Deion Browder’s Post

Chapter 3: B is for brand Please pause reading this post. Go to my profile to read chapter 1 and 2 then join me here. It’s been six weeks since I started my summer job as a guest-facing associate working for one of the most iconic brands in #Chicago, and probably the world. I’ve learned this #brand is even more magical than I thought! Why? Because of … · Legendary stories passed from generation to generation · Legendary players who have lead the team to victory · Steadfast fans who return win or lose year after year · And so much more! This is a brand you must experience to believe it’s real. It’s not a brand that’s easily translatable into words. It’s a feeling you get when you step into the park, even if you aren’t a fan. Actually, it starts even before you step into the park. It starts when you lay eyes on the marquee at the main entrance. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited. You get the same feeling. People travel from all over the world to visit. I’ve met people from Japan, Venezuela, Germany, Canada, California, New York, and small and large towns across the US. They tell me through giddy laughter that visiting the park is on their bucket list. It doesn’t matter that they aren’t fans. They came to create a memory and see what the fuss is all about. They leave with stars in their eyes. Quite frankly, so do I because I helped create a memory, a moment in time that will last forever. Associates are devoted too. I work with people who come from Michigan, Indiana, the suburbs of Chicago and downstate Illinois. That’s dedication, especially when my commute is an 18- to 22-minute walk. What is it that keeps people coming back? It boils down to the #experience. The experience associates give guests. The #employeeexperience head office associates work so hard to give their guest-facing associates when they do things like … · Provide hot chocolate during breaks when it’s cold outside · Show appreciation for going above and beyond for a guest · Ensure supervisors have the information they need to share with associates · Provide associates with the info and training they need to give guests the best experience It takes a village to build a brand. A positive guest and employee experience does just that. Until next time … #internalcommunications #corporatecommunications #communications Chuck Gose Kristin Hancock

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of our Marketing Assistant who is making SoHo’s journey popular!! Dharmik Shah, our Marketing Assistant has finished 5 years with SoHo Dragon and he has been an invaluable asset to our company, contributing significantly to our growth and success over the past five years. Dharmik says “I've always believed that a workplace should be more than just a job—it should be a place that challenges, motivates, and inspires growth. That's exactly what I've found at SoHo Dragon. From day one, the management has shown great trust in my capabilities and also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s about tackling the latest technologies or complex projects, SoHo Dragon has always given me chances to work with amazing clients. One of the things that sets SoHo Dragon apart is its unwavering support from management. Working here isn't just a job to me, but I try to be my best version delivering the best to the organization. Here, I don't just feel like another cog in the machine; I feel valued, respected, and appreciated. Whether it is about learning new technologies or managing personal life, Dharav Jhaveri sir, Anna Jhaveri, and Peter Ward have always supported me to grow. Proud to be a part of SoHo Dragon—a place where passion meets purpose, and where every day brings new growth opportunities. Cheers!" #5YearsStrong #MilestoneAchieved #HalfDecadeOfSuccess #5YearsAndCounting #WorkAnniversary #Celebrating5Years #5YearsJourney #CareerMilestone #5YearsOfGrowth #ThankfulFor5Years

