As the season changes dramatically I am now listening to the steady beat of the rain on the glass roof of the conservatory whilst catching up on my book proof reading, notes and inspirations of the last few months.
On my desk is a copy of Mary Portas new book I Shop, Therefore I am. I've just finished reading this gem and ready to jump up to put the new ideas which have been generated as I devoured her words. I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with her at the Gardners Trade Conference this year. What a woman she is!
She talks about creativity, corporate values, which never seem to help business grow with intuition and wonder always the balance sheet and profit margin, which is important to some extent, but my business was built on sheer creativity, listening to my customers and changing when I needed to, gut feelings and intuition. Her book talks about trust, desire and loyalty sighting Anita Roddick Body Shop founder in the 1980's as the most radical but simple idea of a 'do no harm' brand which developed into a global phenomenon which we all still love today.
One of the topic's Mary talks about is if you are in doubt about your product or display go walk the shop floor and feel the vibe. This is something I do on a regular basis it not only keeps me in touch with my customers but I can see what is working, what people are looking at and enjoying. If an area is not working I can change it.
This afternoon I am going to do just this, I have had an idea to make a winter garland over the front of the shop, so material gathered I will be up the ladder and spreading leaves, lights and love over our book shop world, on the inside I might add, in the warm away from the weather.
Stay safe and dry till we catch up again, love Diane
