Operators often ask if C-Store Analytics can really make any difference. They ask if knowledge drives c-store sales.  Assuming that solving problems can positively improve sales and profits, the question can be refined as follows: How Does  Knowledge Impact Decisions? Surprisingly, the answer seems to vary widely.  Talking to different operators yields lots of answers. …

The Inertia of C-Store Performance calls for a time for change. When putting new processes and technologies into place to save time or increase profits, there are lots of things that can impact success. Even if you are making changes specifically to address waste that harms the team, the beneficiaries of the change will still …

Occasionally when we speak with C-Store management teams about C-Store Analytics and their first response is “We already have a back office system.” Back back office systems are so important to c-store operations. However, they are focused on the pricing, inventory and profits. Of course, back office systems are important. Most C-Store operators should should …

Yep. It works. Best intentions are good, but inspections are better.  How many times in our training do we hear this question about whether corporate is watching c-store accountability. The answer ‘yes’ carries a certain gravity. No one wants to disappoint or fail. There are lots of reasons why we slip up. We want to do a …

Yogi Berra was often lampooned for his seemingly non-sensible statements. But the easy to remember and thoughtful concepts help to clarify issues and allow simple choices.  His ‘take the fork’ statement made sense when you understand that he lived mid-way on a circular road. When driving to his house you came to a fork. Either …

C-Store Managers often get negative comments from their employees, customers and even their superiors at times.  Obviously, it may not be obvious to consider What drives c-store results – blunt honesty or polite excuses? naturally, we want to hear polite feedback. However, it is important to consider that not all nice words are helpful and …

When driving C-Store performance it is good to know all the important goals. A balanced scorecard shows the results that matter. Naturally, a single scorecard makes it easier to monitor a set of different goals. With daily, weekly and monthly comparisons, both long and short term results are understood.   Improving revenue in a c-store used …

Working with top C-Store operators provides a lot of great insights into management. C-Store operators deal with heavy competition, long hours, and weekend work. This environment often leads to high turnover. In order to run well you have to have staff that can get things done as you need.  If your store performance is suffering …

It is well understood that consequences and rewards are key components to successful accountability. Most even agree that clear goals, assignments, deadlines and processes are required to make accountability work fully. There is a six step definition to help those that are serious about using an accountability process to streamline their organization and get better …

The four stages of c-store growth are natural. The way humans deal with change is a process. Many have studied different stages for human response to life changes – growing, aging and death. Likewise, management studies show that change management has to be addressed in order for an organization to reach its potential. Like any …

Managing change for c-store growth is part of management for successful companies. Fortunately, C-Stores employees are quite used to change. Prices, legislation, and products change often and sometimes every day. Anyone who has worked in a C-Store company, for any amount of time, is never shocked with change. However there are some changes that are …

Every industry trade journal touts the importance Business Intelligence (BI). Above and beyond other industries, c-stores advantage for business intelligence is natural. The industry sells standard products and knows measuring results is the only way to know success. While BI has become the buzz for new industries, retailers have always measure results and studied margins …