In episode 34 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Jason Baylis, President of Great Lakes Data Systems, to discuss a unique perspective on the buzzword AI. Jason sheds light on how AI can be utilized as a support and intelligence tool, rather than just a standalone program or robot.

Tune in to this insightful discussion that delves into the practical applications of AI in the retail and hospitality sector.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:09] The buzzword AI perspective.

[00:06:55] Using AI as a tool.

[00:09:22] AI agent learning habits.

[00:15:45] A new maintenance program.

[00:20:33] Supporting small businesses.

[00:22:30] Building trust with clients.

QUOTES

• "If I don't start somewhere, you're going to go down the rabbit hole of all the things you can and can't do, and you'll never implement anything. It's really that definition kind of like insanity, really, you keep going." - Jason Baylis
• “Making a difference for those who make a difference, right? That's what we're here for…So it's like, I'm going to make you change how you're used to doing it, but I'm going to show you that you might actually be able to save some money with me.” - Jason Baylis

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Jason Baylis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-baylis-43b06844/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Great Lakes Data Systems: https://www.glds.net/

In episode 33 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer discusses the crucial role of procedures in the retail and hospitality industries. From ensuring consistency and customer satisfaction to risk management and adaptability, well-defined procedures are essential for success.

Tune in now to gain valuable insights and tips for implementing effective procedures in your own business.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:02 - Introduction to Retail Checks and Balances

00:00:31 - Importance of Business Procedures

00:01:17 - Consistency in Service and Operations

00:03:18 - Training and Onboarding

00:04:03 - Adaptability and Updating Procedures

00:04:48 - Risk Management

00:05:22 - Customer Satisfaction

00:06:07 - Summary and Conclusion

00:07:15 - Closing Remarks

QUOTES

• “While having set procedures is important, It's equally vital to review and update them regularly because sometimes we may have missed something and we need to make sure that this procedure is tweakable depending on the situation.”
• “From the moment a customer enters your store, or hotel or restaurant to the time they leave. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a positive impression. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.”
• “By investing time and effort into developing and maintaining these procedures, business can not only survive but thrive in competitive markets.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 32 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer dives into the importance of customer appreciation events in the retail and hospitality industry. From open houses to exclusive product launches, Kevin explores various ways businesses can show gratitude to their clients and strengthen relationships.

Tune in to discover why customer appreciation events are crucial for building loyalty and engagement, as well as practical tips for planning and executing successful events.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:53 - Importance of Customer Appreciation Events

00:01:14 - Types of Customer Appreciation Events
00:02:08 - Strategic Importance of Customer Appreciation
00:02:51 - Planning the Event
00:03:02 - Knowing Your Audience
00:03:12 - Setting a Budget
00:03:24 - Choosing the Right Venue
00:03:46 - Sending Invites Early
00:04:32 - Engaging with Guests
00:04:43 - Creating Memorable Moments
00:05:25 - Recognition Awards
00:05:36 - Marketing the Event
00:05:58 - Ending with a Bang
00:06:41 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

QUOTES

• "Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers, and customer retention is great for your brand."
• “Giving customers plenty of notice to plan their attendance can make a difference in the turnout itself. Provide value, offer something value, whether it's a free product, exclusive information or memorable experience when it comes to giving gifts or keep customers excited and engaged.”
• "Whatever you think is great to make your event stand out and powerful and show customers your care. And they would see that you were investing time and effort into these events and building stronger relationships, foster loyalty, and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 31 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer discusses IT system and user errors, exploring the common mistakes and their impacts on businesses. He provides insights on how organizations can mitigate these errors through user-friendly design, comprehensive training programs, and implementing safeguards.

Tune in to learn about successful strategies for reducing user errors and improving efficiency.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:15] User errors in IT systems.

[00:07:37] Practical steps to reduce errors.

[00:11:01] System errors and user errors.

QUOTES

• “Investing in user-friendly system design is crucial. So your users must be able to be comfortable or it should be intuitive and provide clear feedback from everyone to whoever is selecting the system.”
• “Sometimes misconfiguring system settings, whether it's from the, you know, the complexity of the system, These type of errors can lead to data loss, security breaches, operational disruptions, which can be costly for a business.”
• “So you got to make sure on the system side that you're protected in terms of infrastructure from any sort of virus.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 30 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Stewart Townsend, CEO of Podcast Hawk, as he shares his journey from selling steel to founding a podcast SaaS product, offering valuable insights into the podcasting and SaaS sectors.

Tune in as they discuss the importance of time management, personal passions like car shows, and reflections on life and work balance.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:28] From Steel Sales to Podcasting.

[00:04:46] Podcasting and Lead Generation Strategies.

