Five Below’s Post

If you are a store manager, don't make this mistake.🙅♂️ . . . In every retail organization I worked in the past, I was always told, ‘If you want to grow, then prove yourself.’ My #1 mistake - I always said yes and continued to work hard only to realize that the bosses were never satisfied.😩 I don't blame them because the problem is I never asked them what they meant when they asked me to prove it. If you are a store manager and someone tells you to prove yourself, ❌ Don't mindlessly say yes ❌ Don't work hard without a clear purpose and goal ❌ Don't overcommit just for the sake of doing it Instead, do this👇🏻 ✅ Ask your boss about their top 3 expectations from you. ✅ Get clarity on how they will measure your success or failure as a store leader ✅ Ask their top 3 non-negotiables which they cannot compromise with These expectations, clarity, and non-negotiables are something you should stick to as long as you are reporting to that boss. That's one way to prove yourself. What do you say? Are there any other possible ways? Do share them in the comments! #storemanager #retailmanagement #proveyourself #storemanagement

If you want a high performing #salesteam, hire a sales leader that has a “Yard of the Month” sign in their yard. The correlation between clean lawns and organized leaders could be multifaceted and context dependent. The person who takes the time to care for the yard is the kind of person that will care for their team and you company. Here are a few potential correlations: 1. Community Pride and Engagement: Good leaders often prioritize community well-being and engagement. They may encourage or enforce regulations, leading to cleaner and more well-kept lawns and teams. This can foster a sense of pride and reflect positively o to the customer. 2. Attention to Detail and Order: Organized leaders tend to value order and attention to detail. They may implement policies or initiatives aimed at maintaining cleanliness and aesthetics in public spaces. Their #leadership style might influence residents to follow suit, resulting in cleaner environments, or sales processes. 3. Symbolic Representation: Clean lawns can symbolize a well-managed and organized community. Leaders who are perceived as effective and organized may feel motivated to ensure public spaces reflect this image (think branding). Conversely, a leader who neglects organization may overlook the maintenance of public areas, including lawn, and company culture. Besides, nothing yells success like a beautiful yard. 4. Communication and Collaboration: Organized leaders often promote communication and collaboration within communities. They may facilitate efforts to coordinate lawn care activities among residents or local organizations. This collaborative approach can lead to cleaner and more attractive lawns, and neighborhoods, writ large. 5. Lawn care is stupid expensive. No one gets paid until something is sold. Obviously, a bit of whimsy and fun. Thanks for playing along. Studies show our environments don’t reflect our ability to be effective, however, there are certainly correlations that stem from the values, priorities, and actions of effective leadership within a community and company. Our habits transcend our lives. And it makes a hell of a good interview question!  #drlusk #salesleaders #ceomindset #salescoaching

General Managers are the lifeblood of retail, full stop. Their ability to be shoulder to shoulder, create fun, lead by example, and inspire others is unmatched in other roles. It’s why any company that wants to succeed long term will fight for them and the support they need and deserve, authentically (GMs can spot fake a mile away). I’m committed to that in part because that’s the role I’ve spent the most years in during my career; I’m committed to ensuring Pentex Restaurant Group stands for that and coaching GMs to unlock their potential by leading and inspiring. What is this picture, you ask? If you look closely you will see a person, apron ties visible, amidst all that trash. It makes me smile because I used to tell my Del Mar, CA team not to worry about the trash during peak shifts and to toss it at the back door so they could stay focused on peak-but then it piled high and blocked the door! Their focus broke sales records. But then, the door was blocked. Solution? A running dive Superman style into the trash to reach for the doorknob, of course! “I’ll show you!” 😋 Fun, role modeling, team commitment-that I know every GM can achieve! #culture #peoplefirst #resultsmatter

It’s incredibly easy in any role to feel like we have no impact. We can feel unseen or unnoticed. Your reputation, however, can create a massive shift in whatever market you are serving. No matter if it’s executive management, mid/entry level management, sales, retail or warehouse associate. Be a light in your industry and your reputation will propel you forward. Your light will illuminate doorways you may have missed without it. #BeALight

🤦♀️ One of my best leadership fails happened when I first started at De Soi. We were preparing for launch, so I set up a sales email address. (Of course) I forgot about it right away. Three months later, I checked it and found hundreds of messages from major accounts wanting to carry our products! The lesson?  Set up email forwarding. But also it taught me the value of having the right team in place. As a leader, you can't do everything yourself—building a strong team is crucial to growth (and minimizing slip-ups). And on that note!! We are currently #hiring for 2 critical Sales roles at De Soi Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Apéritif: ✨Director of Sales - East ✨Director of Sales - West Check out the JDs below to apply 👇👇

