan with all the market uncertainty?
Oct 23, 2009
Everywhere we turn we hear a different and often conflicting view of what is going on, what the causes are, and what the future holds. How can we prepare for the future when nobody seems to really have a handle on it?
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Channel Signal

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Article Thumbnail Channel Signal: Media takes a bite out of Apple
Aug 2, 2010
It appears that Apple did not measure the immediate social media response after the negative recommendation from Consumer Reports about its iPhone 4...should it have? Channel Signal offers up observations we can all learn from.
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Article Thumbnail Channel Signal: What can companies learn from BP’s PR stumbles?
Jun 14, 2010
Every month Channel Signal shares some of its analysis of the major topics online important to the outdoor industry with SNEWS®. With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the PR flacks at BP -- as well as any PR agency or corporate PR head -- would do well to notice that spin just doesn’t cut it anymore.
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Article Thumbnail Channel Signal: So you know what social media is…. Now what?
Apr 9, 2010
Every month Channel Signal will share some of its analyses of the major topics online in the outdoor industry with SNEWS®. The topics will range from promotions to marketing initiatives, to issues that have virally exploded into crises. This week, Channel Signal looks at three retailers who are using social media well.
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Article Thumbnail Channel Signal: Uvex vs. the IOC about a blond girl, plus killing wolves
Feb 24, 2010
Uvex gets slapped by the IOC over Lindsey Vonn, an athlete the goggle maker sponsors, and turns to the web to get the word out...humorously. Plus, Cabela's and Sportsman's Warehouse raise ire of some over wolf derby hunt sponsorship.
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Article Thumbnail Channel Signal: Separating the signals from the noise in January
Jan 13, 2010
Channel Signal shares some of its social media analysis of the major topics online in the outdoor industry with SNEWS in the month of January, including Petzl, Lange and Winter Trails Day.
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Human Resources

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Article Thumbnail Human Resources: Is your performance management system producing mediocrity or excellence?
Aug 27, 2010
When was the last time your performance appraisal system was overhauled? If the current approach has been around for more than five years, it’s probably time for a revamp. Here’s where to start.
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Article Thumbnail Are you ready to jump the firewall and create a social workplace?
Jul 21, 2010
Social network applications have been focused on the social marketplace, where companies can interact more directly with their customers. This way of communicating has permanently and profoundly changed the way we communicate. Find out how it’s on the brink of changing the way we work, too.
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Article Thumbnail Human Resources: Your employees will leave at some point. What’s your risk?
Jun 28, 2010
The Human Resources columns in our Expert Network section are designed to address topics that will help you manage your employees. Ensuring the skills and knowledge of your employee "talent" is top-notch is a vital part of your company’s success. Use these tactics to establish a knowledge transfer system so company data is not lost when an employee leaves.
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Lizard Lounge Way

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Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Make an unforgettable first impression with these visual hooks
Jun 30, 2010
When shoppers walk through the door, make a first impression that leaves them wanting more. You need to meet, greet and, hopefully, bedazzle rather than (ye-gad!) bore customers. The merchandising experts at the Lizard Lounge retail store offer these key visual hooks to keep customers coming back again and again.
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Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Holiday clean-up brings new consumers
Jan 15, 2010
A bit of imagination and even a sense of humor can turn that post-holiday look into something special. Think of a sale as a celebration that serves as a promotion to bring in shoppers who might not have been thinking of buying...and we have five top tips to use.
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Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Holiday displays grab wandering eyes
Dec 16, 2009
Let’s face it, Santa has it pretty good as he gets to hear firsthand what your customers want. Merchandising cues from the Lizard Lounge Way, though, will give you an upper hand.
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Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Inspiring customers to 'go steady'
Oct 16, 2009
Every season calls for a fresh change -- a reason to draw customers into your store by setting a tone and highlighting trends with new styles. It's like a first date where you want to make your best impression so you get a second date…minus the whole awkward goodnight kiss thing. Ensure a lasting relationship with these tips from the merchandising mavens at the Lizard Lounge to get the season off to the right start.
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Money Matters

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Article Thumbnail Money Matters: Executive Compensation -- How much is too much?
Jul 13, 2009
Executive compensation has become a hot topic for consumers and employees as we all grapple with the effects the recession has had on our wallets and our companies. So how much is too much pay? Could you scale down if you had to? Does it matter what your employees think about executive pay?
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Power Players Lounge

