|
Advice Back to Top
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Dear Betty |
Straight answers to tough questions |
Betty Bookstore |
| July 2007 |
Dear Betty |
Straight answers to tough questions |
Betty Bookstore |
| May/June 2007 |
Dear Betty |
Straight answers to tough questions |
Betty Bookstore |
Ask the Experts Back to Top
| January 2006 |
New Year's Revolutions |
Church bookstore managers reveal the big change they intend to focus on in 2006 |
|
| Feb./March 2006 |
Easter Expectations |
What do you do to reach those occasional church visitors? |
|
| April/May 2006 |
Recommended Reading |
Books that have breathed new life into bookstore ministries |
|
| June 2006 |
Memorable Ministry Moments |
Church bookstore managers tell how their efforts are touching lives |
|
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Refueling Your Spiritual Tank |
Bookstore managers share how they stay spiritually refreshed |
|
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Tis the Season |
Church bookstore managers share their successful Christmas promotions |
null |
Atmosphere Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
The Dead Zone |
Finding and reviving your store's cold spots |
"Barney Paradise, Deborah Finnamore" |
Bibles Back to Top
| June 2006 |
Lost in Translations |
Deciding which versions and editions to offer |
Wayne Hastings |
Business Back to Top
| April 2007 |
An Offer You Can't Refuse |
A supplier's advice for good show shopping |
Stuart McGuiggan |
| January 2007 |
Balancing Act |
Choosing between publishers and distributors for your orders |
George Thomsen |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Just for You!' |
The why's and how's of special orders |
David Whitford |
| July/Aug. 2005 |
"Friend, Not Foe" |
Church and retail stores should complete
not compete |
Geni Hulsey |
| Sept./Oct. 2005 |
Seven Secrets of Success |
Learning from veteran Christian retailers |
Scott Macdonald |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Numbers You Need to Know |
Key industry information for good planning |
Jeff Pederson |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Becoming Booksmart |
The importance of good product knowledge |
Scott Macdonald |
| January 2006 |
Working with Suppliers |
Good business relationships are essential |
Geni Hulsey |
| Feb./March 2006 |
Trade Show Tricks |
Making the most of your convention visit |
Joe Questel |
| April/May 2006 |
Trust Issues |
Building and maintaining customer loyalty |
Pearlina Simmons |
| April/May 2006 |
Free Help Is at Hand |
Establishing good relationships with sales representatives is vital |
Deb Graham |
| June 2006 |
Studying Statistics |
Numbers you need to know to improve sales |
Jeff Pederson |
Business A-Z Back to Top
| January 2007 |
Shelftalker to Zoning |
"What they mean, why they matter" |
Phil Darr |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
On Consignment to Premiums |
What the terms mean and why they matter |
Phil Darr |
| Feb./March 2006 |
Accounts Payable to Buying |
Your guide to Christian retailing industry terms |
Geni Hulsey |
| April/May 2006 |
Core Inventory to Discounts |
What the terms mean and why they matter |
Randy Jahns |
| June 2006 |
ECPA to the GMA |
"What they mean, why they matter" |
Phil Darr |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
ICRS to Loyalty Programs |
"What they mean, why they matter" |
Phil Darr |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Margin to Music Sampling |
"What they mean, why they matter" |
Robert Brenner |
Buying Back to Top
| July 2007 |
How to Shop a Show |
A practical guide to doing business at a convention |
David Whitford |
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Tricks for the Tradesman |
Getting the most from your sales reps |
David Whitford |
| May/June 2007 |
How to Order |
The nuts and bolts of purchasing |
David Whitford |
| Feb./March 2007 |
A Balanced Budget |
Staying within your limits and ahead of the game |
David Whitford |
| January 2007 |
Keeping Things in Order |
"Knowing what, when and how to purchase" |
David Whitford |
Cash Flow Back to Top
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Mastering the Markdown |
Making gains by cutting your losses |
Pat Odom |
| June 2006 |
A Turn for the Better |
It's important to keep product moving off the shelves |
Ted Terry |
Children Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
This Isn't The Nursery' |
Welcoming kids without driving away adults |
Michelle Amster |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Connecting With the Kids |
How to service your younger customers effectively |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Church Life Back to Top
| Feb./March 2006 |
"Grace, But No Favors" |
Doing business in a family context |
Anita Welty |
