Blog
Idiom: Family
Family man. Runs in the family. In the family way. Family tree. Family matters. Americana is all about family. We’ve even stretched it to include our “work family” and our “school family” or our “church family.” Despite efforts to redefine it, we all have our own...
“How To Make Your Website Really Sell” Entrepreneur Magazine interviews The Lively Merchant
Check out this excerpt from "How To Make Your Website Really Sell" in the September, 2009 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine featuring David Lively: Be sure to post toll-free phone numbers and e-mail addresses on every page, as well as fields for visitors to submit...
“The X and Y of Buy”
One reason people hire The Lively Merchant is because we help them do things they need to do and want to do, but don’t have time to do. One way we do this is by providing insights and reviews of new research and resources so you can decide if they are useful tools to...
Using Your Head
As I talk with a business owners of all sizes, and they explain how their hands are tied in moving forward with an internet strategy. They believe they are doing the best they can under the circumstances, of course, but really there are departments in their...
Idiom: Information
“Just the facts, ma’am, just the facts.” Ms. Jones might pull out this Joe Friday line when she’s furniture shopping. Even if she falls head over heels in love with a sexy chaise or a beautiful bedroom, she’s going to have to justify her financial investment with some...
The Lively Merchant Represents Retailers on HFIA Board
FURNITUREToday recently reported that David Lively was elected to the HFIA Board of Directors: "Our board is on the front lines of the furniture industry every day," said Frye. "They know exactly what keeps an independent retailer up at night. We continually ask...
Idiom: Recycle
Toilet paper made from yesterday’s news. Computers made from clunkers. New tin cans made from old tin cans. Recycling is a good thing, most of the time. Furniture recycling, however, is not a good thing for you. We’re not talking about making microfibers from plastic...
How To Speak Your Future Into Existence
Theodore Roosevelt made stuff happen. He didn't have the patience to sit around and see what might come from Congress. On May 6, 1903, he declared the Grand Canyon unparalleled throughout the rest of the world. Then in 1908, without even a hint of authority, he spoke...
Idiom: Order
People shouting, arms waving, voices rising. Bang! Bang! The judge pounds his gavel and shouts, "Order in the court! Order in the court!" The slamming gavel continues until the courtroom goes silent. Ever notice that you don't reach into your $10 popcorn until order...