What Have I Learned?

I left Providence Running Company at the end of April, and have been on my break as I get ready to work for Fleet Feet. I've had time to do some thinking about what lessons learned from this experience in Rhode Island. So it's time to share what I learned(or re-learned) .....

1) Know your customer. I will be a tad critical of my former employer in this aspect, you really need to know who your customer is. You need to know what they use, and what they don't use. If you truly are the nimble company you claim to be, then you have to listen to your front line staff is working with the customer day in and day out. I think my former employer used to know, but as they hire more and more non-running industry, or related people, they are getting away from really knowing what is needed. Market analysis can only tell you part of the story.

2) Put your money where your mouth is, or it's just talk. There is so much I wanted to do in the community, but my hands were continually tied. Rhode Island is a community of who you know. I came here not knowing anyone, and I needed time to get into to community and meet face to face with businesses, organizations and people. I was not allowed that time. I was told at one point, "Just make phone calls." In the age of social media, and less interaction, I get what I was told, but still a lot of business gets done face to face. People want to know the person they are dealing with. You can tell a story much better one on one, or in small groups, then a conference call. Invest in your community be being part of the community.

3) Not every idea is a great one. Case in point - in store events. Lord knows I tried, but time and time again, I would only get one or two people. Scavenger Hunts, Chili Runs, Wine Runs, can be great ideas, in this case, they weren't. I attribute to not knowing 100% my first two points above as part of the reason for the failures. I also think I didn't think them all the way through.

4) Organization - I've been better organized, and I feel I somehow dropped the ball on not being as organized as I have been. Note to self....a file cabinet it there for a reason.

5) Not Everything is a Battle - my former peers would tell you, quite a bit upset me. I'm known as a choose your battles guy, but when I was confronted in incompetence, everything was a battle for me. It added stress to my life, and made my workplace not as fun.

6) Always be helpful - this was a re-learn. I always wanted to help my staff, my peers, my company. Offering assistance in the long run helps you. It's like good karma, you build it, and things have a way of working out for you.

I'm sure there are a few more lessons, but these immediately came to mind. Now I move on to Carrboro refreshed, happy, and excited. Clean slates are a good thing.

Charlie