It all starts with a great team, an accommodating assistant, and open communication. If it is good news-- tell me; If it is bad news also tell me, as that is what I am going to do for you. Take your loyal partnerships and make an effort to expand on them. When there are collections that are performing ask for line extensions. If you have specific margin requirements, discuss them as they should not be a secret. The customers that discuss margin, sell through, best sellers etc are always selling more then the ones that want to be secretive.

Look for that great new vendor/supplier, as you never know where that next winning collection will come from. If a vendor has called you, emailed you, been quietly persistent with you invite him or her in for a meeting. I bet more times then not, you'll learn something and perhaps find that next winning collection. If I look back over past years successes, many of them started with one buyer taking a chance and believing that our products would sell. Many times that buyer was called-- five, six, or seven times before I could get an appointment. Thankfully, for both of us, I made that seventh call!

It reminds me of that "cold call" I made to a gal 12 years ago. I was hesitant to make it, was very busy building my business relationships, and did not think that I had much time for 'outside interference.' Well, I eventually made that call and today have two beautiful children with that gal I cold called 12 years ago. Thank goodness I made that call!

Happy Selling and Happier Buying-  JM