The Art of the Launch: My Approach to New Store Openings 🎉 Launching a new store is more than just opening the doors—it's about creating a memorable first impression and setting the stage for long-term success. Over the years, I've honed my approach to new store openings to ensure each one is a seamless and impactful event. Here are some key elements of my strategy: 🔍 Meticulous Planning and Preparation: Every successful launch begins with thorough planning. From site selection to staffing, every detail is carefully considered. This involves understanding the local market, ensuring we have the right team in place, and making sure the store layout and inventory are optimized for opening day. 🤝 Engaging the Community: A new store should feel like a valuable addition to the community. I prioritize engaging with local residents and businesses through pre-launch events, partnerships, and promotions. Building these connections early on helps foster a sense of community support and excitement. 🛠️ Training and Development: The team is the heart of any store. I focus on comprehensive training to ensure that every team member is well-prepared and confident in their roles. This includes not only operational training but also customer service excellence, which is crucial for making a positive first impression. 🎈 Creating Buzz and Excitement: A grand opening should be an event to remember. From social media campaigns to local advertising and in-store promotions, I ensure there's plenty of buzz around the opening. Special events, giveaways, and exclusive offers help draw in crowds and create a festive atmosphere. 📊 Monitoring and Adjusting: The work doesn’t stop once the doors are open. I closely monitor the store’s performance and gather feedback to make necessary adjustments. This continuous improvement mindset ensures that the store not only meets but exceeds expectations from day one. 🌟 Celebrating Success and Recognizing Efforts: Celebrating the hard work of the team and the support of the community is key. Recognizing and rewarding efforts fosters a positive environment and encourages ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. 🔑 Key Takeaway: The art of the launch is about more than just a successful opening day. It’s about setting the foundation for long-term success through meticulous planning, community engagement, comprehensive training, and continuous improvement. I'm curious to hear from fellow professionals: What strategies have you found effective in launching new locations? Let’s share insights and learn from each other’s experiences! #StoreLaunch #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #Leadership #CommunityEngagement #TeamDevelopment #GrandOpening #RetailSuccess

Here is some great insight from one of the best openers I’ve ever known.

Our culture isn't just a perk; it's the heartbeat of our success! Store Manager sanoussy cisse has been on his career journey at La-Z-Boy Incorporated for over 7 years. His growth within the company exemplifies how our culture inspires professional evolution: > Part-Time Sales: Dive into the dynamic world of sales, learning the ropes and connecting with customers. > Full-Time Sales: Embrace a full-time role, honing sales skills and building lasting relationships with customers. > Sales Manager: Step into a leadership role, guiding and empowering a team to achieve their best. > Store Manager: Reach the pinnacle of your career by managing store operations, shaping the customer experience, and contributing to La-Z-Boy's success. These distinctive career pathways are a catalyst for growth, where employees are not just heard but are actively encouraged to contribute their ideas. Empowerment and learning allows individuals like Sanoussy to thrive and provide exceptional service. Start your journey with us today and see how our supportive culture is a fundamental aspect that propels your career forward. #LZB #LZBLife #LZBCulture #EmployeeEmpowerment #CareerGrowth #EmpoweredWorkplace

Awesome opportunity IF you have a Bachelor's degree. There are hundreds and possibly thousands of greatly qualified and motivated candidates out here in the wild that will shy away from applying due to not having one. The successful retail world is often owned and run by people who have built a portfolio of success with no education, just experience. The MoCo may overlook the requirement for a properly experienced candidate lacking a Bachelor's degree but I believe they are limiting their applicant pool by marketing that requirement so broadly. Sadly, there are many companies and fields all over the world doing the same. Likely with great intentions and purposes. It's just an outdated hiring point of view, IMO. My advice? If you've got the experience and the track record to show for it and you want a career like this...APPLY! You may get overlooked, you may get an opportunity that gets your foot in the door, or you may even score your dream job. You'll never get the win if you don't get yourself on the track. 🖤⚡️⚡️

During my last 5 months being underage posed a challenge in securing a job directly in the hospitality sector. Fueled by determination, I took a different route and landed a position at Calvin Klein . Little did I know that this experience would serve as a transformative chapter in my career. At CK, the emphasis on client interaction was paramount. I found myself engaging with diverse individuals, understanding their preferences, and ensuring their satisfaction. These skills, although seemingly unrelated to hospitality at first glance, laid the foundation for mastering the art of #customerservice & #customerexperience The fast-paced environment at CK demanded adaptability and quick thinking – traits crucial in any hospitality setting. Handling client inquiries, resolving issues with finesse, and maintaining a professional demeanor became second nature. The fashion industry's demand for impeccable service inadvertently prepared me for the high standards of hospitality. Silently, without a formal job in hospitality, I am acquiring the essential skills—attention to detail, interpersonal finesse, & a commitment to exceeding expectations. My tenure at Calvin Klein, though unconventional, turned out to be the secret ingredient that is making me industry-ready for the #hospitalityindustry . As an aspiring hospitality professional, I carry with me a unique skill set forged in the fires of client-centricity and adaptability. This journey, marked by unexpected turns, underscores the idea that sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most promising destinations in one's professional evolution. #hospitality #retailindustry #fashionbusiness #learnandgrow #industrystandards

