Best in the World...

Bode finished last season with a globe for his performance in Super G. He started out this season with a top five at Soelden. After a mediocre first run he charged from 17th place to finish fifth. As one ski writer put it, most exciting of all: he finished both runs. It looks like he's well on his way to prove that he is best in the world.

Which brings us to the point of the post- being best in the world. The US Ski Team used it as their motto a few year back and it's what athletes and businesses both strive for. But you don't just get to being the best in the world, there are bench marks and key learnings that need to be reached before achieving such a goal.

Businesses and athletes often look at best practices by competitors and others for inspiration to reach their goals. SIA has some great insight in its Model for Success on best practices from retailers in other markets. Although, the report is over two years old, if you haven't read it take 10 minutes to do so and you'll likely glean at least 2 take aways for your shop and website that will help you be best in town, best in your state, best in the country, or best in world- whatever your goal may be.