Lisa Bartlett - Podcast Details

Shows

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast2023 Recap & Looking to 2024 in LightingNavigating the shifting tides of the lighting industry is no small feat, and as I peer into the rearview mirror of the past year, I'm struck by our collective resilience. Even as we missed the zenith of success from previous years, there's a spark of optimism for what 2024 holds, despite the perplexing economic signals and the shadow of an election year. In a candid sharing of my journey, I unravel the knots of undergoing a major software transition in my showroom, a process that has been both draining and invigorating. And as the possibility of rekindling our podcast in...2023-12-2841 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastImplementation Update & Service Add-ons for ShowroomsIf you noticed there was no LWL episode last week, it is because I was mid-implementation of NetSuite with not an ounce of energy to spare. Listen now for an update on our process PLUS a great listener tip that I elaborate on to drive add-on services (and a much needed margin boost and competitive advantage) for your showroom. What add-ons does your showroom provide? Let me know! Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2023-12-1234 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastSocial Media : The Hard TruthAre you weary of cookie-cutter content and impersonal posts that are plaguing your social media experience? Do you feel like the lighting industry is lagging behind in effectively harnessing social media's full potential? Yeah, I am too. So heading into 2024, let's rethink our approach, identify our end goals, and shake things up a bit to tap into the enormous potential of this digital platform. As an additional challenge : DM me or comment below and tag an account who is doing a great job with their social media content so we can all #beinspired.Thank you to ...2023-11-2836 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastHoliday Gifting: Move From Autopilot to Thoughtful ChoicesIt's time once again to plan your holiday gifts for your best customers and staff too. This year, let's challenge the autopilot mode most of us fall into during the holiday season, and let's question if our annual gifts to clients and employees are truly expressing our sentiments of appreciation and thanks. This episode promises to provide a fresh perspective on how to make meaningful decisions that resonate with your clients and team members, and to help make everyone's holiday just a little brighter. What about custom, uniques gift baskets for top-tier customers; and what are the...2023-11-2134 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastFeeling Overwhelmed? Same.Facing challenges in your business? A storm of one's own making or something external? Me too. I'm opening up in this episode about my recent work life (and complete lack of balance) in an effort to make us all feel a little less alone. Sharing is indeed caring. Also, it's vital we talk about our individual as well as industry-wide challenges in a non-confrontational and positive manner – it's our key to understanding and long-term success. Come along on this journey with me as I candidly discuss industry issues, personal struggles, and finding that elusive balance.Thank you to...2023-11-1436 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastReview and Refresh : Your Customer's JourneyWhen was the last time you were a customer in your own business? Not as an expert in what you do but as a true never-before-visited customer? This episode talks it through and highlights the importance of excellent service and how our immersion in the professional sphere can often lead to a disconnect with the consumer's experience. Can you pinpoint areas ready for improvement; and is it maybe something you wouldn't expect? Listen in as we evaluate our own experiences as customers, using those insights to rethink our businesses.Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring thi...2023-11-0736 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastMargins, Margins, MarginsBrace yourself, as we're about to set off on an electrifying journey, illuminating the intricacies of boosting margins in the lighting industry. We'll unearth how market changes disrupted traditional pricing structures, causing a 'margin squeeze' for conventional showrooms, coupled with other industry-wide changes to the distribution landscape. But don't worry, our conversation extends to how to keep your business glowing, with many suggestions and thoughtful strategies that will help you stay competitive and profitable in your brick and mortar showroom business. Have a great tip to share? Email me!Thank you to Fanimation f...2023-10-3137 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastMaximizing Efficacy: Training Strategies for Lighting Sales StaffToday's episode highlights the challenges and potential solutions for training sales staff in the toughest category we face : lighting & fan technical expertise. We explore the importance of effective training, discussing the balance between overwhelming information and insufficient training and how we can optimize this for maximum effectiveness.The episode takes a deep look at the difficulties of training salespeople in specialty businesses like showrooms. It's a delicate balancing act of providing enough information without drowning the trainees. I share some strategies to better position your sales team to provide expert advice and how to equip them with t...2023-10-2433 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastIndustry-Wide