Overview As a small business owner, you might read blogs on various topics related to marketing and managing your business. But do you write a blog of your own for […]
Overview As a small business owner, you’ve probably faced your own busy season(s). If you’re a retailer, this can be around the holidays. If you’re a restaurant or a bar, […]
Overview Raising money for a local or international charity is an excellent way to become an involved and respected member of your community. It’s best to select one charity that […]
Overview A great way to support local charities is to allow your customers to become involved in the process. Ask them what charities they support, and make a day (or […]
Overview Employees may decide to collectively donate their tips on a given day to a charity – sending a strong message of support to the chosen nonprofit organization. See the Charity […]
Overview Donations are giving your product, money or service to a charity or charitable cause. This is a great way to be locally relevant, be part of the community and […]
Overview Public libraries are a place where people of all ages go to explore, learn, and be inspired. However, these cultural community centers are often undervalued, understaffed and / or […]
Overview Chances are, an elementary or high school in your neighborhood has approached you about donating something (a gift certificate, a gift basket, catering) for a fundraiser or event they [...]
Overview Instead of cash or volunteers, some charities might need food and beverage service at a charity location or event. If you’re a restaurant, this is a good chance to […]
Overview Conduct a volunteer event with a local non-profit organization. See the Charity & Community Give-Back Guide for the comprehensive approach to this topic. Details What a great feeling [...]
Overview Letting your customers know what you do in the community is important to both customers and employees. The Community Board is an opportunity to let customers know how you […]
Overview Are there annual local events that your company should celebrate and participate in? Annual Christmas Fair? New Year’s Celebration? City or National Holidays? Many of these events [...]
Overview Getting to know concierge in the hotels around your location is a great way to drive traffic and build awareness. Visit area hotels and provide concierge staff with business […]
Overview Word of Mouth happens when you’re doing something so well, others can’t help to talk about you. They remark about you. You literally become remarkable! Someone else speaking [...]
Overview Are you opening your new business in a vibrant, artistic neighborhood? Is your location in an extremely artistic neighborhood? If so, holding a customer art contest could be a […]
Overview Display a large, clear jar full of small objects related to your business either in your store, or in the window of your store. Invite people to guess how […]
Overview Customer contests are an easy and fun way to interact with your customers. Plus, with a few small modifications, they can be a great way to keep those customers […]
Overview Pose trivia questions for your customers that change on a regular basis. This creates some additional exchange between customers and employees. It gives customers something to talk [...]
Overview Today, there are so many forums for small businesses to receive customer feedback. From social media, to online review sites, to email and in-person conversations – it’s almost hard […]
Overview Engage with your local community by hosting events that benefit a charity that you care about. Have fun, and do good! Details Here are some great examples of restaurants, […]
Overview Hosting in-store book clubs meetings is a great opportunity for you to expose your business to new customers and to integrate yourself as a part of the community. Details […]
Overview Hosting in-store music events featuring local musicians are a great way to connect with your community, make your location a destination and drive traffic. Ensure that the music style [...]
Overview Seasonal events and promotions are a great way to draw repeat customers like Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte. How can you get your customers excited about the change of seasons? [...]
Overview Everyone loves trivia – where else can you put to use all those sports stats, pop culture tidbits or random science facts that you’ve held onto for all these […]
Overview Nintendo’s Wii Sports games have changed the way our society thinks of video games. Games like Wii Bowling and Tennis are highly interactive virtual versions of those real-life [...]
How do you communicate with your customers when they aren’t in your store, restaurant or cafe? Do you blog? Tweet? Post on Facebook? All those formats are fine for snippets […]
Overview Going green will not only help your local (and global) environment, but it can also improve your bottom line. Being environmentally friendly also leads to higher levels of employee […]
Overview Adopt A Highway partnerships are a win-win for everyone involved. Local (or national) companies parter with the state departments of transportation to keep a certain stretch of highway [...]
Overview Your location donates time, money, resources or supplies to help clean up trash at a lake, river or beach area. This could also include fixing up the area by […]
Overview Your location donates time, money, resources, or supplies to help clean up at a local park. This could also include fixing up the park by planting flowers and trees, […]
Overview Did you know that used coffee grounds make for an excellent fertilizer? If you own a coffee shop or bakery, why not offer your customers used coffee grounds to […]
Overview Planting trees can be a great way to demonstrate how much you care about your community and the environment. Details A tree planting activity will probably be done in […]
Overview A great invitation is a key ingredient for your Friends & Family Event. Details We recommend printed invitations, although if you have access to email addresses for friends and […]
Overview The men and women in uniform in your community deserve to be celebrated and honored. Every day, they risk their lives to make sure your community is a safe […]
Overview Create a personalized letter from the store manager to area merchants located within walking distance of your location. This provides you with a simple way to introduce or reintroduce [...]
