If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."
George Bernard Shaw

The purpose of any business is to bring in customers, and it can only be accomplished through maintaining high standards of operations. If your cash registers don't ring, something is wrong and you had better find out what is wrong fast. Because in today's competitive retail world... getting results is what counts.

Successful retailers aren't any more talented or intelligent than you are -- They simply have learned to do things in a different way and make money in the process. Use the following 13 steps to improve your retail sales, you'll simplify your efforts, multiply profits, and increase the odds of success.

1. Know Yourself
Having your own business is more than just creating a job for yourself. Your basic roles are in marketing, finance, administration, and the responsibility of personnel. To get the best results, it is rare for one person to play all these roles equally well. You must know which parts you can handle yourself and which parts you're going to need help with.

2. Plan Ahead
Many stores are run by well-intended people but who don't have all the information they need to do their job. This includes a clear idea of market segment, target markets, customer service, product selection, marketing mix, promotional activities, future trends, product innovations, and pricing tactics. If you want to succeed you need a well thought out business plan that helps you make the right decisions.

You are in retail industry, How much time you invest in future, looking for trends, accepting fresh ideas OR you just live in TODAY.
You can gain the greatest competitive edge if you have an intimate knowledge of your business. To thrive and prosper, you must be committed to learn and have the desire and energy to accomplish your goals. These are five main reasons why most businesses fail:

1. Lack of Industry Knowledge
2. Lack of Vision
3. Poor Market Strategy
4. Failure to Establish Goals
5. Inadequate Capital

4. Understand Your Customer
Make it your business to give your customers what they want, and they will do business and buy from you. The products and services you provide should reflect your customers needs and wants. Think in your customers' terms; buy, show, sell, and say things that interest them, not just what interests you. Many times customers is more aware of  trends then you are, start noticing hints and working towards them.  Remember, it is the customer that determines whether or not you succeed. SELL WHAT THEY WANT NOT WHAT YOU HAVE.

6. Manage Your Cash
It doesn't matter how unique and wonderful your store is, your business can't survive without cash flow. Money coming in your store is the vital component that keeps your business financially healthy. If you budget wisely and know the interval of your monthly income and expenses, you won't have to worry about running out of money.

7. Use Sound Management Practices
As a store owner, you are also a manager. You have to make decisions, offer customer service, manage time and resources, and know how to merchandise and run the business better than anyone working for you. Give your employees the opportunity for growth, treat them fairly, pay them what they're worth, and they will help make your business successful.

8. Develop A Distinctive Image
Your image is important and is a function of your marketing efforts and materials. Customers create their perceptions of your business from your name, signage, store location, products/ brands you sell, prices, visual merchandising, advertising strategy you use, customer service and anything else that relates to your business.

9. Control Your Inventory
All retail stores need to manage inventory. It is your money sitting on a shelf and represents a large portion of your business investment. The retailer who merely watches the store's shelves can't maintain a proper balance between the right amount of merchandise and probable customer demand. Without adequate control, slow-moving inventory becomes outdated and very costly. Keep close check on stock rotation and invest in high rotation brands & categories.

11. Learn From The Situations
In today's explosive markets, making the right moves is absolutely essential, there is little room for error. Without knowing how to navigate through these fast-moving times, it can be a tricky and even a self-destructive experience. Indecisiveness and emotional inclinations can some time discourage us from taking impartial and effective business moves, which are crucial to the growth.

12. Ask For Help When You Need It
Remember, getting results is what counts! Don't be too proud to ask for help, we all need help sometimes. It is important to recognize that what you don't know can end up costing you money, hurt the odds of success, and greatly reduce the chance of achieving your business goals. Hiring an expert with specialized skills can be the most profitable decision you can make to protect both your business and financial future.