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Article Thumbnail Power Players' Lounge: What is your green story?
Oct 5, 2009
What is green messaging? In a nutshell, it's how we tell an environmental story to our audience. But as the green movement grows, consumers are being bombarded by vague and confusing green messaging and we are losing their trust.
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Article Thumbnail Just 48 hours left to nominate your picks for 2010's SNEWS Power Players
Sep 30, 2009
SNEWS® Power Player award nominations have been pouring in all month, but have we heard from you? Take this last chance to enter your nominations quickly and easily online.
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Article Thumbnail Power Players' Lounge: Outdoor recreation's role in a shifting economy
Sep 21, 2009
Back in the day, people viewed conservation issues through a "jobs versus the environment" lens. Thankfully, in many areas -- particularly the rural West -- those days are gone. Throughout the West, communities that once depended on logging, mining, oil and gas development, and other traditional extractive industries are now meccas for outdoor recreation and home to retirees with nest eggs drawn to mountain skylines, whitewater rivers and open spaces.
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Article Thumbnail Power Players' Lounge: Transitioning your company to the 'next generation'
Sep 9, 2009
All companies reach a point in their lifecycle where significant management transition becomes inevitable, if not necessary. As the founders and senior managers of companies look to move on to new challenges, scale back workload or retire, companies often find themselves in a forced "transition mode." Many companies also face transition as business models evolve, competition increases and economic realities change. Outdoor industry companies are no different, as we've witnessed in the last decade. Unfortunately, companies often reach this point with no real plan or open dialog about the impending changes.
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Article Thumbnail Power Players' Lounge: Does your store have a social strategy?
Aug 26, 2009
Social media has launched a new means of connecting and communicating that in turn has created a market opportunity for companies of all sizes to engage directly with customers, consumers and each other. Whether it is through blogging, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other means, strategically using social media has the potential to positively impact specialty retail if a retailer's customer base feels engaged.
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Retailer Roundtable

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Article Thumbnail Retail Solutions Forum: My best salesperson is a real jerk
May 19, 2010
The Expert Network's retail panel weighs in on this dilemma: Joe is the best salesperson on the floor, but the most disliked person in my store. While I’d hate to lose him, it’s getting more difficult to get others to work with him. What can I do to turn him around?
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Article Thumbnail Retail Solutions Forum: Should you own or lease your retail space?
May 27, 2009
We were asked, "I am currently leasing a space for my store, but thanks to the current economy, a nearby property has become available to buy that looks ideal in terms of location and building size. Are there advantages to buying over leasing space? Disadvantages?" Eight specialty outdoor retailers from the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance chimed in with various views...
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Article Thumbnail Retail Solutions Forum: Defending a store against shoplifting and employee theft
Apr 29, 2009
The Retail Solutions column in our new Expert Network section is designed to be your personal retail advisory sounding-board with retail owners, managers, buyers and merchandisers from our retail advisory partner, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, available to answer your questions. Our retail forum offered up tangible suggestions to one retailer's query about dealing with shoplifting and employee theft.
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Article Thumbnail Retail Solutions Forum: How do I get guys to fold and merchandise clothing?
Apr 15, 2009
The Retail Solutions column in our new Expert Network section is designed to be your personal retail advisory sounding-board with retail owners, managers, buyers and merchandisers from our retail advisory partner, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, available to answer your questions. In this installment, we explore: It seems in our store that the female staff ends up working in the clothing department because the guys just don't seem to have an interest. I expect all my staffers to learn to fold and merchandise clothing. How do I create a work environment where the guys do these tasks?
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Article Thumbnail Retail Solutions Forum: How important is business interruption insurance?
Mar 13, 2009
The Retail Solutions column in our new Expert Network section is designed to be your personal retail advisory sounding-board with retail owners, managers, buyers and merchandisers from our retail advisory partner, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, available to answer your questions. In this installment, we assess: How important is business interruption insurance for one specialty store?
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Think About It

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Article Thumbnail Think About It: OIWC asks, what do you need to know about finances to advance your career?
Jul 23, 2010
Even if numbers are not your area of expertise, growing your understanding of finance basics demonstrates your commitment to professional development and an interest in your company’s well-being -- two traits that are key to advancing your career.
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Article Thumbnail Think about it: OIWC asks, how do you make decisions, and where do you go when you need help?
May 19, 2010
To make the best “big” decisions, having a plan of attack as well as an infrastructure in place can ease the stress and get you to the right answer. See how your style compares to other industry professionals.
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Article Thumbnail Think about It: OIWC asks, do you know how to communicate like a pro?
Apr 14, 2010
Do you know what it takes to communicate like a pro in today’s business world? Hint: Convey power, confidence and authority. Read on to learn how.
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Article Thumbnail Think about It: OIWC asks, what does it take to conquer the summit of your career?
Mar 22, 2010
If advancing a career came down to swinging an ice ax to wipe out the glass ceiling, this industry of peakbaggers and semi-pro athletes would be laden with CEOs and overflowing with VIPs. The OIWC is making "Advancing Your Career" its theme for 2010 and offers tips to professionals looking to get ahead.
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Article Thumbnail Think About It: OIWC asks, is your company addressing quality-of-life benefits?
Feb 26, 2010
Women make up almost half of the working population and lead some of the country’s biggest corporations. Yet despite society’s advancements in the past few decades, in many respects, we still have a ways to go to even out the playing field of Corporate America, as OIWC found out in its “Are Your Women Satisfied?” survey.
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Products and Trends
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SNEWS Headlines
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Trend Reports
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market ’10: Products that are The New, The Cool, The Quirky too, Pt. 2
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