Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast

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Join us at Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast! This is the original podcast for the lighting industry (formerly known as Light Files) welcoming all lighting nerds working at lighting showrooms, as sales agents, for manufacturers to join the conversation! Independent lighting showroom owner and industry advocate Lisa Bartlett hosts a regular discussion of the latest industry news, information, challenges, and trends, always with an eye to the continued success of lighting showroom and the residential lighting industry as a whole.

Lisa Bartlett


    • Dec 28, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 119 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Lighting with Lisa: The Lighting Podcast

    2023 Recap & Looking to 2024 in Lighting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 41:36 Transcription Available


    Navigating 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 February 2024 hangs in the balance, the vitality of our community's input has never been clearer. Your voices fuel this space, and it's this very interconnection that illuminates the path ahead for our industry.The conversation then pivots to the undercurrents of challenge that lighting showroom retailers confront daily. The narrative weaves through the undervaluation of our specialized knowledge, shrinking margins, and the fading of sales tools that were once our mainstay. I dissect the evolving dynamics between manufacturers and showrooms, advocating for 'to the trade certified' partnerships to rejuvenate our sector. With each insight and reflection shared, the episode becomes a call to arms for transparency and alliance. We're not just selling lights; we're safeguarding our expertise and fortifying partnerships that respect the depth of our work. Join me as we illuminate the intricacies of our trade and champion the reciprocal relationships essential for the lighting industry's prosperity.Thank you to Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Implementation Update & Service Add-ons for Showrooms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 34:52 Transcription Available


    If 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

    Social Media : The Hard Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 36:39 Transcription Available


    Are 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 Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Holiday Gifting: Move From Autopilot to Thoughtful Choices

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 34:42 Transcription Available


    It'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 pros and cons of pre-packaged versus personally crafted gifts? The most significant impact of any holiday gesture is one of togetherness and camaraderie. This episode is brimming with holiday insights and inspiration that can positively impact your business relationships into 2024.Thank you to Zastro for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Feeling Overwhelmed? Same.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 36:06 Transcription Available


    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 Lights America for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Review and Refresh : Your Customer's Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 36:03 Transcription Available


    When 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 this episode of Lighting with Lisa!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Margins, Margins, Margins

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 37:46 Transcription Available


    Brace 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 for sponsoring this episode of Lighting with Lisa: the Lighting Industry's Podcast. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Maximizing Efficacy: Training Strategies for Lighting Sales Staff

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 33:11 Transcription Available


    Today'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 the right resources. As we navigate the challenges, we'll also talk about the importance of staff feeling confident enough to engage customers with new or challenging topics, thereby maintaining trust and providing a superior customer experience. Many thanks to this week's sponsor Lights America for their unwavering support of Lighting with Lisa and the entire lighting industry.  Be sure to listen to the episode for their special offer for new and existing customers!  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Transformative Power of Data in Lighting Showrooms

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 30:01 Transcription Available


    Are you poised to revolutionize your lighting showroom with the power of data and robust ERP systems?  We'll delve into the data consistency, examining its need to keep up with the ever-evolving industry standards. Information overload or the lack thereof can be an issue, but what if you had an abundance of searchable and sortable data at your fingertips? What would productivity gains mean to you and your staff? And how do we even quantify our losses due to bad data? The opportunities for improvement are many -- what steps is your showroom taking to update your procedures and deal with your data infrastructure?This week's episode is sponsored by Zastro. Be sure to listen for their exclusive offer for LWL listeners! For more on Zastro and their illumiNet solution, visit: https://zastro.com/illuminet. To set up a demo, please email Heather Mestad. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Showroom Strategizing & Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 28:00 Transcription Available


    Do you struggle with navigating Saturday staffing and hours for your lighting showroom? Dive into the evolution of my own lighting showroom and our journey with Saturday hours. We'll also delve into the challenges and rewards that come with managing a showroom in the residential lighting & fan industry. From the strategic decisions that led to my merchandising changes to the ever-evolving landscape of staff engagement, there is always something new to learn.Are you aware of the numerous networking platforms available for those in the lighting industry? I'll introduce you to invaluable resources like the Fixture Finder group, the Residential Lighting Industry Job Board, and even our LWL Lighting Showrooms group, all on Facebook. These platforms offer a wealth of knowledge and connections to enhance your growth in the industry. Here are the links, please join us!Fixture FinderLighting JobsLWL - Lighting Showrooms Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Closing a Chapter, Beginning a New: Exciting Changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 19:50 Transcription Available


