Learning another language? Learning some type of coding? Writing skills?
I guess I'm just looking to get ahead a bit more. It's competitive these days.
Product knowledge, and drop dead customer service.
You can have a satisfied customer who will make a purchase at another store.
But the loyal customer will always come back to you even if your a little higher on price.
In today's marketplace it is ridiculous the lack of service and knowlage the average salesperson exhibits.
Invest in quality people who are mature,there is nothing worse to go ask the 19 year old sales person a question ,and have them give you the deer in the headlights look.
Advertising is expensive, with going out of your way to accommodate a customer they will spread the word.
Your cost of good service is a fraction of what advertising cost,and the rate of return is much higher.
Product knowledge and customer service will set you apart from the competition, it will make you the authority in your market.
A simple marketing plan that keeps your name in the minds of your customers can be very effective.
New computer programs will always cost you money,their price and the learning curve will disrupt your sales.
New employees during training will do the same thing.
I advise employing some older more experienced people in general,even if they don't know your product they catch on fast.
Older people are better athan building relationships than kids and often do not need overtime.
I don't know the age of your customers, but even if the average was 21 a 30 year old could build that critical bridge between a sale today and a future sale.