A new business owner is in an exciting and precarious position. It is
incredible to be your own boss, but the possibility of failure is scary. If you observe the methods used by others before you it could give you some good ideas.
A new business owner is in an exciting and precarious position. It is incredible to be your own boss, but the possibility of failure is scary. If you observe the methods used by others before you it could give you some good ideas. Even if you look across town to what a similar business has done to get their name out and customers in. There are some great ideas that have proved themselves before.
If you have a grand opening, people will show up to check you out. This will give you a chance to meet some local people. If you join the local chamber of commerce then you will already have a full house of people that own other small businesses near you. Make things festive so that it will be noticed from the road, that is if you are hoping for walk-ups. You could have an exclusive grand opening and make it invite only.
When you are having your company business cards printed, have some done that are magnetic. You really have to have regular paper ones for professionalism. The magnets are a little something extra. You can give one to each customer that leaves with a purchase. Have one in the bag before you hand it to them. You know it will end up on the fridge in their office or home.
Referral bonuses for customers work. Be sure to ask people for referrals. You can do this by using signs in your business and through simple rewards and bonuses given to those who refer others to you. Offer up some great promotional items to them or offer them a discount on a shopping trip or other service you provide. Remember you are just beginning and referral businesses are the best to have. Asking for referrals is a good way to get them.
People come out of the wood work for free stuff. They also remember you better if you have contact info go home with them. A promotional bag is a good idea for stores. The big chains are doing it, why not you too. You can give a bunch away at first. One to every person that spends $25 or so. Their purchases go into the bag and then later they end up using the bag again at other stores.
Promotional
gifts will help a new company get positive attention from the
area. There is a lot of colorful promotional
merchandise that will market your new baby like mad.
