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…
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. …
I want to be like Florence
by Ken Proctor
This guy is always right on point!! I love this especially because it is so hard to follow yet so important! Excuses are not only what we tell to other people but what we tell to ourselves as well. It is so hard not to do…especially when in a tough situation that takes all your determination to get through. Okay…now that I said that, no excuses….I need to get back to work! -Julia My daughter Kelsey is th…
Ed and Julia – 2.0
by Ken Proctor
Awe…Thanks Ken! You are correct and that’s all I can say….I launched this site to give people the forum to recongnize others and the fact that it has done so even in one case leaves me speechless. I might provide the catalyst, but all of you provide the content! -Julia “Ed and Julia – 2.0″ A few weeks ago, I wrote a story on Ed Jurgrau, owner of Shoe Train. Shortly after, …
Oh What a Feeling
by Ken Proctor
So happy for Ken! A big congrats…this is really exciting and I wish him more of these types of days because I know first hand he totally deserves it!! -Julia Oh What a Feeling I remember how I felt the day I got my first job in the shoe business. It was 1989 and I was offered a position as a sales rep for a start company. The salary was not as important as my business card: “sales executive”. I reme…
Positioning for the Future – The story of Ed and Shoe Train”
by Ken Proctor
Ken and Ed of Shoe Train I love this! I want to meet Ed! I don’t have much more to say than cudos to Ed for what he is doing…I am a big fan of giving back and doing so in the manner he does certainly is award worthy in my opinion!! Great article Ken!! -Julia Positioning for the Future – The story of Ed and Shoe Train” There is an assault on independent shoe store these days. The Internet is eatin…
The Predictable Life of a Shoe Company
by Ken Proctor
Hmmmm….this topic is very interesting to me and while I cannot speak to it from experience or even long term observation, I can think of at least a couple of companies that have experienced what Ken outlines here. I heard the term, “going back to our roots” a lot throughout last year, and it makes sense. I guess from my point of view the key when growing a business is not to leave those roots to begin wi…
How to Pick the Right Partner
by Ken Proctor
Ahhh picking the right partner…yes definitely not the easiest thing to do. Sometimes you can hit it off so well with someone and then it end up not working (see below) and then other times you may not think you will like someone and then over time you will become great work partners because you compliment each other. That’s truly what it is all about when it comes to partners….the whole yin a…
One Hella Smart Retailer
by Ken Proctor
I just want to say thank you to Ken who continues to be loyal and write every single week even though he is currently so busy! Every week his articles are great and even though he doesn’t have a lot of time, they always are something I appreciate….including this one which goes back to all the points we constantly make on this site regarding retailers. Offer your customers something different, appreciate t…
“Why Twig puts its faith (and business) into Mom and Pop stores”
by Ken Proctor
Another wonderful article by Ken as expected! I totally agree that the mom and pops of the world make the shopping experience memorable and fun and you also feel like you are contributing to a friends success which feels good. There is a little boutique here on South Beach named, Metro which is owned by my two good friends Spike and Robert. They were not my friends until I started going into the store which says a lot right t…
This weeks article is “The importance of Failure”
by Ken Proctor
Wow…now I wonder if Ken wrote this based on a conversation that we recently had because it absolutely hits home! I cannot agree more as in life, no matter what prospect you are taking on, it is always better to learn your lesson and get through the tough stuff first and develop a solid foundation in order to experience true success. A lot of times people tend to brush things under the rug and hope that it will magicall…
The Global Reach of Shoebizness.com
by Ken Proctor
I have to say, Ken has built quite the following! He is kind enough to always share the emails he receives from people and it is so amazing to know that something I created is bringing people together. I can’t even describe how excited it makes me!! Earlier this week Ken shared an email he received from someone who found him on this site and then another again this morning….that is why I decided to have…
