Day 1. Show up.

?Today I am thinking about the value of communication and conversation. Communication should be at center of everything we do. When we open ourselves to the power that shared knowledge can bring, we open a world of possibilities.

I recall vividly a conversation I had with NBDA Board Treasurer and Owner of Chain Reaction Cycling and Fitness Georgia, Phil Cohen, this past summer. We were headed to SLC leaving the Big Gear Show, and chatting about the work we were doing at the NBDA and the programs we were putting in place for our retailers and association members. He asked me what my vision was and where we were headed.

My answer described making opportunity for retailers to learn from other retailers and for vendors, suppliers, and association members to sit with retailers and learn firsthand what they need to be most successful. That my goal was to create platforms that allowed for open communication so we all, retailers, suppliers, industry partners alike, could thrive.

As a bike shop owner, you are not alone facing daunting challenges despite a reinvigorated surge in cycling interest and outdoor activity. The key to surviving and thriving is connecting with fellow shops to ensure your shop connects with your surrounding community in an always moving forward relevant manner. The value of Peer-to-Peer learning and accountability has been proven as one of the top ways to improve both professionally and personally. The bicycle industry continues to flex at record pace and having access to conversations with other retailers, learning from their success and failures can be a huge win for you when considering the next best step.??

Over the past year the NBDA has introduced specific platforms for connecting retailers, brand partners and sales representatives. There is no other spot like this; offering face to face real time authentic conversations.?

Members have monthly access to programs like:?

Monday Mingle?

• Regularly scheduled IBD problem identifying and solving forum that addresses topic like:
• how to maintain shop revenue during slow seasons/supply shortages
• determining what inventory to carry to maximize?ROI
• preparing for/dealing with major brand efforts to sell directly to customers
• transitioning from a paper to paperless maintenance order system
• improving bike repair turnaround efficiency
• shop security
• staff training?
• much more

Mechanics’ Monday

• Regularly scheduled service center focused problem identifying and solving forum that addresses topic like:
• Service center efficiency
• Pricing and labor rates
• Layout and design
• Service center software
• Checklists and organization?
• staff training?
• much more?

Sales Representative Groupthink

• Regularly scheduled Sales Representative focused forum that addresses topic like:
• Communication frequency/ type
• Ways to support Retailers
• Current issues?
• Scheduling Visits?
• Dealer Agreements?
• staff training?
• much more

Fit Friday?

• Regularly scheduled Fit focused problem identifying and solving forum that addresses topic like:
• Fit as a revenue source
• Setting up a fit area/ getting started
• Layout and design
• How to sell fit?
• Special Considerations?
• staff training?
• much more

Mobile Thursday?

• Regularly scheduled Mobile Retailer problem identifying and solving forum that addresses topic like:
• Scheduling and Time Management?
• Reaching new customers?
• Vendor Relations?
• Van customization?
• Offering Fit?
• much more

P2 (Profitability Project)

• Organized groups of non-competing retailers focused on deep dive conversations to change the way they do business (additional fee required) :
• Retail Toolkit Data Dashboard Included
• Monthly Topics designed to cultivate impactful conversations
• In person group meetings?
• Email support between meetings?
• Considered your personal advisor board
• much more

We all have peer relationships that add value and richness to our lives. As friends and teammates we can share experiences, provide support and give advice. As a business owner, finding valuable peer business relationships and opportunities for sharing and learning can be very difficult. A business owner often must rely on their own abilities and experience to make decisions regarding important business issues, tactics or strategy. They certainly can and do solicit input from subordinates, however, the perspective and advice of a successful and experienced peer can be extremely valuable and help avoid costly mistakes. Organized peer groups can offer tremendous opportunities for mutual support, learning, advice, and different perspectives for a business owner, executive or manager.

On this morning’s run I was reflecting on what we have created to allow for this conversation to occur. I also brainstormed on how we can do more. Yesterday I listened to a podcast that mentioned the 30/30/30 rule. As leaders, managers, retailers, marketers, and humans it is good to be aware that they say that 30% of people pay attention to what you do, 30% have no idea what you are doing, and 30% don’t like what you are doing. I am not sure where the other 10% are, but I do know that I would love more NBDA members to take part in what we are doing. To show up at the peer-to-peer opportunities that take place. I truly believe this is where the magic happens.

The best way to take the next step forward, is to show up. Members can register for all events online at?nbda.com.