Why I Give Back…The Story of Gus and Anna
by Ken Proctor
When I posted the letter from Gus a couple days ago, I had no idea that Ken had met him recently or that he was going to write about his meeting. I had been meaning to post that letter for a while but it seems I had perfect timing! I am so happy to hear that Gus and Anna are taking a go at pursuing their dreams and I think I am an example of what you can do with hard work, passion and the one thing that I have found SUPER critical which i…
Lessons Learned at the Atlanta Shoe Show
by Ken Proctor
I still have yet to attend the Atlanta show, but I have heard some good things about it. I am curious to know why it was a little slower than usual…over the past couple of years it seems that show has been one to stay consistant. Anyhow, I have to chuckle at Ken’s list of things he learned while there. I can just hear the conversations now….It’s unfortunate that there are those out there who are sti…
Is Longevity Lost??
by Ken Proctor
I love how Ken always brings attention to people in the industry who get it right. Probably why Ken and I work so well together because just as Ken is talking about his customer getting it right, I am talking about him getting it right. haha But it’s true…highlighting and bringing together all the good people out there is only going to allow us to get stronger and support each other more and more. Ken pushe…
Does Character Matter?
by Ken Proctor
This is an inspiring article from Ken Proctor that most certainly makes me want to conduct business with character. As a professional who is just starting out my career, I’m learning by example and learning from every piece of advice I can get. Therefore, I really enjoyed Ken’s article and I believe I’ve received great advice that I can take with me throughout my career. Thanks Ken! Mary Last week,…
I’ll Try
by Ken Proctor
Yoda is awesome and was always my favorite Star Wars character! For Ken to write an article quoting Yoda is just awesome! In my current business….which I can’t wait to share with all of you what I am up to…our motto is, “Make it happen!” because in order to be successful, you can’t try you HAVE to do and honestly for me the fun part is the challenge of figuring out how to make it happ…
The Metaphor of Running
by Ken Proctor
Yay! Ken is back from a much deserved and hopefully highly enjoyed vacation and I am so happy about that! I love this article not only because of the truth to the metaphor, but I am a former runner/sometimes runner who has the genetics to train and run a marathon cold turkey in 4 months if I want to. I am almost 31 (on MONDAY! eek!) and I know my days of just picking up and running 5 miles out of no where are going to come to an end if I…
How David Can Beat Goliath
by Ken Proctor
I love that Ken often brings us insight to other industries and how the same customer centric principles apply. They work across all industries and should be encouraged internally and externally….I have a similar story to Ken’s. There is a corner store a block and a half from my apt and I walk there pretty much every morning with my doggies to get a Red Bull, a muffin, some dog food or whatever I might nee…
Biting Off More Than I Can Chew
by Ken Proctor
Ha! I love the pic Ken chose this week! Growing up on a farm, I have often let little lizards hang on my finger like that….odd I know. haha Anyway, this article makes me think of that saying: “It’s easier said than done.”….this is soooo incredibly true and I have learned this the hard way just like Ken. See, when starting a business it is pretty easy to think of ideas and for some reaso…
What we could all learn from the movie Poseidon Adventure
by Ken Proctor
Well maybe I will have to look this movie up on hulu so I can watch it! This is a great message and something that is echoed by companies that are successfully getting through these tough times…you cannot sit back and wait for things to “go back to normal”! That’s the thing about change, it CHANGES things and it will not go back to “normal” because when people go through tough…
What Excites Me for Next Season?
by Ken Proctor
I gave Ken this topic because we are often talking about what is going on now and how business is now. I thought about looking forward which is what we all have to do in order to grow. I personally am excited about so many things coming next season and not just the shoes, but for me the continued opportunity to get to know more and more people in the industry and hear more and more stories, backgrounds, and ideas. I love the prod…
Shaking the Shoe Show Tree
by Ken Proctor
I suppose I gave Ken this topic because we are heading into another tradeshow season, but also I received an email from a fan of the site who said he actually changed the plan he had to attend WSA and instead decided to do the Atlanta show because of the info he found on this site. If people are educated then they can make decisions which fit them best. That email might have been one of the biggest compliments I have received s…
The Single Biggest Threat to the Footwear Industry
by Ken Proctor
Another week, another great topic by Ken! So true!! I am traveling this week, so I apologize for the lack of postings…I will get back on the ball next week! -Julia The Single Biggest Threat to the Footwear Industry It would be really easy to substitute the word “any” for “footwear” in the tittle of this week’s article. It is astounding how quickly our industry has changed…
The Toughest Question Ever Asked in an Interview
by Ken Proctor
I love this story! I remember the day when Ken told it to me over the phone. I did not come up with the same answer….I can’t even remember what I said, but it wasn’t as good as his. I do remember the answer to an interview question that got me my first job in recruiting and ultimately launched my career….looking back, I can’t believe I got the job! I was 23 and interviewing for an office mana…
The Importance of Enthusiasm
by Ken Proctor
I loved Chris Farley and watched his motivational SNL skit over and over when I was younger, so when Ken referred to it yesterday when we were discussing topics, I was cracking up. So funny!! Enthusiasm is probably one of the most important traits in this business because if you are excited about what you are doing then people will be excited too! You can’t fake enthusiasm easily, so people believe it and have a…
Product Reviews, Price Checks, and Peril
by Ken Proctor
The iphone aps are pretty amazing I must say! I still have not given in and am holding on to my crusty blackberry, but find myself getting jealous of all cool stuff it can do way better than my phone. Oh well, anyway, to Ken’s point….I of course agree! -Julia Product Reviews, Price Checks, and Peril “Knowledge is power”! Francis Bacon said this in 1601, long before advent of the internet. …