[00:08:53] Importance of Using a Calendar.

[00:14:33] Legacy and Impact.

[00:16:38] Art and Collectibles Hobby.

[00:20:05] Charity Car Show Achievement.

[00:24:19] Taking Risks and Breaking Boundaries.

QUOTES

• "I'm not designed to be very good at investments or making decisions at that time of life. And then for the last sort of five or six years, I've got my own consultancy working with smaller software companies, helping them grow sales teams.” - Stewart Townsend
• "There's no point in working 89 hours a day if you could do it in three. Don't feel guilty. You can do it in three. Just work. Do it in three. Get on with it." - Stewart Townsend

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Stewart Townsend

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewarttownsend

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcasthawk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewarttownsend/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Stewart Townsend: https://stewarttownsend.com/

Podcast Hawk: https://podcasthawk.com/

In episode 28 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Robert Gerov, president of Robert Gerov Media (RGM), as he shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful business in lead generation. They discuss the importance of lead generation in today's digital marketing landscape, the impact of AI on the industry, and the personal touch that sets businesses apart.

Tune in to learn about the future of lead generation, the challenges Robert has faced in his career, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:33] College Degree Dilemma.

[00:07:06] Misconceptions in Digital Marketing.

[00:13:00] AI Impact on Future Jobs.

[00:15:39] AI in Customer Service.

[00:18:56] Family and Hobbies.

[00:24:46] Lead Generation and Tracking Advice.

QUOTES

• “We take full responsibility and we make sure that everything is functioning the way it should be and progressing the way it should be on a very uptrend.” - Robert Gerov
• “We always want to make sure that we have a balance in terms of personal and work balance because that's how we keep the stress away because we can get stressed out at work. And then we have things that we enjoy that takes that out of us. And, you know, I think a lot of people should take that message of being, have that balanced work-life going.” - Kevin Spencer
• "Lead generation is not so complicated. But one thing that people tend to overcomplicate is tracking. Tracking should always remain simple. Find a simple, dynamic number insertion tool, like CallRail, for example, that can keep track of where your leads are coming from, keywords, sources, campaigns, et cetera, all in one place, so that whatever you're doing, you already know where your money is best spent." - Robert Gerov

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Robert Gerov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertGerovMedia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rgerov/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgerov/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Robert Gerov Media: https://robertgerov.com/

In episode 28 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer delves into the evolution of point of sale (POS) computer technology in the retail and hospitality industry. He highlights the importance of POS systems in making transactions smooth and efficient, from the days of the cash register to the current self-service era.

Tune in to learn more about this pivotal aspect of business operations.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:07] Evolution of Point of Sale.

[00:07:00] Evolution of POS Systems.

[00:10:45] Exciting Time for PX Technology.

QUOTES

• "Now inventory could be tracked in real-time, sales data could be analyzed, and understanding customer behavior and the overall customer experience improved significantly. It was indeed a game changer."
• “Let's not forget about the role of data analytics. Pure systems gather a wealth of data that has to crunch and drive business decision-making, you know, from inventory management to personal marketing campaigns, because there's so much in terms of that device has to hold a database, whether it's on the cloud or sometimes it's local on the device.”
• “So having a device that can handle all this technology is really where you want to choose the correct partner. And at the end of the day, there are so many devices out there, so many manufacturers of devices, you got to pick the one that fits. your operations.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 27 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Cindy Maricle from Abundant Living Naturally to discuss her journey from medical technology to natural wellness support using essential oils. Cindy shares her personal experience of finding natural solutions to health issues and the importance of knowing the source of essential oils for therapeutic results.

Tune in as they dive into the trends in the natural wellness industry and the future of holistic health.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:00] Natural Wellness and Essential Oils.

[00:07:37] Trends in the Industry.

[00:10:15] Integrity of Essential Oils

[00:16:37] Live Blood Cell Analysis.

[00:20:56] Neutralizing Lactic Acid in Muscles.

QUOTES

• “I have a lot of passion because I have found there are ways that you can support your body naturally to do what it's designed to do, which is heal itself. Not always, but often we can avoid unnecessary interventions.” - Cindy Maricle
• "You just need to really find a company you trust. And so that's what I do. I educate. I love to help people know what to do for themselves." - Cindy Maricle
• "One of my favorite quotes is the definition of success is the continual progressive movement towards a worthy ideal. I kind of didn't quote it correctly, but it's when you don't quit, but you continue to make progress towards a goal. That is an ideal that you want to trade your life for, and for me, I want to empower people to feel better, look better, and live better naturally." - Cindy Maricle

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Cindy Maricle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy.maricle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.maricle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-maricle/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Cindy Maricle: https://cindymaricle.com/