It’s time to go back to school! Our free webinars were designed with retailers in mind to give you a refresher on core business principles and provide practical tips you can implement in your store.
Past webinars
Council members may request a CD recording of these past webinars! Call our office at (800) 442-3589 or email Rebecca Flach.
Social media tactics that bring customers to your door
Tuesday, March 8 at 8:30 a.m.
Presented by Braden Russom
If you’re looking for new ways to drive business to your store, don’t miss this webinar on social media tactics. You will be shown how to use tools like Facebook and Foursquare to reach qualified prospects on the Internet, and spread the word about your business. Social media doesn’t need to be a struggle for retailers trying to expand their brand, and Braden will show you how to take advantage of the advanced capabilities that social media sites offer. Savvy marketers already know social media plays a key part in a complete marketing and advertising strategy, and this webinar will let you in on a few of those secrets.
Braden Russom, Burst Marketing – Braden Russom is creative director at Burst Marketing, one of the largest marketing agenices in New York’s Capital Region. Additionally, Mr. Russom directs the search and social media marketing departments at IntelliSites, the Web development arm of Burst Marketing. His wide experience has helped him develop a sharp strategic mind, well versed in modern lead generation tactics and how they relate to a business’ overall goals.
Dealing with Stealing
Thursday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Chris Hoyme, Jackson Lewis LLP
Employee theft can deal a serious blow to your bottom line. During this webinar you will learn:
- Employer rights and restrictions when dealing with employee theft;
- Legally-compliant investigation steps when an employee is suspected of internal theft;
- Appropriate discipline;
- Avoiding liability;
- Other important do’s and don’ts
Chris Hoyme, Jackson Lewis LLP – Christopher Hoyme is a partner in the Omaha, N.E. office of Jackson Lewis LLP where he serves as the litigation manager. He represents management nationwide in all facets of employment law. Mr. Hoyme has successfully defended employers in state and federal courts and various local, state and federal administrative agencies, including Department of Labor investigations and audits, including wage, hour and FMLA compliance. He also routinely advises management on issues surrounding FMLA, ADA, WARN Act, Title VII, FLSA, workers’ compensation, NLRA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, privacy issues, and state law, as well as counsels employers on pro-active strategies to avoid litigation.
Explode your sales! How to get the maximum bang from your marketing bucks
Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Bob Negen, Whizbang! Training
Does 15%, 20%, even 30% sales growth sound good? This fun, dynamic webinar will show you exactly how to dramatically increase customer loyalty, foot traffic and turbo-charge sales. It will teach the secrets of an organized, consistent system to generate significant sales increases.
Bob Negen, Whizbang! Training – Bob Negen is the founder of the Mackinaw Kite Co., a chain of specialty toy and kite shops. When Bob opened his store he was only 23 years old and just out of college. Over the next 20 years Bob developed the critical business skills he needed to turn the Mackinaw Kite Co.’s first pitiful annual sales of $17,000 into a successful multi-million-dollar business. In 1999, Bob formed WhizBang! Training with his wife, Susan Negen, an accomplished retailer in her own right. Bob now shares his hard-won knowledge so that other retail store owners can more quickly and easily turn their passion into profit.
Run your business by the numbers
Tuesday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Lisbeth Calandrino, entrepreneur and author
Your financial statements always look strong, but you can’t seem to get ahead. Take control of your business’ finances with pointers to improve your bottom line by decreasing operating costs while increasing sales and profit margins.
Lisbeth Calandrino, entrepreneur and author – Lisbeth started her first business at 9-years-old after learning the basics from her grandfather and dad. In 1972 she joined up with two partners and parlayed $5,000 into a chain of furniture and carpet stores in New York and Massachusetts. She was the managing partner in two of these stores and was responsible for hiring, training, merchandising and pricing. She sold her interest in 1990 and went off to consult with small businesses and create an international flooring publication where she is now associate publisher. She recently published her book, Red Hot Customer Service, a tribute to her dad.
Control your inventory (don’t let it control you!)
Wednesday, June 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Susan Negen, Whizbang! Training
Want to reduce your markdowns to raise margins and increase profits? Want to make that POS system you spent thousands on really pay for itself? This webinar will show you how to do that and more. Learn what it takes to finally get control of your inventory and stop letting it control you!
Susan Negen, Whizbang! Training – Susan Negen began her retail career at large department stores. She held a number of positions at Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s California, including department manager, buyer and group sales manager. Her experience at these large firms has given her an extensive background in all aspects of retail management. After joining the Mackinaw Kite Co. as a store manager and later as director of merchandising, she was able to transfer her acquired skills to the specialty retail environment.
Frequently asked questions about the webinar series
Q. How long will each webinar last?
A. Each speaker will spend 30-45 minutes presenting on their topic. They will then take questions from the audience via computer. We anticipate each event will last approximately one hour.
Q. Do I need to be at a computer to participate? Can’t I just listen to the webinar by phone?
A. Yes, you can listen by phone, but you won’t have the opportunity to ask questions. You will receive instructions on how to access the event by computer and/or phone after you register. Long-distance charges may apply.
Q. What if I have a conflict or emergency and can’t make a webinar?
A. Don’t worry, each event will be recorded. Simply contact our office to receive complimentary access to it.
Q. Are these webinars truly free?
A. Yes! We offer these seminars as a benefit of membership in the Retail Council. Attend one or all events – registration is free, however, long-distance telephone charges may apply.
Q. Who do I call if I have questions?
A. Just call our office at (800) 442-3589 or send an email to rflach@retailcouncilnys.com.