Navigating the shifting tides of the lighting industry is no small feat, and as I peer into the rearview mirror of the past year, I'm struck by our collective resilience. Even as we missed the zenith of success from previous years, there's a spark of optimism for what 2024 holds, despite the perplexing economic signals and the shadow of an election year. In a candid sharing of my journey, I unravel the knots of undergoing a major software transition in my showroom, a process that has been both draining and invigorating. And as the possibility of rekindling our podcast in February 2024 hangs in the balance, the vitality of our community's input has never been clearer. Your voices fuel this space, and it's this very interconnection that illuminates the path ahead for our industry.

The conversation then pivots to the undercurrents of challenge that lighting showroom retailers confront daily. The narrative weaves through the undervaluation of our specialized knowledge, shrinking margins, and the fading of sales tools that were once our mainstay. I dissect the evolving dynamics between manufacturers and showrooms, advocating for 'to the trade certified' partnerships to rejuvenate our sector. With each insight and reflection shared, the episode becomes a call to arms for transparency and alliance. We're not just selling lights; we're safeguarding our expertise and fortifying partnerships that respect the depth of our work. Join me as we illuminate the intricacies of our trade and champion the reciprocal relationships essential for the lighting industry's prosperity.

Thank you to Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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If you noticed there was no LWL episode last week, it is because I was mid-implementation of NetSuite with not an ounce of energy to spare. Listen now for an update on our process PLUS a great listener tip that I elaborate on to drive add-on services (and a much needed margin boost and competitive advantage) for your showroom. What add-ons does your showroom provide? Let me know!

Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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Are you weary of cookie-cutter content and impersonal posts that are plaguing your social media experience? Do you feel like the lighting industry is lagging behind in effectively harnessing social media's full potential? Yeah, I am too. So heading into 2024, let's rethink our approach, identify our end goals, and shake things up a bit to tap into the enormous potential of this digital platform. As an additional challenge : DM me or comment below and tag an account who is doing a great job with their social media content so we can all #beinspired.

Thank you to Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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It's time once again to plan your holiday gifts for your best customers and staff too. This year, let's challenge the autopilot mode most of us fall into during the holiday season, and let's question if our annual gifts to clients and employees are truly expressing our sentiments of appreciation and thanks. This episode promises to provide a fresh perspective on how to make meaningful decisions that resonate with your clients and team members, and to help make everyone's holiday just a little brighter.

What about custom, uniques gift baskets for top-tier customers; and what are the pros and cons of pre-packaged versus personally crafted gifts? The most significant impact of any holiday gesture is one of togetherness and camaraderie. This episode is brimming with holiday insights and inspiration that can positively impact your business relationships into 2024.

Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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Facing challenges in your business? A storm of one's own making or something external? Me too. I'm opening up in this episode about my recent work life (and complete lack of balance) in an effort to make us all feel a little less alone. Sharing is indeed caring. Also, it's vital we talk about our individual as well as industry-wide challenges in a non-confrontational and positive manner – it's our key to understanding and long-term success. Come along on this journey with me as I candidly discuss industry issues, personal struggles, and finding that elusive balance.

Thank you to Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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When was the last time you were a customer in your own business? Not as an expert in what you do but as a true never-before-visited customer? This episode talks it through and highlights the importance of excellent service and how our immersion in the professional sphere can often lead to a disconnect with the consumer's experience. Can you pinpoint areas ready for improvement; and is it maybe something you wouldn't expect? Listen in as we evaluate our own experiences as customers, using those insights to rethink our businesses.

Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!

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Brace yourself, as we're about to set off on an electrifying journey, illuminating the intricacies of boosting margins in the lighting industry. We'll unearth how market changes disrupted traditional pricing structures, causing a 'margin squeeze' for conventional showrooms, coupled with other industry-wide changes to the distribution landscape. But don't worry, our conversation extends to how to keep your business glowing, with many suggestions and thoughtful strategies that will help you stay competitive and profitable in your brick and mortar showroom business. Have a great tip to share? Email me!

Thank you to Fanimation for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa: the Lighting Industry's Podcast.

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Today's episode highlights the challenges and potential solutions for training sales staff in the toughest category we face : lighting & fan technical expertise. We explore the importance of effective training, discussing the balance between overwhelming information and insufficient training and how we can optimize this for maximum effectiveness.

The episode takes a deep look at the difficulties of training salespeople in specialty businesses like showrooms. It's a delicate balancing act of providing enough information without drowning the trainees. I share some strategies to better position your sales team to provide expert advice and how to equip them with the right resources. As we navigate the challenges, we'll also talk about the importance of staff feeling confident enough to engage customers with new or challenging topics, thereby maintaining trust and providing a superior customer experience.

Many thanks to this week's sponsor Lights America for their unwavering support of Lighting with Lisa and the entire lighting industry. Be sure to listen to the episode for their special offer for new and existing customers!

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