Welcome to my expanded blog-format resume!

Best qualities:
Honesty
Determination
Willingness
Humility

Skills:
Oral and written communication:
I have strong and professional communication skills that can be applied in all situations. I communicate well with all types of personalities, from executive levels to challenging customers.
Change management:
Change is a necessary part of growth and can always be applied in a way that is not disruptive by clearly stating goals and expectations.
Social Media:
As a partner of butters&beans, I created our Facebook page and was able to obtain over 700 fans in just over one year. I had a strategic plan that I followed every day of the week based on fan visitation and availability. We were able to successfully track sales that were a direct result of our Facebook promotions. Our fans were very interactive and engaged with our page.
PR:
I have a large amount of PR and marketing experience in comparison to the typical GM. I intiated successful PR and Marketing pushes with both Nani Nalu and butters&beans. I initiated several events while at Nani Nalu included charity fundraisers, trunk shows, co-op fashion shows, nightclub fashion shows and even partnerships with local businesses to bring in our merchandise to show. Shortly after butters&beans organics became available in stores, I initiated a press push to strengthen name and brand recognition as well as drive to our website, which resulted in media coverage from all avenues. Upon opening of butters&beans kids, I was able to create a very successful opening press push on a very limited budget. Again, this was successful and the store received media recognition from all avenues. I have several PR connections within the Twin Cities and have a large network of business owners and high-level professionals.
Team building:
Teams are built out of mutual respect. To get and to give that respect is a requirement in any workplace, and if an inclusive environment is fostered by the management team a team environment will naturally form. Delegation is a part of team building as well - management must be willing to trust some duties to their employees. Most importantly, the word "team" automatically implies that there is a leader present. It is essential that every team have a leader, and that this leader be assertive, respected, outgoing and knowledgeable about their field.
Performance and productivity improvement:
Immediately upon taking any management position I put into motion expectations of actions to be completed with every customer in every sale, 100% of the time. I align what has previously been successful for me at other retail establishments with what the expectations are of the company that I am joining. When the expectation is that these sales tactics are applied to each and every customer, 100% of the time, sales rise, and often rise dramatically. I model this expectation myself, and that contributes to creating a sales based culture within the store. I consistently monitor employees during their sales and coach them if I feel they need it. I utilize teaching moments as they present themselves. My expectations on the sales floor are as follows:

• Each customer is to be greeted immediately upon entering the store with eye contact being made and a smile.
• Each customer is to be approached with three minutes of entering the store with an open-ended or non-sales related question/comment to begin a conversation. This is about relationship-building. 
• If the customer is not open to conversation, be available. Be folding, doing visual, but within earshot and watching what the customer is doing. If they have merch in their hands, bring it to the fitting room prior to them being ready. Show. Find a way to show or talk about a piece of merchandise.
• Escort each customer to the fitting room with at least three additional pieces to try on. These three additional pieces should fit with what they are already trying on (size/type, etc). Stay near them and remain available. Check on them.
• Find something to add-on at or near the register. Often, I suggest a specific add-on item for everyone to work with each week.
• Thank them for their purchase, and thank them if they don't purchase.

Please, feel free to make comments or ask questions as you get deeper into this blog. I will delve into details that there unfortunately isn't room for on a resume or time for in a one hour interview, so interaction is always a good thing!