The Ideas of Others According to Spag

Yesterday's post considered that often times the people who work for us have good ideas; ideas that can be useful to us if we'll take the time to listen to them, explore them, and think about how we can use them. Today's post provides another example of that concept.

There was once a legendary retailer from Shrewsbury, MA who people knew by his nickname, "Spag." His wonderful retail store served thousands of customers daily; people both from near and far. One time, as a charitable event, he taught a course in retailing at a local college. I took that course just to hear the fascinating stories of his successful business philosophies. Today I share one of those stories with you.

Spag's general store carried all types of merchandise, and Spag told us he would try selling almost anything at least once. He said he often got suggestions and new ideas from his employees, figuring that if they liked a product well enough to buy it then others might buy it as well.

He illustrated that idea by telling us of an employee who suggested he carry motorized home ice cream makers. In this case, Spag wasn't convinced. "C'mon," he said to the employee, "who's going to buy that?"

"I would," responded the employee.

Still not convinced, but knowing that his own ideas on what will sell weren't always right, Spag ordered a trailer load (he bought much of his stock in trailer loads) of the ice cream makers. He said "I figured it would take at least a week to sell the trailer load."

At this point, Spag stopped speaking and looked solemnly at us. Then his face broke into a huge grin. "They were gone in four hours," he said.

He then went on to say that no one person can come up with all the good ideas. And yesterday's post reminds us that no one manager can think up all the improvements or solve all the problems. You may want to read that post if you haven't already.

About me: Dan Pelley's career experiences range from the shipping room to the boardroom and the college classroom. He has worked in companies as diverse as metal stamping, foundries, pharmaceuticals, computers and electronic components, hospitals, nursing homes, motor carriers, distribution, retailers, social services, government, quasi-government agencies, a major art museum and an airline. He shares his experiences through programs and seminars for companies in New England and through this blog.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
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