Customer Care/Service Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
Eves-dropping |
Be sure you're tuned in to the needs of your female customers |
Anita Welty |
| Feb./March 2007 |
Take That Back! |
Returns policies that work for you and them |
Heidi Bodette |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Take a Bow! |
Stylish gift-wrapping can build your business |
Anita Welty |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Incidental Impressions |
A supply of simple convenience items can make a visitor's day |
Sandy McGill |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Five-Star Folks |
How to make customers feel special |
Dave Stevanus |
| June 2006 |
How Rude! |
Dealing with downright difficult shoppers |
Pearlina Simmons |
Demographics Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Femaliarity' Breeds Contempt |
Appealing to reluctant male customers |
Kelly Graham |
| January 2007 |
Tapping Into Teens |
How to serve adolescent church members |
Jeff Pederson |
Design Back to Top
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Prepare to Be Packed |
Ensuring an event-friendly store layout |
Michelle Amster |
| July 2007 |
Carpet Diem |
Making the most of your store's flooring |
Michelle Amster |
| May/June 2007 |
Elementary Issues |
How fixture materials shape your store |
Michelle Amster |
| Feb./March 2007 |
The Three Shoppers |
Be aware of the main consumer profiles |
Michelle Amster |
| April 2007 |
Designating Departments |
Making sense of different categories |
Michelle Amster |
| January 2007 |
New Year's Revolutions |
Take the time to change your store around for the better |
Michelle Amster |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Making Room at the Inn |
Finding space for all the extra Christmas stuff |
Michelle Amster |
| July/Aug. 2005 |
Space Mission |
A successful store requires the right amount of room |
Michelle Amster |
| Sept./Oct. 2005 |
Check Out the Checkout |
Adequate point-of-sale space is critical |
Michelle Amster |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Take a Seat! |
Creating an experience without losing efficiency |
Michelle Amster |
| January 2006 |
"Location, Location, Location" |
The best place for a bookstore on the church campus |
Michelle Amster |
| Feb./March 2006 |
Sign Language |
Good 'shelftalkers' and other aids say a lot about your store |
Michelle Amster |
| April/May 2006 |
The Lowdown on Lighting |
Bright ideas for the best illumination |
David T. Amster |
| June 2006 |
Display Discernment |
Knowing when to say 'no' to vendors |
Michelle Amster |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Time to Freshen Up |
Moving fixtures and displays in your store can improve sales |
Michelle Amster |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Sounds and Scents |
The fine art of appealing to the customers' senses |
Michelle Amster |
Expansion Back to Top
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Grounds for Improvement |
How to go about adding a coffee bar |
George Thomsen |
Finances Back to Top
| July 2007 |
More on the Other Books |
How to read your store's financial statements |
George Thomsen |
| May/June 2007 |
The Other Books |
Handling your store's financial statements |
George Thomsen |
First Person Back to Top
| Feb./March 2006 |
Lessons from Barnes & Noble |
Principles you can apply to your church store |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Foundations Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Persuading the Pastor |
Convincing leadership that your church needs a bookstore |
Phil Darr |
| Feb./March 2007 |
"Third Place, First Choice" |
Making your store a home away from home |
Bernard Hellendoorn |
| January 2007 |
Hitting the Myths |
Church bookstores are misunderstood |
"Scott Macdonald, George Thomsen" |
| January 2006 |
Keeping the Right Focus |
"It's about ministry, not 'money-changing'" |
Pat Baur |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Key Questions |
A Christian retailer's five-point evaluation guide |
Chris Childers |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Re-examining the 'Temple' Case |
What the Bible really says about 'money-changers' |
W. Bingham Hunter |
Human Resources Back to Top
| July 2007 |
Employee Extras |
Keep staff happy with perks and privileges |
Carl Massa |
| April 2007 |
Recruitment Drive |
How to find more volunteers |
Terri Williams |
| May/June 2007 |
Why I Volunteer |
The unexpected rewards of serving in a church bookstore |
Samina Natel |
| January 2007 |
Seizing the Moment |
Preparing your people for ministry opportunities |
David Whitford |
| January 2007 |
Evaluating Your Volunteers |
Making the most of their time |
Carl Massa |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Running a Staff Meeting |
