First up – I think back rooms are not good in retail businesses. They attract stock, paperwork and people – all three of which should be on the shop floor. That said, I understand most newsagencies have one and the owners probably think a back room is vital to the business.

No matter where it is – at home or the shop – make your back room a place of inspiration. On the walls have images, posters and other items to inspire you. On your desk have items that inspire you. These could be photos, cards, postcards, clippings from newspapers or magazines, items you have collected on your travels.

The items on your walls and desk should be personal, reminding you of thoughts, moments and experiences from which you draw inspiration and optimism.

A back room with the right items can be a great place to work on your business.

One comment I from several suppliers at the newsagency suppler management forums I hosted this week was that newsagents don’t embrace training. While this could be said for some newsagents, I know of plenty who do embrace training. I see it myself with the newsagents who do the free training offered by my newsagency software company.

Take the Cut your magazine bill session scheduled for next week. It has only three spots left. The week later, the Loyalty marketing session is full.

I encourage more newsagent suppliers to host free online training. The engaged newsagents will take it up, learn and benefit. The unengaged will ignore it and, eventually, complain that others are treated differently to them.

To suppliers I’d note:  days of dealing with all newsagents the same are over. Newsagents who are more engaged are more valuable to themselves, their employees and their suppliers. This is not about size, it’s active engagement in transforming your newsagency to a brighter future.

Engaged newsagents embrace training and other engagement opportunities from any supplier and all you need for this to be successful is a small pool.

Perth. Thursday March 26. 10am.  NEXT WEEK.
Country Comfort Inter City. Great Eastern Highway Perth.

Join me for a look at the state of the newsagency channel, trends impacting on us and how we can create stronger and more valuable businesses.

I will share specific insights relevant to newsagents and detail opportunities available to newsagents to attract new shoppers and to improve what we make from existing shoppers. I’ll back this with data from some newsagency businesses growing against the channel average.

This will be a practical session from which you will have ideas you can implement right away. It is for newsagents who want to improve their businesses. Content will be challenging and truthful. Practical opportunities will be shared including changes you can make right away without having to join a group or deal with a specific supplier.

If you are doing it tough, not sure of future plans for your newsagency or not making what you want / need to make from your business, this would be a good workshop to attend.

Participation is FREE. The session will run for around two hours.

Any newsagent is welcome to attend. Click here for the booking form, or email your details to bookings@towersystems.com.au

This Perth event is the first of a national series. Later in the series, the workshop will be videoed and this made available. Future locations will include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Parramatta, Geelong, Launceston.

I own Tower Systems which has its newsagency software in 1,800+ newsagencies and owns 50% of newsXpress with 180+ newsagency locations. I also owns two newsagencies and writes at www.newsagencyblog.com.au. I’ll draw on all this in the context for the sessions