How do you develop and maintain your professional network and learning in merchandising strategy?
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One of the best ways to expand your network and learn from your peers is to join professional associations and groups related to merchandising strategy. These can be local, national, or international organizations that offer membership benefits, events, publications, certifications, and networking opportunities. For example, you can check out the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), or the Association for Retail Environments (ARE). You can also join online groups and forums on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Reddit, where you can exchange ideas, insights, and feedback with other merchandising strategists.
Another way to grow your network and learning is to attend industry events and webinars that cover topics relevant to merchandising strategy. These can be trade shows, conferences, workshops, seminars, or online sessions that showcase the latest trends, best practices, case studies, and innovations in merchandising strategy. For example, you can attend the Retail Innovation Conference, the Retail Merchandising and Marketing Conference, or the NRF Big Show. You can also look for webinars hosted by experts, vendors, or media outlets that offer valuable information and insights on merchandising strategy.
A third way to enhance your network and learning is to follow thought leaders and influencers who are recognized as experts or authorities in merchandising strategy. These can be bloggers, podcasters, authors, consultants, or speakers who share their knowledge, opinions, and experiences on merchandising strategy. For example, you can follow Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, who offers advice and tips on retail sales, marketing, and merchandising. You can also follow Doug Stephens, the Retail Prophet, who explores the future of retail and consumer behavior. You can also follow other merchandising strategists who work for leading brands or agencies and learn from their successes and challenges.
A fourth way to improve your network and learning is to take online courses and certifications that can help you develop or update your skills and knowledge in merchandising strategy. These can be free or paid courses or certifications offered by reputable institutions, platforms, or organizations that cover various aspects of merchandising strategy. For example, you can take the Retail Merchandising course by edX, the Merchandising Strategy course by Coursera, or the Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM) certification by the American Purchasing Society (APS). You can also look for other courses or certifications that suit your interests and goals.
A fifth way to boost your network and learning is to seek mentorship and feedback from someone who has more experience or expertise in merchandising strategy. This can be a senior colleague, a manager, a coach, or a consultant who can offer you guidance, support, and constructive criticism on your work and career. You can also seek feedback from your customers, suppliers, partners, or peers who can provide you with different perspectives and insights on your merchandising strategy. You can ask for mentorship and feedback through formal or informal channels, such as meetings, emails, surveys, or reviews.
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I would argue that your network of (internal) mentors gives you the least difficult and most effective way of driving your merchandising learning and development. Particularly within your current role, these are people you work with on a daily basis who have a keen insight into your behavior. Both senior colleagues as well as peers can give you: - Valuable feedback on your performance at work - Guidance on blind spots in your development - Support with skills you are struggling with These colleagues can accelerate your growth tremendously as they can be very specific with their feedback as it relates to your exact situation given that they work alongside you.