Overview Being a good neighbor to a local theater group can be a great way to become locally relevant. Offer catered service for the rehearsals or performances at your local theater […]
Overview Before your new location opens or if you’re a new manager in your location, take the opportunity to get to know your neighbors! This “meet ‘n’ greet” tour [...]
Overview Is your business located in a shopping center, mall or other cozy community? If so, we bet you share your customers with restaurants, retail shops and other specialty stores. […]
Overview Sending a personalized letter to your local business neighbors about your Grand Opening event is an easy way to build awareness about your new location! See the New Store [...]
Overview After your Grand Opening Event has come and gone, be sure to show your appreciation to those who have provided their time to make the Grand Opening a success. […]
Overview Invite your charity partner and local town officials to participate in your Grand Opening Event. See the New Store Opening Guide for the comprehensive approach to this topic. Details The [...]
Overview There’s no better way to build awareness and excitement for your location’s Grand Opening or Grand Re-Opening than to host an in-store event for your friends, family and new [...]
Overview Is your business located in a historically significant building or in a historically significant area? If so, why not leverage that fact to garner interest in your business and […]
Overview Providing a venue for local artists to showcase their works is a great way to not only enhance the environment of your location, but also to become a part […]
Overview In-Store Events are a great way to drive current and potential customers to your location for a festive occasion, sample your products and drive sales. Details Often, these events can [...]
Overview Host an anniversary party for the community to thank your customers AND build awareness with potential customers. Details A store anniversary party is a great excuse to host a […]
Overview Book readings aren’t just for book stores or libraries! Your retail shop or café would be the perfect location for intimate book readings. Connect with a local author and […]
Overview What better way to show your customers you care about them then by planning a Customer Appreciation Day in their honor? Details First things first… when should you host […]
Overview The holidays are the perfect time to say “thank you” to your customers and clients and celebrate! What better way to build community and drive traffic than to have […]
Overview Celebrate with customers on a regular basis with an in-store party. This is a great way to create excitement, drive traffic and change up the daily routine for your […]
Overview Hosting an in-store poetry reading is an easy way to create a connection with your local community. By working with a local school or university (do a little research […]
Overview One of our favorite ways to generate ideas for blogging, promotions or special events is to reference our Marketing Holiday Calendar. The holidays to “celebrate” range from [...]
Overview Earth Day is a day on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. Earth Day is planned for April 22 in […]
Overview Joining your local Chamber of Commerce or Neighborhood Association allows you a quick and easy way to connect with fellow business owners and local leaders. Details In addition to […]
Overview Local newspaper and magazine (often referred to as simply “print”) reporters like to know what’s going on in their community. So reach out and introduce your business [...]
Overview If you’ve ever been the “low guy on the totem pole” at a new job, chances are you’ve been designated the one to run out and pick up coffees, […]
Overview Offer complimentary products, services, or specials for employees, at targeted companies within your Trade Area, who show their work identification (badge, business card) to your store [...]
Overview Outdoor concerts can be a great way to get your products and services in front of potential customers. You could provide catering service, sampling, or product demonstrations for the [...]
Overview Parks are the centers of carefree fun for many communities. They provide a gathering point for neighbors, friends and family members, and can offer a small corner of nature […]
Overview There are a number of activities your location may engage in that qualify as raffles. These can be great ways to engage your current customers or spread the word […]
Overview Partnering with local schools is a great way to integrate your business into your local community and be part of what’s important to your customers. Details During your Community […]
Overview Partnering with local schools is a great way to integrate your business into your local community and be part of what’s important to your customers. Schools and school programs […]
Overview If your store is opening at the beginning of the school year, or if you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to your local community: collect school supplies […]
Overview Showing the teachers of your community that you care about them is a great way to make a local connection. Remember the schools you outlined in your Community during […]
Overview Volunteering your time to reading with a child, even for just one hour a week, can make a huge difference in that child’s life. Contact your local school or […]
Overview Social Media is a marketing activity that supports the strategy of creating word of mouth. It uses online tools (like blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to help spread the word […]