Three keys to making them successful and fun |
Terri Williams |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Dress for Success |
Choosing an appropriate storewear policy |
Kelly Graham |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Square Pegs and Round Holes |
It's important to place your volunteers in the best positions |
Carl Massa |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Teens: An Untapped Treasure |
Youngers can make great seasonal help |
Anita Welty |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
The Value of Volunteers |
Combining paid and unpaid staff |
Terri Williams |
| April/May 2006 |
Bouquets and Brickbats |
Direction and discipline of volunteers |
Terri Williams |
| June 2006 |
Tracking Your Training |
The importance of planned development for your volunteers |
Terri Williams |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
What Makes a Good Worker |
"You need more than warm, willing bodies
" |
Terri Williams |
Innovations Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Restroom Recruiting |
Bookstore promotions tailored to your church's small spaces |
Pat Odom |
| April 2007 |
Recycled Reading |
Think carefully before getting into the secondhand book business |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Secret Sisters |
Building community
and sales |
Terri Wettle |
Inventory Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
Which Hunt |
How to know what to buy for your store |
Sarah Yardley |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Shelf Stalkers |
Keeping on top of what you've got |
Bob Steele |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Reducing the Fat |
How to identify and move overstocked titles |
Bob Steele |
| July/Aug. 2005 |
Taking Stock |
Deciding what you're going to offer |
Bob Steele |
| Sept./Oct. 2005 |
Opening Day Decisions |
Determining your initial product line |
Bob Steele |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Starting Out Right |
Deciding what to put on the shelves |
Bob Steele |
| January 2006 |
Consider Your Categories |
What they are and why they matter |
Bob Steele |
| Feb./March 2006 |
Too Hot to Handle? |
The challenge of dealing with best-sellers |
Bob Steele |
| April/May 2006 |
The 'Shopability' Factor |
The little things that can make a big difference |
Bob Steele |
| June 2006 |
Core Values |
The strategic importance of core inventory |
Bob Steele |
Issues Back to Top
| July 2007 |
Sacred Services? |
Whether or not to sell during 'church' |
Heidi Macias |
Legislation Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Helping Hands |
Make sure your store is access-friendly |
Michelle Amster |
Maintenance Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Dust Busting |
Keeping your store clean and sparkly |
Vickie Johnson |
Management Back to Top
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Mission Minded |
A clearly stated vision will improve your effectiveness |
Judy Russell |
| January 2006 |
Properly and In Order |
Good practices and records are a protection |
Anita Welty |
| Feb./March 2006 |
Product Planning |
How to ensure a well-balanced inventory |
Scott Macdonald |
| April/May 2006 |
Borrowers and Buyers |
Libraries and bookstores can be mutually beneficial |
"Harvey Mann, with Tara Dunn" |
| April/May 2006 |
Manager Material |
What to look for in your bookstore leader |
Norman Leve |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Building Trust With Your Pastors |
How to make them feel safe about your store |
Heidi Macias |
Marketing Back to Top
| July 2007 |
Christmas in July |
"Reclaiming the warmth, excitement and sales of winter" |
Anita Welty |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Tuning in to New Customers |
Target your local TV and radio audiences |
Teresa Nardozzi |
| January 2006 |
Customers With a Cause |
How to give shoppers extra incentive to buy |
Jeff Pederson |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Overcoming the Dog Days |
Refreshing ideas for beating the summer slump |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Merchandising Back to Top
| January 2006 |
Looking Good |
Elegant and effective displays made easy |
Anita Welty |
| April/May 2006 |
Picking Through the Pile |
Deciding which supplier promotional materials to use and lose |
David Whitford |
| June 2006 |
Handling the Homegrown |
Tips for selling locally-created items |
Pat Baur |
Ministry Back to Top
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Promoting Your Pastor |
How to sell his materials effectively |
Pearlina Simmons |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Souls and Sales |
How to meet spiritual needs |
Robert Brenner |
| January 2007 |
Keeping Up While Missing Out |
How to keep your finger on your church's spiritual pulse |
Pat Baur |
| April 2007 |
