What to Do Hot Tip: Talk to Your Team
As a bookstore owner, one of the best things you can do for your bookstore is create a pro-bookseller environment — especially in these times. Talk to your team. Communicate when someone has done a good job, explain difficult decisions, and take responsibility for mistakes. Create an open-door policy but also proactively create opportunities to check in with your team; don’t wait for them to come to you. Ensure that your workplace is safe and secure, then check in with booksellers to make sure they feel safe and secure. Perception is as important as practice. Have a policy/procedure (staff meetings, a designated liaison, an anonymous hotline, etc.) for employees to raise concerns.
What to Do Coffee Break: Tuesday, February 16, 3:00 pm ET
Watch your email for an invitation to join this weekly event, which offers a place to share support, ask questions, and trade best practices. All booksellers are welcome. Hear what’s working well at other stores, crowdsource solutions to any challenges you’re facing at your store, and ask questions.
BIPOC Coffee Break: Thursday, February 18, 8:05 pm ET
This meetup for BIPOC — Black, Indigenous, or People of Color — bookseller and bookstores owners will take place during Winter Institute (but Wi16 registration is not required to attend). Booksellers interested in participating should email [email protected] for the Zoom information; this meetup has a session-specific password.
#MarginsBookstores Month: Signup Deadline Saturday, February 27
The Word, a nonprofit fighting for cultural equity through the literary arts, is promoting #MarginsBookstores Month to celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodiverse-owned/managed bookstores. Learn more and sign up to be included in 2021 programming.
ABA is here for all of you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Members can contact me directly or email the Membership, Advocacy, or IndieCommerce teams. Best,
Allison |
