Events

     Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
     from a lifetime of personal experience in business--been there, done that.

     Events are a good way for a small business to get the word out, create some excitement, reach out to new customers, move some merchandise, get better known in the community, and more.

     Events come in different sizes and shapes. Holding a sale is an event. Holding a grand opening (or an anniversary) is an event. Holding a special reception to honor someone in the community is an event. Partnering with an organization to hold a fundraiser is an event. Throwing open your place to a networking group is an event. Show a movie, bring in a band, partner with the local baker for cookies and cake. You get the idea. 

     Events attract attention. Do a write up ahead of time and send it to your local newspaper. Post it on your Facebook page and other social media. Send out announcements to your email list. Announce it with a poster in the window, with a banner across your street, with a magnetic sign on your delivery van--use your imagination.

     Example: Frank runs a specialty shop. Here, it's all about fun on the water--sailing and boating, swimming and snorkeling. One summer he decided to host a party at the local lake--he set up a big tent, displayed sailboats, offered quickie sailing lessons and rides on the lake, partnered with a caterer, brought in a few vendors and musicians, and spread the word everywhere he could think of. This event cost Frank some bucks, but he saw sales at his shop double in the following months. His event had the effect of educating people in the joys of sailing, and they are buying sail boats and taking sailing lessons. 

     Events can be elaborate and costly, or they can be simple and cost little.

     Example: Marie also runs a specialty shop. She offers one-of-a-kind, handmade items consigned by artists and artisans from far and near. It's a fairly large store--jewelry and blown glass, leather bags and paintings, turned wood bowls and silk scarves, women's clothing and children's games, and much more. The store attracts customers looking for unusual gifts, keepsakes and wearables. Marie wanted to attract attention at the Christmas season. She cleared everything out of the shop's big window, lined it with reflective foil, and installed a Christmas tree--upside down. The tree was fully decorated and hanging from above. On the floor, she scattered gift-wrapped boxes with fancy ribbons. People passing on the sidewalk stopped in their tracks--and came inside. The local paper sent a photographer, and a color picture of her shop's window appeared on the front page. This was an event that resulted in lots of free advertising, people talking, tweeting and emailing pics to their friends.

     Events don't have to cost a lot to be effective. Put on your creative hat and come up with events to promote your business. You must be creative, or you wouldn't be in business. 

     I've spent a lifetime in business. These days, I've sold my last business and spend my time writing about business, plus a weekly business column, plus this free daily blog, and coaching an occasional business through rough times. I'll answer your questions at no charge--simply email me at AlWarr16@gmail.com and put BLOG in the subject line so I don't delete. Your privacy is always respected.