Going the Extra Mile |
"Sacrificial, superior service has an impact" |
Jackie Johnson |
| May/June 2007 |
The Place of Prayer |
Integrating prayer into your bookstore ministry |
Julie Swecker |
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Reaching Out |
Partnering with your church's evangelism initiative |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| July/Aug. 2005 |
A Vital Ministry |
Why my church needs a bookstore |
Norman Leve |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Evangelism by the Book |
Bible sales make witnessing easy |
Deb Graham |
| January 2006 |
Measuring Your Church's Maturity |
An effective church store matches its congregation's needs |
Lance Emma |
| Feb./March 2006 |
The Twentysomething Challenge |
Connecting with postmodern thinkers and believers |
Jessica Chappell |
| June 2006 |
Giveaway Guidelines |
How to be generous without going broke |
Steve Bruton |
Online Back to Top
| April/May 2006 |
Working the Web |
What you need to know to get started |
Jackie Johnson |
Operations Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Yours and Hours |
Determining the best times for business |
Terri Williams |
Organization Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
Cheerleaders in the Church |
Making pastor and staff your best supporters |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| April/May 2006 |
Taming the Paperwork Tiger |
How to keep on top of administrative demands |
Scott Macdonald |
| June 2006 |
Dealing with Deluge |
How to cope with crazy-busy times |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Outreach Back to Top
| January 2007 |
Community Events |
Ways to draw in nonchurch visitors |
Debbie Proctor |
| Feb./March 2007 |
Celebrating Easter |
Maximizing the high point of the Christian calendar |
Anita Welty |
| June 2006 |
Valuing Visitors |
VBS season brings the unchurched your way |
Chad Showalter |
Partnerships Back to Top
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
The Bigger Picture |
"Shaped differently, but the Christian retail pieces can fit together" |
Jackie Johnson |
Planning Back to Top
| January 2007 |
Putting It on Paper |
How to draw up a helpful business plan |
Heidi Bodette |
| April/May 2006 |
Sizing Up the Situation |
How to calculate the space your store needs |
George Thomsen |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Christmas Is Coming! |
Preparing for the holiday season |
Deb Graham |
Policies Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Why Don't You Have
?' |
Defending your limits to customers |
Kelly Graham |
Presentation Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Expertease |
Drawing people through your doors |
"Barney Paradise, Deborah Finnamore" |
Pricing Back to Top
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Discussing Discounts |
Should you offer everything at a reduced rate? |
George Thomsen |
| January 2006 |
Discount Do's and Donts |
How to maximize the impact of markdowns |
Scott Macdonald |
Problems Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Thieves in the Temple |
Preventing internal stealing |
Heidi Macias |
Product(s) Back to Top
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Devoted to Devotionals |
Now's the time to plan for daily reading needs |
Deb Graham |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Getting the Balance Right |
"Mastering the tricky backlist, frontlist blend" |
George Thomsen |
| April 2007 |
The Personal Touch |
Named merchandise can build community and business |
Deb Graham |
| May/June 2007 |
Playing Your Cards Right |
Stationery offers a special ministry focus |
Jackie Johnson |
| Feb./March 2006 |
All Good Gifts
|
How much attention should you give to non-book items? |
Dave Stevanus |
| June 2006 |
A Strategy for 'Stalled' Items |
What to do with merchandise that won't move |
Joe Questel |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Surplus on Purpose |
Why and how strategic 'overstocking' works |
David Lewis |
Promotion(s) Back to Top
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Frequent Buyer Programs |
Making the most of discount incentives |
Jackie Johnson |
| May/June 2007 |
Staff Picks |
Frontliner recommendations can encourage sales |
David Lewis |
| April/May 2006 |
The Name Above (your door) |
It's important to reflect your real identity |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| June 2006 |
Maintaining the Excitement |
How to keep a 'buzz' going about your bookstore |
Anita Welty |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Book Clubs |
Reading programs can help your sales |
Jessica Chappell |
Relationships Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Keeping in Touch |
Stay connected to your church's other ministries |
David Whitford |
Retailing Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Good to Go |
