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Conference hits the mark

By Lina Perez and Victoria Vasile, Chocolate Milk, Miami -- Kids Today, 7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Chocolate Milk commends Lisa Casinger and the amazing Kids Today staff on another fun-filled, intellectual and very well-rounded 2007 Kids Today Conference.

I actually attended alone this year, leaving Victoria behind to "mind the goods."

For those of you who were also not fortunate enough to attend this year, this is not just another boring kids seminar. Next year you must do yourselves and your business a favor and make it a point to attend, you'll be glad you did.

I'll start by saying that once you have attended this conference you become more like family in a group of about 100 to 150 people. Everyone there is a wholesaler, a retailer or entrepreneur, however, I personally would like to see a lot more "smaller retailers" join the group next year.

The networking here is awesome, it's real easy going and people genuinely want to know how your business is doing and how they can help, if needed. I can honestly say that I would not hesitate a second in calling any of my new or old friends and asking their opinion when an expert opinion is needed. Because you are amongst family, questions asked by all never seem too silly or unimportant. Oh sure, the regulars give and take a little ribbin' from each other and there are the all too funny, good-hearted "hecklers" who will remain nameless (you know just who you are).

To my delight, after dinner Thursday night, Phil Wrzesinski from Toy House and Mark Lazar from Lazar's Furniture, two rockin' musicians, strapped on their harmonicas, strummed their guitars and let loose. The breeze was blowing and the blues were cranking — awesome way to end the day.

I enjoyed the presentation by Rick Segal, author of "Retail Business Kit for Dummies," and the talk given by Randy Eller, consultant and past president and part owner of CBK. He asked three key questions; Who is your customer? What do they want? How do they want it?

What business-oriented person has not asked these questions, but how many of us ask it on a regular basis in our stores or businesses?

Unfortunately there was one speaker that I would have loved to hear more from, Rebecca Maddox whose topic was on "How to sell to Women." I also thought The Power of Being Green and Uncommon Retailing panels were excellent.

I jotted down all my notes, bought some books and really couldn't wait to get back to my store and implement some of the new ideas and suggestions. One topic which left me straddling the fence is to Web or not to Web (e-commerce that is). After much discussion with many of the people there, my question is can I afford not to? Statistics say most business is still being conducted offline — it's obvious people still like to touch and feel — but the online business is growing 20-30% every year.

In the end I came home with plenty of food for thought, re-energized and even more in touch with how I impact my earth everyday in every single way, knowing every little bit counts.

Peace Out,

Lina, Chocolate Milk

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Conference hits the mark

By Lina Perez and Victoria Vasile, Chocolate Milk, Miami -- Kids Today, 7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

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