Over the past ten years, I've successfully navigated the corporate ladder, progressing from a sales rep to the director of a 150+ staffed call center. What I've learned is that the pursuit of titles alone lacks true value. As a supervisor, I was already performing managerial tasks, and as a manager, I was essentially in a directorial role. The focus lies not just in climbing the hierarchy but in seeking knowledge, chasing challenges, and making a meaningful impact. Titles don't define your worth; to mature in your career is to understand this. It's the pursuit of knowledge and genuine impact that truly satisfies our development. #CareerJourney #LeadershipInsights #ImpactOverTitles

If you're a hiring manager and you come across an application from a retail leader, look at it. You may think they don't have the experience to fit your business, but what if I told you what retail leaders do on the regular - IT Hiring Training First aid Operations Counselor Cheerleader Merchandiser Register repair Shipping/receiving Associate advocate Furniture construction and oh yah We can talk to anyone about anything and remain calm in emergencies. Sound like someone you may want to talk to? I thought so. #retail #leadership

Career Advancement Insights As a retail professional, advancing from Store Manager to District Manager requires strategic planning, dedication, and a proven track record of success. Based on my experience and industry insights, here are key factors to focus on: 1. Develop a business mindset: Demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth, manage budgets, and make data-driven decisions. 2. Build a strong leadership skills: Showcase your ability to lead high-performing teams, foster a positive work culture, and develop talent. 3. Expand your expertise: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to remain competitive. 4. Network and build relationships: Connect with your regional team, attend industry events, and participate in mentorship programs. 5. Showcase your achievements: Quantify your accomplishments and prepare a solid case for your promotion. By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with a District Manager role. Let's connect and discuss our experiences and insights! #retailmanagement #careeradvice #leadershipdevelopment

Early in my sales leadership career, I had completed a field ride with a rep and on my way to the airport called a counterpart to debrief on the time together. I shared that I was so surprised to see and hear some of the words and interactions over the past few days and while candor is a strength, I also recognize being a good leader is adjusting communication styles to the team based on how people best receive feedback. I didn’t want to bombard the rep with the list of things I saw as this can break trust and be off-putting but we had work to do and I needed help triaging where to start. When I came up for air. My counterpart simply said, “do you have kids? “ “I do” “How old?” My daughter was 1 at the time. He shared this and it has stuck with me. Leadership is like parenting. When it becomes catastrophic, it is important to step in, but it’s also your job to let them make mistakes. Fall off their bikes, break things, scuff up their knees and then walk them through how to do things differently for a better result. The urge to cut off a rep or hop in is in any strong sales leader's blood. They’ve been in the seat before and see and likely have more experience, however there is a difference between a closer and a leader. Consider this in yourself if you are running your sales team or test this if you are hiring for a sales leadership position. Do you want a sales leader to grow a team of rockstars or a sales leader who inserts into every deal and swoops in for the close? There is a difference, just know what you want and need. #sales #salesleader

Exciting Leadership Opportunity at NorthStar Memorial Group! I'm usually not one to spotlight job listings in my role as a trainer & consultant in the cemetery sales industry, but NorthStar Memorial Group's Vice President of Sales position in the Red River region is an exception that deserves attention. It's a rare find to see a company like NorthStar Memorial Group that truly understands the essence of empowering leaders. Their focus on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and cutting through bureaucracy in this role is commendable, especially in an industry where not all companies manage with such progressive ideals. The list of organizations that genuinely put these principles into practice is indeed short. NorthStar's commitment to growth goes beyond mere numbers. They prioritize customer satisfaction and a deep understanding of market needs, which is paramount for setting high standards in our industry. Requiring extensive experience in funeral and cemetery sales, this role is a testament to NorthStar's dedication to finding a leader adept in professional selling strategies and team motivation – skills that are crucial for success in this field. While I'm not in the market for a new position, I felt compelled to share this unique opportunity. It's a standout example of how a company can effectively combine innovative leadership with strategic growth, raising the bar in the funeral and cemetery sales industry. #LeadershipEmpowerment #EntrepreneurialSpirit #InnovativeManagement #ProgressiveLeadership #GrowthMindset #TeamManagement #FuneralAndCemeterySales #SalesLeadership #CareerOpportunities