"Bags, bye-byes and other end-of-sale tips" |
Robert Brenner |
Roundtable Back to Top
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
Secular Books and Selling Online |
Insights and ideas from a forum at the first Gathering of Church Bookstores |
null |
| Feb./March 2006 |
"Products, Promotions & People" |
Practical insights on key bookstore issues |
Andy Butcher |
Sales Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Plastic Smiles |
How gift cards can boost your business |
Heidi Bodette |
Seasons Back to Top
| May/June 2007 |
Summer Sensation |
Transforming slump into success |
Anita Welty |
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Back to the Books |
Helping teachers and Bible study leaders gear up for fall |
Anita Welty |
Second Opinion Back to Top
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Competition is Good! |
Sharper business practices will result |
Dave Stevanus |
Security Back to Top
| June 2006 |
Countering Your Losses |
Theft is a fact of life--even at church |
Rick Jones |
Selling Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
Making Converts |
How to turn a browser into a buyer |
Heidi Macias |
| Feb./March 2007 |
Opening Lines |
Welcoming words can improve your sales |
Robert Brenner |
| June 2006 |
Emphasizing What Really Matters |
A product's benefits are more important than its features |
Pat Odom |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
Appropriate Add-ons |
Why and how 'upselling' is appropriate |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Shelf Space Back to Top
| April/May 2006 |
A Sound Investment |
Stocking and selling music in your church |
Robert Brenner |
Special Events Back to Top
| January 2006 |
Signing Sessions |
Making the most of guest speaker and artist visits |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| April/May 2006 |
The Conference Connection |
Meeting the needs and opportunities of special events |
Cynthia Hoppe |
Spiritual Life/Spirituality Back to Top
| April 2007 |
Harmony in the House |
Avoiding the dangers of division |
Anita Welty |
| May/June 2007 |
Dealing with Down Times |
How to handle days of discouragement |
Cynthia Hoppe |
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
The Priority of Prayer |
Don't neglect this important aspect of your bookstore's work |
Heidi Bodette |
Statistics Back to Top
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Dealing with Data |
How in-store information can help your business |
Jeff Pederson |
Stocking Back to Top
| July/Aug. 2006 |
The Facts of Fiction |
Novels are a vital source of ministry and money |
Anita Welty |
Store Layout Back to Top
Technology Back to Top
| Sept./Oct. 2006 |
E-mail Expertise |
Making the most of the medium |
Randy Voorhees |
| Nov./Dec. 2006 |
Ringing Up the Changes |
Why it's time for the cash register to go |
Randy Voorhees |
| January 2007 |
Facing the Facts |
Careful performance reviews can help streamline your stock |
Randy Voorhees |
| Feb./March 2007 |
Taking Charge |
Don't pay more than you need to for electronic transactions |
Randy Voorhees |
| April 2007 |
Help! |
Common computer crises and how to handle or even avoid them |
Randy Voorhees |
| May/June 2007 |
The Big Switch |
Taking the leap to computerize your store |
Randy Voorhees |
| July 2007 |
Safe and Sound |
Protecting your important information |
Randy Voorhees |
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Routine Maintenance |
How to keep your computers humming along nicely |
Randy Voorhees |
| July/Aug. 2005 |
Time to Get Wired |
Overcoming fears of technology |
Randy Voorhees |
| Sept./Oct. 2005 |
A P.O.S.itive Difference |
The tools you can't do without |
Randy Voorhees |
| Nov./Dec. 2005 |
The Why of 'Wired' |
How going online helps your store |
Randy Voorhees |
| January 2006 |
Training the Troops |
Equipping volunteers to make the most of your systems |
Randy Voorhees |
| Feb./March 2006 |
When the Latest isn't Greatest |
Don't be lured into making unnecessary upgrades |
Randy Voorhees |
| April/May 2006 |
Computer Warfare |
Protecting your system from dangerous viruses |
Randy Voorhees |
| June 2006 |
Keeping it Personal |
How Customer Relationship Management can help your store |
Randy Voorhees |
| July/Aug. 2006 |
Understanding the Internet |
Web-wise advice on the basics |
Randy Voorhees |
Time Management Back to Top
| Feb./March 2007 |
Understanding for the Overrun |
How to gain control of a too-busy life |
Pearlina Simmons |
| April 2007 |
Maximizing the Moments |
Preparing for your time at a trade show |
Pearlina Simmons |
| May/June 2007 |
Plan for Productivity |
Arranging your daily tasks for maximum efficiency |
Pearlina Simmons |
| Aug./Sept. 2007 |
Dealing With Paperwork |
Digging out from the pile |
Pearlina Simmons |
|