    As the Lighting Showroom Association chapter draws to a close, there is much to celebrate. We've had an enriching six-year journey, creating a legacy with our interactive 3D model and augmented reality program, which is set to expand even further in the coming months. We've built this unique platform thanks to countless members and volunteers, and as we close one chapter, we look forward to our future endeavors. This episode gives you an insider view of our industry's shifting landscape, marking the achievements and milestones we've made along the way.As the Light Files podcast re-launches under the new branding, I'm thrilled to welcome you to a community centered around positivity, idea-sharing, and mutual growth. Picture a space where all things related to the residential lighting industry are up for discussion, from illuminating interviews to bright ideas. Our goal is to cultivate a constructive, positive environment through this podcast, a new private Facebook group, and more to come. So gear up and join this enlightening journey, where every question, suggestion, and innovative thought is welcomed and appreciated. Stay tuned! Let's shine a light on our industry together! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    June Lightovation Recap : Selling to the Trade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 22:44


    A quick Lightovation recap + an extended discussion of the things I learned in the panel discussion for lighting showrooms on how to sell to the design trade. And I'm pleased to announce it was very informative and encouraging! Season One of the Light Files podcast has reached its conclusion -- please share with me your feedback and thoughts for what comes next!   Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Margins, Sales & Other Concerns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 29:18


    There has been a lot of chatter in our podcast community this past week, focused a lot on sales channels, margins, and our dreaded "race to the bottom" in pricing policies.  I've also been asked several times about the general state of sales in our industry for 2023.  In this episode, I piece together as much information as I can on all of the above and share the heartfelt showroom perspective of the current state of our lighting industry as best as I see it. A quick programming note: Light Files will be off until after June Lightovation, but stay tuned as I will be back with a market recap episode and will resume our bi-weekly podcast schedule post-market.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    A Peach and a Pit for the Lighting Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 25:21


    I wanted to take an episode to talk about a big positive and a ongoing negative in our lighting + fan industry.  I won't spoil the peach/pit (or rose/thorn if you prefer) here, so take a listen, share with a colleague and let me know if you agree with my assessment or not.  And if you don't -- what is your peach/pit for our industry?  Where am I getting it wrong?  Can't wait to hear your thoughts!  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Fear, Success, and Feeling Stuck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 23:33


    Being an entrepreneur isn't for the faint of heart, as y'all well know, and there are definite moments of stress, worry, and fear that can paralyze you and your business. What do you do when you feel your business is ready to add on a new revenue stream but you don't want to jeopardize your ongoing work? How do you push yourself to step forward when the fear to stay where you are is so powerful? And can you ever generate really long term success if you just stay stuck where you are? I've found myself at a professional crossroads over the past several weeks, and this episode covers my thoughts and realization that at some point, one just has to do their research and make the best possible decision -- that staying "stuck" doesn't benefit anyone in the long run. Let me know when you've been in this position and what you did to get "un-stuck." Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Technology, Lamping, Trade Services & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 28:46


    This episode is another "grab bag" of various topics -- from technology to improve shopping experiences, an ill conceived New York magazine article on LEDs, and a service that makes it easy for designers to have access to all kinds of brands -- I review all of the latest odds and ends that have been on my list to discuss.  Be sure to share your thoughts and tell a friend about the podcast! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    The Downside of Assumptions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 31:12


    We all make them and so often they seem innocuous. But assumptions are a silent killer to the forward momentum of any business or industry. Bits of information shared by even the most trusted colleagues are often lacking key details. But we often take these things as fact -- and we are all guilty of it. Let's a take a moment to consider the assumptions we make in our industry and why or why they aren't helpful to us. And what happens when the idea we are making assumptions about is new without any previous comparable context? What good or harm does that do us all? Running a business has so many challenges, and I wanted to take a moment to encourage all of us to perhaps learn more and assume less and see how that might actually help all of us grow and become more successful. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Hiring for Your Lighting Showroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 23:45


    Let's face it, finding great help for the sales positions at your lighting showroom is a tough task. In this episode, I talk through some of the challenges and tips for hiring a great staff member and how to get them on board and working successfully for your business and with your team. Have a favorite hiring tip? Be sure to send me a note/leave a comment and I'll share it on a future episode of the podcast. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Episode 100! Where to from here?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 36:49


    The Light Files has made it to episode 100! That's nearly two years of podcasting, and I can hardly believe it. This super-sized episode is a discussion of how we got here and where we are going now -- as a podcast, as the LSA, and the lighting industry as whole. There's a lot to discuss here, and while I review the many hurdles in our path, there's also light ahead and ways we can all grow and succeed together. Thank you for 100 episodes and I look forward to 100 more! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Shifts in the Lighting Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 28:17


