Fifteen booksellers attended SIBA's New and Propective Owners Retreat on November 5th on Zoom. Moderated by Janet Geddis (Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA) and Alsace Walentine (Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg, FL), the event was an hour-long lively discussion over a wide range of topics including:

• Concerns about potential delivery delays because of the government shutdown
• Revising business plans and how to prepare for conversations with banks and lending institutions
• Building good relationships with other local businesses
• Running a business while maintaining another job
• Managing tasks and workload
• Hiring practices and using interns

Booksellers traded personal experiences and possible solutions for the different issues that were raised, such as noting how valuable it is to join local business organizations and groups, because participating in their programs helps build connections with other local entrepreneurs.

Booksellers traded their favorite systems for managing tasks, such as designating different days for different kinds of tasks, or using a "top three" priority system, with the most important task first, so that you always finish at least one important thing each day.

Attendees received a list of "Five Things to Do Right Now" for new store owners and a list of other helpful resources from SIBA Membership Coordinator Candice Huber. Contact Candice to request a copy.

More SIBA Owners Retreats are being planned for 2026.