Liz Lark-Riley Q&A

Leslie Halleck

Liz Lark-Riley

Managing Director
Rockledge Gardens
Session: Story-Telling Tips From A Theater Nerd: How Retail Is Theater And It's Time To Play!

That's a challenging comparison because we're in Florida ... there isn't really a "first day of spring sales" here ... it's more of a slow ramp up to prolonged madness. But if I were to draw a comparison, I would say that our preparation for spring is about "casting" and also includes some activities akin to greenroom pre-show warm-ups. We want to make sure we have the right team in place and that they have the tools to engage in a mindset that focuses on opportunity and possibilities.

We encourage the team to listen to their colleagues for ideas and great lines that seem to be effective and try them on for size. Whenever I overhear a colleague say something I love, I start using the line myself and I make a point to share the line and give the team member credit at our next all-hands staff meeting.

 

I hope that attendees come away with an appreciation of the power of creativity and adaptability in their business and a willingness to listen to and empower their teams to help generate that creativity and then work as leaders to adapt to their ideas. Most of all, I hope attendees leave the session inspired to create fun and joy in the management of their businesses. Retail is theater, y'all. Let's play.