    A few news items have come out recently that indicate shifting trends in how the lighting industry might operate in the not too distant future. I recap these news items and discuss small ways that our industry has been shifting in the past few years, right under our noses, and with almost no one noticing. I close with a discussion of consumer expectations in 2023 and how these shifts in our industry might be playing right into the needs of homeowners directly rather than the showroom distribution channel.  What other changes are you noticing in our industry? Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Shopping Trends & Knowing Your Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 23:33


    The January 2023 issue of Furniture, Lighting & Decor is filled with so much great content, this episode is only the first in my discussion of what I found inside -- from ongoing reminders about the value lighting experts bring to their customers to heartening and interesting trends in consumer shopping behavior -- there is much to consider! Send your thoughts my way for the next episode: follow @lightfiles on Instagram today! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Lightovation Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 23:46


    January Lightovation was last week in Dallas and this episode is my recap of the week plus some other news, information, and highlights surrounding market, product intros, and our manufacturer partners.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Top Five

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 26:28


    A new year means a recap episode of lessons learned in 2022! This is my top five lessons in the lighting + fan industry for 2022 -- what are yours? I conclude with my wish for 2023 for all of us. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Return Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 22:32


    What is your showroom's return policy? When is the last time you even looked at or revised it? After a recent question from a customer, I updated my own return policy and took the opportunity to also take a look at the policies of other showrooms to see what is currently the "industry standard." Listen in for all the details and please let me know what works for your showroom when it comes to the inevitable return.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Improving One's Business, Day by Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 22:35


    As the leader of a small business, if there is one thing I have learned know with certainty, it is that the "work" never stops. There are always new ideas and challenges to try to anticipate, and I firmly believe that if you stop thinking about what you can do today to improve your business that the whole enterprise will stagnate and eventually disappear. But that is no easy feat! From working when you should be resting to having a constant internal dialogue, it can be exhausting to always be "on" but I'm here to tell you, you're not alone and I think that is half the battle. What do you work on every day in your business? Let me know!  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Our Industry's Journey in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 23:00


    What will 2023 hold for the lighting & fan industry? A few marginal changes to be sure, but I'd also argue that as an entire industry, 2023 offers us an amazing opportunity to really coalesce as a whole and forge stronger and deeper partnerships. As homeowners start to move more to the renovation market than new home construction, the value of working with an independent lighting showroom looms large. So let's invest now in meeting our customers where they are and in clearly and effectively communicating the importance of great lighting & fans in their lives.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    New Products: A Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 21:21


    Since 2020, I have been expanding into different product categories for my lighting showroom, some with seeming more success than others.  In this episode, I dive into the nitty-gritty of our explorations into cabinet hardware and holiday decor as a retail store -- giving you the real numbers and pros and cons behind these expansions. What new items have you tried in your lighting showroom? Has it been a success or is it too soon to tell? Also, I advocate yet again for great database management.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Industry-Wide Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 24:59


    The 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 in the entire home furnishing industry. Want to know more? Have questions? Let me know! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    The Struggle is Real

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 21:38


    Well 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 "I just can't" moments hit. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Accountability Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 22:47


    When 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 and keep our forward progress going. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Challenge to Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 22:08


    2022 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 requires change. So, let's challenge ourselves and one another and make some changes! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Generating In Store Traffic

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 23:45


    So 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 them on an upcoming episode! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Vacation Fallout?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 24:14


    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 you and your business too. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Quiet Quitting & Employee Appreciation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 21:53


    We'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

    Discounting: More Harm than Good?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 24:10


    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

    Eight Practices of Effective Leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 21:55


    Through 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.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Take a Vacation!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 20:20


    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

    What's Your Superpower (aka Core Competency)?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 22:16


    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.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    LSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 24:03


    This 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

    LSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 25:06


    This 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

    Getting Out of Our Silos

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 22:53


    On 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.  What do you think? What would help your business the most? What great information could you share that might help someone else better operate their showroom?  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    A Shopping Experience Analyzed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 24:32


    I 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

    What's Your Social Media Strategy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 23:08


    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 re-work your social media strategy and make sure it is serving you and your business as you want and need it to. Have a favorite lighting social media account? Drop the link below to inspire us all! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Insights from a Showroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 22:24


    I 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

    showroom lsa matt rowan
    Customer Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 21:10


    How 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 find making top-level decisions gets just a bit easier. And of course, your customers will appreciate it too! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Show Me Your Showroom Inspo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 22:48


    I'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

    Time for Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 24:19


    I 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 future successes.  Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Exciting New Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 23:42


    June 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 amazing asset -- let's come together and make it happen!  As always, we are #strongertogether. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Finding Insipration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 21:23


    Where 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

    markets insipration
    The Buying Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 23:08


    As 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 friction" -- but what is the good friction you can bring to the buying/selling experience that boosts everyone's revenues? Can't wait to see you all this week! Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa

    Create an Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 22:04


    There'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

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