Just a few days back, I wrote about #corporatedinosaurs (link in the comments) @starbucks #starbucks was listed as one of them. The news about the new CEO's - actually the #brandcustodian by definition - commute to work in a private jet, is a symptom of the dinosaur moving towards extinction. I can't think of an appropriate saying or idiom in English. There's one befitting, in Sanskrit/Hindi: विनाश काले विपरीत बुद्धि Meaning, when the end is near, mind does indulge in circus. Or, just to say in another way, whimsical or irrational decisions trigger, accelerate and/or accompany destruction. * Starbucks is supposedly a premium/#aspirationalbrand. What's the messaging to it's customers and what's the perception being built, arguably its customers are an evolved lot, with such blatantly lavish and environmentally damaging behaviour by the main custodian of the brand itself? * So millions are being spent on one person's private jet. No wonder, a cup of coffee that's probably worth just 100 bucks is being pushed at 600 bucks! Again, negative messaging. * Starbucks is a #retailbusiness. In fact, as it is said, it is more about #experience than about the coffee. So what experience is the front line employee at the Starbucks going to deliver to the customers with pissed-off mood over their CEO, just one individual, spending as much just on office commute,.as much as annual compensation of all the front line staff put together?! It actually has the potential to lead to dissonance amongst all it mid to junior level employees, if not the senior ones * What #attributes does such blatant displyof uber luxury add to the brand? That it is not a brand full of warmth, as Cafe brand should have as one of the key #brandattributes, but is a snob! It gives strong vibes of a uber luxurious exclusive private yacht or beach resort, which actually denies entry to more than it allows! I thought Starbucks was/is positioned as just the opposite! As it is said, a brand is about Acts and not, Ads. Alas.... From #pr #publicrelations #communications #brandpositioning and #brandimage perspective, a disaster indeed. https://lnkd.in/gUbmCCzS

I started my career as a marketing associate (SDR if you will) and I remember this week having some great traditions "What the hell is this place?" was my thought. (Yes we were office based at 2445 M street) I was making $30k/year living in downtown DC with my 2nd week being: - Offices turned into dance parties - Lunches delivered for everyone on the 7th floor - "The pit" where we all lived with "pods" (2-3 associates jammed in a cubicle) decorated for the MA competition - Revenue voicemails recorded with songs and sent to the department to celebrate contracts - The gong getting hit - Very little cold calling or emailing getting done - An exec riding around on the Cruisin Cooler handing out beverages (true story) - The bottles of Veuve Clicquot that stood as trophies for MA on their shelves getting popped - Day themes like wear your college sweatshirt - Celebratory happy hours - An extended lunch with some Christmas shopping in Georgetown This isn't to necessarily advocate for one way to celebrate colleagues over another. Although I'm definitely still prone to malarkey and shenanigans But I will say that this reminds me of the importance of culture and connectedness. And, tradition. These we were ways to get everyone involved in celebrating EoY success. It also ensured the people with the hardest jobs, marketing associates and marketers (sellers), stayed around. Of course chase those contracts but with revenue down across the board, may be worth celebrating everyones effort this year. #closingweek #sales #marketing #ABCholidayparty

And he or she will save the world! This is an image of how the job description of a Luxury Store Manager looks like. Skills, competences and duties that the Store manager role require in several cases sound more like a casting for an 'Avenger' movie than for a retail position. Store manager is definitely the catalyser of most of the company activities. However, needs the right support to perform all the tasks that sound always like 'Defcon 1' Sometimes, creating the right expectations and focusing on what truly is relevant is the best way to succeed. #luxurybrands #storemanager #competences #leadershipdevelopment #traininganddevelopment #superhero #settingboundaries