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THE LIST

 

IT'S WHO YOU KNOW
Successful retailers need a little help.

8 Key People You Need To Know

* CPA
* Banker
*Insurance Agent
*Attorney
*Local Small Business Development Center Rep
*Marketing & Advertising Consultant
*Human Resources Specialist
*Financial Planner

“You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” says Bob Sole, who with his wife, Trish, run Express Blinds & Draperies, Victorville, CA.

In fact, the Soles have established their company’s most important business relationships around eight key people—none of which is a company employee for two important reasons. First, it brings in an outside point-of-view. “An outsider might give you an idea or two that you may not have thought of,” Bob explains. Second, it allows you to do what you do best—design and sell window coverings and not have to be an expert in every aspect of running a business.

“I was told by a friend of mine a few years ago that the problem most retailers have is that we’re so busy working our business that we don’t have time to work on our business,” Bob says. “That’s my job: to work on how can we improve and market our business.”