Prevost, Knackstedt to Lead Market Seminars

April 12, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on April 13, 2010

The High Point Market Authority will sponsor two special educational seminars targeting the needs of smaller independent retailers and interior designers during Market on Monday, April 19. Both events will take place on the First Floor (Top) of Suites at Market Square in Room 400 and are free to High Point Market attendees.

For independent retailers, HPMA presents "Turbocharge Your Retail Business: How to Outmaneuver and Outperform the Big Guys," an inspiring, idea-packed session focused on how independents can thrive in the big box retail environment by outperforming them in critical areas. The seminar, set for 2 p.m., will be led by best-selling author, international speaker, futurist and customer service activist Roy Prevost, a regular contributor on small business issues to the "Financial Post" and the "Vancouver Sun." Prevost will be on hand afterward to sign copies of his book "Turbocharge Your Retail Business."

"Having spent 25 years in the giftware industry as an importer, exporter, manufacturer, sales agent and retail store owner, Roy Prevost is uniquely qualified and understands the challenges independents face today," said HPMA CEO Brian Casey. "Hundreds of books have been written about the retail industry, yet few focus on the independent retailers who are the backbone of the industry. With thought-provoking insights and numerous practical strategies and tactics they can implement immediately to achieve their business objectives, independent retailers attending this session will learn how to triumph over competitors and turbocharge their businesses to reach the highest levels of success."

Mary Knackstedt, FASID, FIIDA, will address interior designers on Monday morning at 10 a.m. Knackstedt will focus on ideas for improving (and ensuring) profitability in design practices during her seminar titled "Designers Hold the Key to a Profitable Year: What Part Do You Play?"

A practicing interior designer, Knackstedt also is an acclaimed author, a frequent teacher of continuing education and business courses for professional organizations and universities, including Harvard University€™s Graduate School of Design.

"She is also a sought-after consultant credited with developing many new businesses and restoring failing entities to profitability," Casey said.

"Clients want change now€”something creative and exciting that meets their special needs," Knackstedt said. "Designers know how to interpret those needs, but they can't do it alone. They need partners€”professional sources with the right know-how, skill and products. In this session, we€™ll focus on having a team in place ready to fast-track before the designer has the job."

The author of "The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability," and "The Challenge of Interior Design: Professional Values and Opportunities," Knackstedt will follow her presentation with a book signing in cooperation with The Furniture Library.