Image is Not enough

Business Image and Beyond

As I strolled the street of West Seattle today, I came across a florish shop that was across the street from where I stood. As a gazed into the shop, all I could see was a white display case in the window, covered with small, clear glass bottles and a few stringy plants. I thought, this is not much of a come-on for passers-by. I went into the shop, intending to offer my suggestion to the owner. The place was somewhat disorganized and cluttered. There was no evidence of floral arrangements or other attractive displays, other than a few pots of colorful flowers along the wall. I made my suggestion, tactfully, I hoped, and the owner replied that she is going to completely redo the place next week. I asked her if anyone was going to help her, and she said her contractor was. I thanked her and left., but not before telling her know . I was an image consultant for small businesses. This was a perfect example of how I can help, and what I love to do.

5 signs your retail store needs a makeover | RetailCustomerExperience.com

5 signs your retail store needs a makeover | RetailCustomerExperience.com.

Image may not be enough, but it can be a powerful force to attract what you are looking for. For some, its love - for others, money. Take a shop owner for example. His business is going down the tubes or never really got started. He blames it on the "economy". But if you look around his shop, you see that its unattractive and downright dumpy. Hasn't been painted in years; the furniture is tacky or non-existent. Lighting is inadequate, and the whole atmosphere is cold and uninviting or tired and burned out. The shopkeeper says he doesn't know how long he'll survive. Customers are

fewer and fewer, and his prices are dropping lower and lower. Where can a business like this go but down?

Well, if he could see the shop as others see it, it would be like giving
sight to the blind. Because he is, truly, blind.

I'd like this column to focus on image in a positive way = because although focusing on image doesn't make us more human, or our businesses more sustainable, it can attract more of the things we want.