Improve Retail - Business Consulting

Having spent 30+ years in retail management, there comes a time when the knowledge and experience you gain over that time can be put to use helping others.

That time is now.

A philosophy that has yielded results over many years, in many environments, we have developed a process we call VISPAE. But this is not a 'one size fits all' process that follows a defined set of parameters.

We know that every business is different, that every set of circumstances is unique. VISPAE is a framework, around which a set of guidelines which can be adapted and developed to get results. Following the VISPAE process keeps everything on track so no part of the process is missed or forgotten.

The VISPAE process comprises 6 key stages.

VISION

IDENTITY

STRATEGY

PLAN

ACTION

EVALUATE and EVOLVE

VISION - This is where it all starts, with your vision, not ours. This is your dream, your passion, your reason for being. Ours is helping you achieve it.

IDENTITY - Who are you? What do you stand for? How do your customers identify you and distinguish between you and your competition. Identity is all of this and more. Without an identity, yours is just another xyz business. Together we create your business identity and determine what sets you apart, all in conjunction with your vision.

STRATEGY - So, you have a vision and you have your identity - or at least you do on paper. What you need to make it a reality is a strategy. Nothing happens just because you've thought about it and want it. A strategy gives you the structure and focus to create your identity and achieve your vision.

A business strategy is not a single thing. It will comprise many separate strategies - sales, marketing, buying, customer service etc. all of these will need to be aligned to form a cohesive Business Strategy.

PLAN - If a strategy gives you structure, a plan gives you detail. How you fulfil each stage of the strategy is determined by the plan. How long, what, where, when and how much? The plan is the nitty gritty, the actions you need to complete to fulfil each stage of the strategy.

ACTION - Any plan is only useful if it is actioned. Ideally the action comes from within, the work needed to complete the plan is done by you and your team. That's important because it's better understood and there is better 'buy-in' from your team. But that doesn't mean we leave you to it. We can work alongside you and your team to guide and support them and you through the process, keeping things on track.

EVALUATE & EVOLVE - You have the vision, we've created the identity and actioned a strategy and plan to achieve it. Job done, right?

Wrong.

Did we achieve your vision? Is your vision the same now as it was when you started? Did everything go according to the plan and was the strategy right? Is it still right? VISPAE is not a 'start here, end here' process. It's a cycle of continual evaluation and evolution, able to be adapted and developed to meet the changing demands of your business, your marketplace and your vision.

If you want to find out more why not get in touch and see how Improve Retail - Business Consulting can help you achieve your vision.