SuccessThe LSA AR & 3D model program has officially launched and I am jazzed about it! So much so, that this episode is an audio "white paper" on the benefits of this program and why this opportunity to do this as the lighting & fan industry only leads to success all around. Instead of benefiting just one company's marketing team in a small way, this is a powerful sales tool already in use by showrooms across the country and that will only continue to grow. And the marketing teams get to use it too, of course. Win-win all around and leadership...2022-11-2224 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Struggle is RealWell friends, I have to admit, the inspiration just wasn't popping this week for the podcast and I realized -- that's what I need to speak about. What do you do when you're on the "struggle bus?" How do you overcome the feeling of "this just isn't working out like I planned" and learn and grow and carry on? And perhaps the most important thing to know is that you're not alone when these moments of real challenge hit. I'd love to hear from y'all with your strategies and ideas for picking yourself up and moving forward when the "...2022-11-1521 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastAccountability StrategiesWhen you own your own business or are similarly self-employed, how to do you maintain accountability? What strategies work to keep yourself motivated and on task? In this episode, I discuss several ways I hold myself accountable plus a few other ideas but I really can't wait to hear your feedback -- how do you hold yourself accountable in your job? What pushes you to put in the extra effort and work when no one else is looking? Is it financial reward? Something else? Let me know and hopefully we can all find a new way to create accountability an...2022-11-0822 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastChallenge to Change2022 is rapidly heading to a close and as we all look at the past year and think about the coming one, I want to challenge us all, as an entire industry, to do some deep reflection and accept some change in 2023. Let's look at spaces where we can all improve and work on investing time and energy (and probably some money too) into making changes and finding new opportunities. It is so easy to remain in our status quo that is working for us "right now" but we all know the real opportunity is in growth and that usually...2022-11-0122 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastGenerating In Store TrafficSo the holiday season is upon us again, and I don't know about you, but getting customers into the showroom sometimes seems like the biggest challenge from mid-November through New Year's. In this episode, I talk about the importance of planning your annual in-store promotions and events in order to keep a continual flow of "feet in the door" to support your lighting showroom, even during historically slower seasons. I also share several ideas for generating foot traffic that have worked for other independent lighting retailers. Let me know your favorite promotional activities for your showroom and I'll share...2022-10-2523 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastVacation Fallout?So, my extended vacation is over and you might be wondering -- did I even have a business left to come back to? The answer is a big YES and I couldn't be more pleased with how my professional world carried on during my absence. I also had the great mental reset that I knew I needed but was apprehensive about taking. If you are wrapped up in the doldrums of your day-to-day work life, I totally recommend a true break like this -- you'll be amazed at what comes up and the positive impact it can have on y...2022-10-1824 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastQuiet Quitting & Employee AppreciationWe've all heard about it and as a manager, you've definitely experienced it, the employee who "quietly quits" and stops doing anything beyond the bare minimum of their job responsibilities. Perhaps just a sign of burn out or the need to increase everyone's feeling of value as team member, but regardless, ending up with dissatisfied team members (and worse, managers) can have a big negative impact on any business. How to we lead with passion that all of our colleagues can appreciate and share in too? Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-10-1121 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastDiscounting: More Harm than Good?Discounts are seemingly ubiquitous these days, but should they be? There's definitely a place for them with obsolete merchandise, but what about in new-to-market goods? Are we actually doing our businesses and industry more harm than good with perpetual sales? Can we outsell our profit margin losses to remain viable? Let me know what you think on this one! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-10-0424 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastEight Practices of Effective LeadersThrough another podcast, I was recently turned on to Peter Drucker's Eight Practices of Effective Executives and a lot of this list really resonated with me as I continue on my leadership journey. I wanted to share the list here as I know many of us are not born leaders, but have become one along the way out of necessity. This list renewed my commitment to focus on opportunities; to engage and learn and grow and spend time with the activities that energize me and find constructive ways to re-assign tasks that drain my capabilities rather than enhance them. 2022-09-2721 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastTake a Vacation!I am pre-recording several Light Files episodes because right now, I am on vacation! And preparing for this time out of the office has been incredibly stressful, but the more I think about it much needed -- and probably is for you too! So here are my thoughts on the importance of time off and I'd love to hear your times for successfully unplugging and stepping away from your day-to-day so that you can come back refreshed, energized and focused! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-09-2020 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhat's Your Superpower (aka Core Competency)?As a leader and as a business, what are your superpowers? The answer, of course, will be different for everyone. It is always important to learn and try new ideas, programs, or skills, but I also think it is critical to know your core competency and really build on that asset first. Your superpower is likely someone else's kryptonite, which just means that we need to support ourselves and businesses by filling in our own blanks with others who complement us. And really "lean in" to what you know you excel at as a leader and business owner. F...2022-09-1322 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastLSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 2This week I cover the rest of the LSA AR program and why I see value for the entire industry with an investment in this program. Ready to sign the petition to let our manufacturers know you're excited for this sales tool? Here's the link! https://form.jotform.com/222353274836155 Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-09-0624 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastLSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 1This week's episode is all about the exciting new LSA Augmented Reality program and why I am so excited to bring this tool to our industry. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-08-3025 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastGetting Out of Our SilosOn a recent Zoom call, I went off on a small tangent about how siloed we can be in the lighting & fan industry and the realization hit me that of course we don't have to be! There is so much we can learn from one another by sharing even small tips and ideas that would encourage us all and help increase our growth. We have so much data, tools, skill, ideas, and opportunity -- we just need to get off our individual islands and collaborate! I believe that if we can strategically do so, our success could grow exponentially. W...2022-08-2322 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastA Shopping Experience AnalyzedI recently had to make a purchase of a major home appliance I was struck over and over by aspects that were very different than how sales and distribution are handled in the lighting & fan industry. There are pros and cons all around, to be sure, but my biggest takeaway is that we are leaving so much partnership opportunity on the proverbial table in the lighting & fan industry. And isn't it time to rethink it all? Let's try something new... and reinforce the oldest and best relationships we have! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-08-1624 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhat's Your Social Media Strategy?What is the social media strategy for your business? Do you have one or do you find yourself, like a lot of us do, posting just to post? Are you working on increasing sales? Branding? Rather than just tick a box on a "to-do" list, it might be worth revisiting your social media strategy to make sure you know your audience(s) and are creating a meaningful connection with them. Be objective -- would you click on your own social media content or would you just pass it by? There's no better time than now to hit "pause" and...2022-08-0923 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastInsights from a ShowroomI recently had a great conversation with Matt Rowan of Dominion Lighting. A new LSA member showroom and recent Showroom of the Year winner, Matt had a lot of useful insight in the experience of a lighting showroom and connecting with customers that really impacted me. We spoke a lot about the importance of learning, sharing, and growing as an industry by supporting one another. Listen now for even more great tidbits learned from this fantastic lighting business! And share your own favorite tip or best practice too by messaging the podcast! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-08-0222 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastCustomer SuccessHow do you set your business up for the maximum amount of success with customers? I think a large part of the answer is by providing your core customers with the experience they need and want. How do they prefer to shop? Is delivery critical? Is a gallery display required? Do they need everything in stock? Whatever the case is for your lighting showroom, I'd encourage us all to focus on how our customers want to buy and how to solve their particular lighting & fan based problems. Build from there in all of your administrative business decisions and you'll...2022-07-2621 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastShow Me Your Showroom InspoI'm ready for some visual merchandising inspo, how about you? This never-ending but important showroom job always benefits from a little outside inspiration, so post your favorite vignettes to Instagram and tag the showroom & @lightfiles (and maybe even @lsamembers too) and let's all gain some ideas and find ways to step up our own visual merchandising. Small steps lead to big changes and what we all want -- more engaged customers who buy more! Can't wait to see how your showroom is stepping up to sell more! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-07-1922 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastTime for ChangeI get it, change is tough. We resist change out of a perceived risk or fear, which is a pretty natural thing. But... we are in need of change in our industry. And achieving change will require a relentless commitment to furthering the core of our industry as a whole, leading to collective and individual success. I've been on this mission for at least five years now, and the good news is that we are all listening to one another but now it is time to put all of that talk and understanding into action... for all of our...2022-07-1224 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastExciting New OpportunitiesJune Lightovation was a whirl for me, but not in the typical showroom "buyer" sense. This June, I was focused on the launch of the Lighting Showroom Association's industry-wide Augmented Reality program. Listen to this episode to learn more and hear why I fully believe in the value of this program and why it is time to bring an initiative like this to our market & industry. I can't wait to share even more about this as the program launches, so stay tuned and contact me for more details. Y'all, this enhancement to our operations is going to be an...2022-07-0523 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastFinding InsiprationWhere do you find inspiration and motivation to keep moving when the well is starting to run a bit dry? Coming off of a week at Lightovation, it seems inspiration is everywhere, but since Markets are infrequent events, where else can we go to find incremental inspiration and ideas to make our businesses better and more successful? Let me know your favorite sources of inspo and I share a few of mine too. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-06-2821 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Buying MindsetAs our industry heads to Lightovation in Dallas this week, I always enjoy the shift to being a buyer and looking at my business from the perspective of a customer and purchaser instead of a manager and distributor. And what I find resonates with me as a buyer, it turns out, also seems to resonate with my own customers. So what can a manufacturer do at Lightovation to generate engagement and create a "sell through" experience that makes it ever easier for a brick and mortar to promote their goods over someone else? Easy doesn't have to mean "without...2022-06-2123 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastCreate an ExperienceThere's been much hand-wringing about the future of brick and mortar businesses, but I say in some ways, the future has never been brighter for us. Focus on your own strengths and create that "magical" in-store experience that you just can't find anywhere else and the customer loyalty will follow. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that humans still love to interact with one another, so let that thought motivate you as you push your showroom to the next level of engagement. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-06-1422 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe One About LampsHow familiar are you with the DoE legislation changes regarding General Service Lamps? If you're not, now is the time to learn and act before the restrictions (and penalties) take effect in July 2023! This episode recaps the pending changes and what it means for you and your showroom and steps you can take now to stay ahead of the rule changes too. Also, be sure to join the Facebook group and share your strategy for not running afoul of the laws before 2023. Can't wait to hear from you on this one! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-06-0722 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Margin QuestionIn this episode, I argue that the biggest ongoing challenge to independent lighting showrooms is the question of margins. How do we improve them collectively as an industry? Showrooms have all been told to pivot and evolve, and many have, but we are still left with the frustration of lower margins of sale and rising expenses and overhead. There's one quick answer here, which would help, but there are also many incremental ways we could improve margins and still maintain a high level of sales, which we all want! I know this is a tough topic so I can't...2022-05-3123 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Everything ShortageThe "everything" shortage continues in nearly every consumer goods industry and I want to know how your business is coping? What changes have you made that you expect to continue even when goods are readily available again? I also discuss a potential softening in our markets and my opinions on what that might mean for lighting showrooms. Finally, I close with my industry-wide request to come together as one to talk to consumers about the importance of great lighting and fans in their homes. Now is the time to explain "why lighting" matters. Join the conversation and tell a...2022-05-2421 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Grab Bag EpisodeThis episode features my new favorite IG account (@blackwhalelights), why manufacturers should at the very least fill out the ALA data file in full, and my experience and frustration with factory changes that can have a big impact at the customer level in the showroom. Please share with me your favorite independent lighting showroom social media account so I can shout them out on the next episode! Join the conversation! