Advocacy Articles

It Could Happen to You...Be Ready!
By Mark Palmore, Institutional Store Advocate and Executive Director

At Connect2One we are very serious about the issue of helping stores stay institutional/self-op.  In recent weeks I have had numerous discussions with store managers regarding outsourcing.  Is it picking up, is it slowing down, what is the trend?  The simple answer; the two companies that are aggressively working on your administration to lease your store are making every effort to succeed.  Don’t let it get you down, meet the threat head on by making sure you are ready before the call comes from your boss that your institution is considering outsourcing. 

There is an old saying in sports that goes something like this, “the best defense is a good offense.”  Don’t be afraid to be the aggressor and save your store BEFORE it is even at risk.  I recommend that you strongly consider hiring a consultant to review your store operations, listen to their advice and make the changes they recommend.  We have a number of companies that we recommend that are fiercely independent and know their stuff when it comes to college stores.  If a consultant is not in your budget, get in the car and visit other local stores, including lease stores for ideas on how you can improve the look and success of your store and then get creative, have fun and make your store better tomorrow than it is today! 

No store is safe.  Constantly challenge yourself and store staff to be thinking how can we improve to better meet the needs of our students, faculty, and staff while exceeding the goals set by our administration.  It Could Happen to You….Be Ready!