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You Get Out What You Put In!
A touch of fall is in the air—can you feel it? Even though the temperatures still feel like summer in many places, the sight of kids walking to school and my grandkids starting a new school year reminded me of something important: education.
Most people think of education as something that happens when we’re young—school, homework, tests—and then later we apply that knowledge to our careers. But in reality, true education is a lifelong process, especially in retail.
When you work in sales, the classroom isn’t behind you—it’s right in front of you, every single day on the sales floor.
Think about it: technology in retail is always evolving. Point-of-sale systems, customer tracking tools, virtual try-ons, and even financing apps all play a role in how we connect with customers. The retail associate who knows how to use these tools confidently has an edge—whether it’s showing a customer how a diamond ring looks in different settings, pulling up real-time inventory for a sofa, or walking them through easy financing. Mastering those tools doesn’t just make you look professional; it helps the customer feel more comfortable saying, “I’ll take it.”
But it’s not just about technology. Customer expectations are changing every year. Shoppers today walk in with more information at their fingertips than ever before. They’ve researched online, checked prices, read reviews, and maybe even visited your competitors. What they want from you isn’t just a transaction—it’s an experience.
That’s why ongoing education matters. Maybe it’s learning a new way to ask open-ended questions, practicing how to sell value instead of price, or role-playing how to handle objections. A jewelry associate who knows how to explain diamond quality in plain language, or a furniture salesperson who can connect a sofa to the customer’s lifestyle, is going to win more often than someone who just “rings up the sale.”
Here’s the key: unlike school, no one is going to hand you an assignment. No one is going to make you read the article on selling protection plans, attend the product knowledge training, or study up on body language. That part is completely up to you.
And that’s where the phrase comes in: you get out what you put in.
If you put in the effort—studying new techniques, practicing your presentation, learning about your product lines—you’ll see the results in your closing ratio, your add-on sales, and ultimately your paycheck. If you coast and rely only on what you already know, your results will stay flat—or worse, fall behind as the industry and your competitors keep moving forward.
So while kids are going back to school this fall, ask yourself: What am I doing to keep learning in my career? Maybe it’s taking the time to learn the story behind your merchandise, shadowing a top salesperson in your store, or committing to a training program.
In retail, every shift is another chance to sharpen your skills. Education doesn’t end with a diploma—it’s an everyday commitment. And the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.
👉 Now is the time to raise the bar. Commit to learning something new today, practice it tomorrow, and put it to work with your very next customer. Challenge yourself to be just a little better with every interaction. When you do, you won’t just hit your numbers—you’ll build confidence, trust, and long-term success.
Here’s to a great season of growth—for students in the classroom, and for every retail professional ready to learn, grow, and win on the sales floor.
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Be sure to go to https://principlesforbusinessandlife.com/ – click on Our Viewpoint Newsletter and read a fabulous article titled:
The Open Heart: A Path to Authentic Living
By Bryan Dodge of Dodge Development
Recruiting, Interviewing and Hiring Guide – Now Available
Introductory Price: Just $89.95 Instant PDF Delivery to Your Inbox!
Tired of high turnover, poor in-store experiences, or hiring people who just “don’t fit”?
This powerful, step-by-step guide is designed specifically for retail business owners and managers who need a better system for hiring employees that actually drive sales and elevate your customer experience.
What is inside the Guide
✓ Retail Hiring Philosophy
How to build a team that reflects your brand and boosts customer loyalty.
✓ Where to Find Great Retail Recruits
Field-tested sources to find motivated, coachable team members.
✓ Retail Interview Questions That Matter
- 1st Interview: Spot potential early
- 2nd Interview: Assess attitude, trainability & culture fit
- Final Interview: Seal the deal with confidence
✓ Pre-Hire Screening Tools
- Basic Math Test (for POS accuracy)
- Reading Comprehension Test (for signage & promo understanding)
- Pre-Interview Questionnaire (to save time)
✓ Legal & Smart Hiring Essentials
- Employment Application + Waiver
- Background, Drug, and Physical Exam Consent Forms
- Questions to Avoid (stay compliant!)
- Reference Check Form & Phone Script
✓ Easy-to-Follow Hiring Checklist
To stay organized and avoid costly missteps.
PERFECT FOR:
- Jewelry Stores
- Home Goods & Furnishings Retailers
- Electronics & Appliance Retailers
- Pawnbrokers
- Apparel Stores
- Franchise & Multi-location Operators
👉 Order Now:
www.principlesforbusinessandlife.com/products/
Have your staff subscribe to the Munchies Newsletter and please pass this along to others within your circle of influence. https://principlesforbusinessandlife.com/contact-us/
FINAO
Brad Huisken
IAS Training