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-05-1721 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastEmployee Hiring, Training & RetentionWe are all looking for it in the lighting industry -- the training "easy" button. After a recent Lighting Showroom Association Round Table discussion, I have reached the disappointing conclusion that this easy button doesn't exist for us, but I came away encouraged with a new path for employee hiring, training and retention that will hopefully lead to success not only for me and the business, but importantly, for the entire staff too. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and best practices on this one! It is a collaborative effort, so please join the conversation! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs...2022-05-1022 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastLearning a New SkillWhat new skills or processes or procedures are you learning or working on for your business? What has the new skill taught you about your business? How is it working (or maybe, not working)? In this episode, I recount my recent experience in learning the skill of selling online via Facebook/Instagram and Shopify and thing things I have learned along the way and still have yet to learn! Join the conversation today and every day at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lightfiles Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-05-0323 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Paradox of ChoiceThis week I'm discussing the "Paradox of Choice" as defined by author Barry Schwartz and the impact too much choice can have on everything from our products displays to sales in our showroom. At what point is there just too much choice for our customers? And how to we convince customers to satisfice in their selections rather than stay on the constant (and never-ending) search for perfection? I can't wait to hear your thoughts and examples of too much choice in your showrooms -- message the podcast on Instagram @lightfiles or send me an email lisa@lsamembers.org. F...2022-04-2622 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastHow Much Effort...When do you pull the plug on a sunk cost and just move on? How long to do stick it out for a customer? an employee? a vendor? a sales rep? a manufacturer? We all encounter this question regularly and in this episode I give my take on how much I would invest in each of these partnerships and when it is just time to move on. Join the conversation! Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome! @lightfiles on Instagram or email me lisa@lsamembers.org. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-04-1925 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastFeeling the SqueezeWe know everyone has been feeling the shipping and gas prices squeeze of late, but what can we do about it? Fuel surcharges? Delivery fees? Are there really any viable options for distribution or do we just keep taking the margin squeeze? What solutions have you tried for this problem and what is/isn't working? Can't wait to hear your suggestions and feedback. Join the conversation! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-04-1223 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Ideal Job CandidateHas your idea of the ideal candidate for a sales job changed or evolved over the course of your job? What do you look for now that you didn't at first? Is there a key to finding the perfect team member? This week I'm discussing how a key metric of mine has shifted and I conclude with some encouragement for all of us to break out of the "same old" and try something new in our professional lives. Please let me know your thoughts, I can't wait to hear your hiring best practices and ideas! Join the conversation today...2022-04-0525 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhy (Lighting) Showrooms, Part TwoThis week I revisit the topic of the importance of Lighting Showrooms, but this time with a focus on the showroom-side of the equation. Why are showrooms (particularly lighting ones) still valuable for consumers? What value do they add that consumers can't get elsewhere? What is the key to a great showroom experience? I end with what I see to the biggest challenge to continued showroom shopping behavior. Join the conversation and let me know what you think! I appreciate your continued support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-03-2925 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhy Lighting (Showrooms)It's no secret, independent lighting showrooms are my passion, and for years the Lighting Showroom Association has been circling this marketing concept of "Why Lighting (and Fans and Lamps and Electrical Devices)" to push consumers into our market. In this episode, I review my take on why I think this concept is important and needed in our industry and also why the time is now to finally make it happen. Have a suggestion? Join the conversation! If you'd like to see our original conceptual videos on this, you can see them here: https://pacelighting.com/why-lighting. Fixture Finder Li...2022-03-2224 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhen the Customer Isn't RightSo it has happened to all of us... a toxic customer relationship or one that has stopped working for your business and now seems to cause more harm than good. But what are the signs and what does one do? In this episode, I discuss different reasons that the customer might not be right and invite your feedback on what you did to change this situation and move forward in business. This is definitely a scenario we can learn so much from each other by sharing our experiences, so please do reach out! Thank you, as always, for listening t...2022-03-1524 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhat Can You Let Go?What can you let go of that isn't serving your business? It's a big question with a lot of possible answers, but in this episode, I cover my top four list of things I can let go of in my business and I can't wait to hear your list too! Please email or message me and don't forget to share the podcast too! Join the conversation! All are welcome! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-03-0825 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastExiting a Business: One Person's JourneyWe all think about it as small business owners -- what happens when I'm ready to retire? How do I sell? When? To whom? In this episode, we hear one person's journey in selling a business and lessons learned along the way (including an important nugget about taxes!). Please be sure to subscribe and share! Have a great topic for the Light Files? Message me! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-03-0126 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastIndustry Leadership: Top Down and Bottom UpThis week we are talking about leadership in all of its forms. In what ways does your business lead our industry? What can be learned from your leadership? What can we do better to mutually support one another as we look to continually grow the lighting and fan industry? I believe there is so much opportunity that we are just falling short on, but with some even marginal changes, we can make a big difference in our success as showrooms and an industry at large. Let me know your thoughts! And thank you! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email...2022-02-2223 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastDefining Success in 2022I've been focusing a lot on how my showroom and lighting showrooms in general might define and find success in 2022. Here are my key focuses for the year. What are yours? Am I missing something important? Join the conversation! Thank you as always for your support. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-02-1521 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastTop Notch Service + Rock Bottom PricingThe ongoing challenge to independent lighting showrooms -- the expectation of the best, top-notch service and also to provide rock bottom pricing. I believe we are on a slippery slope of unintended consequences in the lighting industry and we need to take a look a the real threats to all of our businesses and find a way to move forward together and adjust our own expectations but those of our consumers at-large too. I definitely want to hear your thoughts on this one! Message me @lightfiles on Instagram. Thank you so much for your continued support! Don't forget to...2022-02-0822 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastMy Core Beliefs + LightingThe question has arisen lately -- just who do you think you are to be an "industry advocate?" Well, this podcast gives my answer. I love what I do, I love our industry, and I love the positive impact we can all have on humans in this world. Thank you all for your support and for listening! We are all stronger together! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-02-0122 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Data Standards We NeedIn this episode, I list of 15 key pieces of data required for all light fixtures and an additional 10 needed for ceiling fans in order to effectively sell both items in a lighting showroom. Manufacturers, take note! Showrooms, let me know what I missed! My greatest hope is that timely, complete data leads to better, more efficient and successful sales across the board! Thank you all! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-01-2522 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastLightovation Recap & Other MusingsJust a few thoughts on some personal inspiration recently received and my January Lightovation recap. It was so great seeing you and I can't wait to do it again soon! Thanks as always for your support and guidance! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-01-1821 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe One with ZelleRecorded in the Hinkley showroom during Lightovation last week, this episode features LSA Board Member and small business marketing guru, Zelle Duda, from Lighting & Bulbs Unlimited in Charlotte NC. Zelle is full of great ideas for independent lighting showrooms and is definitely on my list of people to watch in our industry! She drops a few great tips for showrooms too! Link for 50% savings on Flodesk from Zelle: https://flodesk.com/c/34QYRY Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-01-1120 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastNew Year's FocusI don't love New Year's resolutions, but I do love to take the opportunity for a new year's re-focus. I review what I'm focusing on in 2022 and what I think our industry should be working on together to grow in partnership this year. What are your opportunities for 2022 as a business? How are you going to grow and become more successful in the new year? Please drop me a line @lightfiles! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2022-01-0421 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhy Not Re-Imagine a Distributor-Manufacturer Partnership?I'm happy to hear that January Lightovation is still a go despite all the latest virus news, so as Market prep hits high gear, I invite everyone to use a fresh perspective on your showroom-manufacturer relationships and really focus on how we can grow and strengthen our business together. It doesn't have to look the same as it always did -- the pandemic has shown us how we can grow and evolve as businesses. So going into 2022, my wish for the industry is that we evolve our partnerships and strengthen them in a way that benefits all parties. Happy...2021-12-2821 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastMarket Prep Time is Here!With just two weeks until Lightovation, it is time to get Market ready! Know your numbers, know your showroom's needs and most importantly -- know your worth! Also, if you want to be featured on an upcoming episode of Light Files, drop me a line and we can meet up in Dallas. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-12-2122 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastIt's the Little ThingsThe littlest things sometimes can make the biggest difference in the successful operation of a lighting showroom. I'm back talking restock fees and how they play into bigger issues in our industry that worry me. It's time to make some changes! Let's take these issues and strengthen our industry together! Thank you for listening and for your support of the podcast! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-12-1423 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastTime to RechargeAfter my extended vacation, I am a complete believer in doing what it is you need to recharge yourself to be a better employer, partner, spouse, friend, or wherever it is that you are feeling a little "burn out" and need to step away (or perhaps, lean in) to gain a fresh perspective. Anxious about what will happen? I sure was! But it turned out better than I could have expected and my business and my own mental health are the better for it. In 2022, I plan to focus more on the work I enjoy and find new ways...2021-12-0722 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWhat Makes a Good Sales Agent?This week, you get my take as a lighting showroom owner on what makes a great lighting sales agent. Everyone has different needs in the showroom so the #1 key seems to be -- meet your customers where they are. Let me know what you think... especially to the scenario I pose at the end of the episode! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-11-2322 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe First Lighting Interview!The first, long-awaited Light Files interview is here! But it was an easy one to get... I just went downstairs! My husband, Frank Bartlett, joins the podcast this week for a quick recap of his time in the lighting business and the pros and cons of booking business with electricians. Plus, he answers the age old showroom question about electricians.... Listen in and let me know what you think about my interviewing skills! Thank you so much for listening! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-11-1624 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastHow Do We Have Fewer Returns?If you're a consumer in the world, returns and refunds are just a part of the shopping experience. Given that fact, how do we partner better in the lighting industry to minimize returns and minimize the risk in sales that come back as returns? What tools do we need on hand to sell goods and minimize the likelihood of a dissatisfied customer? Your feedback on this topic is critical! Send it my way -- @lightfiles on IG or via email. Thank you for your support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-11-0922 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastPOS SystemsToday's discussion is on POS systems in the showroom and the benefits a great POS system can bring to your productivity and efficiency (aka margins). I primarily discuss my own POS, Windward System 5, and the integration with Lights America. What POS system do you use and what are the pros and cons? It's more important than one might think to your success! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-11-0221 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastSuccession PlanningIn the event of a catastrophe does your small business have an exit plan? What about standard long term succession planning? It seems that it is never to start thinking about the end of your professional career, even for independent small business owners (or maybe even more so). Thank you for your support and don't forget to chime in with your own exit planning stories! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-10-2622 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastSaturday Showroom Hours: Yes or No?Is your independent lighting showroom open on Saturdays? Why or why not? If you are open on Saturdays, what are your keys to success? And if you are not open, do you see a negative impact on your business? I tell you all about my Saturday showroom situation -- now tell me yours! You can find me @lightfiles or @lisalightslife. Also, thank you so much to the Patreon podcast supporters -- we are growing and great, exclusive content is coming so visit the link below and join us today! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-10-1923 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastMy Week in Lighting & Lightovation ExcitementI don't know about y'all, but I'm starting to get really pumped about January 2022 Lightovation! I feel like it might be epic. And I could use that jolt of energy after a somewhat mind-numbing week of issues and admin work in the showroom. Anyone else just have days or weeks that are just draining like that? Tell me about it! The community here is what helps make us all better and more connected. Also, there are 13 patron supports of Light Files, we are on our way to 50! Thank you so much for your support!! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Em...2021-10-1223 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastCoping with Loss & the Future of ShowroomsWhat is the future of the lighting showroom? I give my thoughts and suggestions on steps we can take and partnerships to be made. Also, we lost a beloved industry friend this week far too soon, and I just wanted to send love to everyone in the industry as we cope with this loss and others. Thank you for listening and your support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-10-0522 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastIndustry Unity & Data Standard RecsI had some really great conversations with industry partners this week which yet again got my wheels turning about the importance of communicating, having an open mind, and not making assumptions or snap judgements. I also reveal all of the industry data recommendations we unveiled last week -- please share those far and wide and I can't wait to see widespread adoption of all of these important needs. Don't forget #50listenerchallenge and thank you for your support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-09-2821 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastWork-Life Balance and Industry Data StandardsWe all struggle with work-life balance sometimes. Do you have to sacrifice your personal life for success? I recap my latest struggles keeping all of the various jobs in my life afloat. Plus, the LSA has released a great, informative, and important document on industry data standards. I recap some of the suggestions and I look forward to industry-wide adoption of these standards! Thanks, as always, for your support of the Light Files podcast! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-09-2122 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast9/11 Reflection & Profit Margin Tips#50ListenerChallenge continues and thank you to the current podcast supporters! I recorded this episode on Sept 11, so I begin with some quiet reflection on the day and then on to profit margins! A great article in Furniture, Lighting & Decor in September got my wheels turning and I can't wait to hear what you all think about increasing prices, discounting and staff bonuses. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-09-1423 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastThe Truth about Private LabelIt comes up a lot -- what was the deal with that Private Label program? If you have unanswered questions or just want to hear the reasoning behind the attempted trial program, listen in! I cover the program basics, why it was an appealing venture, and the ultimate outcome. Thank you so much for listening and don't forget the #50listenerchallenge is still ongoing! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-09-0723 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastCohesion is KeyDon't forget to join the #50listenerchallege on Patreon! It seems our beloved lighting industry has suffered a long time from a lack of cohesion all around. Lighting Showrooms especially are missing an opportunity to join our voices and work to be better partners all around. Plus -- feeling alone drowning in all your admin work? Well, don't! I'm right there with you. Thank you so much for listening and your support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-08-3122 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast50 Supporter Challenge and More DTC & Partnership ThoughtsLighting Industry, you've been challenged. 50 supporters of this podcast. C'mon, you can do it. Link is below and it takes mere moments to support not just this podcast, but our entire industry. Also, more input on manufacturers selling direct to consumer and how I really think we should be strategically partnering together as showrooms and manufacturers. Don't delay, support today! And THANK YOU! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-08-2424 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastAll the QuestionsThis week, I'm full of questions and would love your feedback! From social media to the economy to re-pricing the showroom (yet again), there's a lot that seems to be hanging over us right now. I don't have all the answers, but I do have some questions -- join me in the conversation! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-08-1721 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastLighting Marriage BootcampI'm just going to ask - do we need lighting industry therapy? Our professional relationships have real fractures and I think this disconnect is trickling down through all parts of our business lives. What can we do to support one another and actually resolve these challenges in our partnerships? Thank you for listening and for your support! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-08-1025 min

Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting PodcastPricing Policies & Vacay UpdateI got some great tips on how to vacay from a Light Files patron member, and I wanted to share those suggestions in case anyone else faces this same challenge. Next up, pricing policies from manufacturers... should policies be different in accordance with different grades of goods? Does a one size fits all pricing policy really work in today's economy? Listen to hear all my thoughts on this one! Let me know what you think too -- follow the podcast and support on Patreon and thank you! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa 2021-08-0322 min