Planning has been difficult over the last two years. What most of us have learned is a valuable skill: adaptability. To pivot, adjust, and/or learn a new role within the office due to staff shortages, you’ve probably mastered a skill you only occasionally used or taught yourself something you had previously hired someone else to do. Embracing change can be refreshing and lead to better morale.

TRENDING VIDEO ➤ JOIN SHEENA ON SOCIAL.

The #EBOpticalChecklist is breaking out of each issue with a monthly digital episode for our social channels. Join optical pro Sheena Taff as she applies these checklist items to real-world scenarios. Watch on EB’s Instagram (@eyecarebusinessmagazine) and TikTok (@eb_mag).

 

WEEK 1: PREP FOR VISION EXPO.

Vision Expo East is on our radar! Will you be there? Downloading the app and creating a plan prior to departure will allow you to optimize your time at the trade show.

□ Visit ShopVision365.com to get a sneak peek of optical styles and brand identities, then book appointments to see those collections in person. Do not risk missing a collection because you didn’t make arrangements.

□ Social interaction is what we’ve been missing most about live events. Make a list of people you want to connect with. Reach out and plan to meet.

□ Not attending Vision Expo East in person? Refer to the schedule and book time to catch livestreams of panels and educational events at Vision Expo and shop via the ShopVision365.com platform 24/7.

WEEK 2: KEEP COLLABORATING.

Sales consultants are your partners. To ensure collaboration and the success of the collection and products in your practice, equal effort should be demonstrated by everyone involved.

□ Create a spreadsheet of all your vendors, updated rep contact information, online B2B website and login information, customer service numbers, and return shipping addresses.

□ Stop avoiding calls, emails, and drop-ins from sales reps and send out an email to express your preferred method and frequency of contact (make sure your staff are not acting as gatekeepers, keeping you from vendors).

□ Shop around. Don’t settle for doing business with vendors who are MIA until it’s time to buy something. On the flip side, don’t be dismissive with your reps until you need a favor.

WEEK 3: CELEBRATE STAFF.

Cleaning up employee morale is as important as physically cleaning the practice. Checking in and asking employees what their favorite role is might surprise you and offer opportunities for growth.

□ Although many aspects of a position are required, adding more of what people enjoy can spark a new attitude. Ask each employee their favorite and least favorite parts of their job.

□ Many of us experienced working on a skeleton staff due to illness. Schedule training sessions to ensure each employee understands the fundamentals to keep the practice doors open.

□ Show gratitude and appreciation to staff. Write a thank-you card, announce praise on your staff communication board, or post on the business social media pages sharing a situation when staff has gone above and beyond.

WEEK 4: PINPOINT PRODUCT.

Vendors are releasing a plethora of new products. Before you book appointments in-store or at Vision Expo East, it’s important to take stock of what you have and plan for what you need.

□ Through your inventory program, pull a slow-movers report and sales analysis by brand. Which brands are performing best and which styles or brands are not turning with frequency?

□ Ensure your website has a “new arrivals” tab or banner featuring fresh products. Update it regularly (once a week, to keep people checking back). Six to 12 items are all you need to encourage return website traffic.

□ If you have been making room in preparation for spring buying and have empty slots, be strategic, merge them together, and add signage that new styles are coming soon.