Fail-Safe Business Promotion

You keep hearing about how tough the times are right now. For those that own a small business things are really tough, its true. Some big stores can offer so many discounts that you can't keep up with them. When regular folks are trying to pinch pennies they will end up going to those big box type store because they get more for the money. Not good news for the little guy.

Don't try to do the same things that chains do. It is not possible to keep up. You need to use your other assets. Those things that those big stores don't have, no matter how hard they try. A small store or restaurant can give the best possible service. They can keep people happy and make them feel welcome. You, the owner, or the manager can remember peoples names and their likes and dislikes. You can also be very careful with your employees so that they stay with you. People experience this and the word gets around. When you have good word of mouth promotion going on, it's the best.

Opening your shop to the public with refreshments and music is a great idea. A grand opening is good, but it would work wonders to host a monthly gathering. I know of a small restaurant that used an off night on a monthly basis to have a singles group meet. You can serve something light with the understanding that people will buy more. Or go crazy and make it a per person price. Maybe each person could pay $10 and they get appetizers and a set meal. You would be guaranteed a small party on that night.

A trade show or a conference could work in your favor to get new leads or hook up with potential clients. You never know who you will meet at these things. If you have a local one coming up, maybe you should try it out. You need some promo items to give to people and get your staff trained to get quick bits of info to people and contact info from them too.

There are a lot of consumers who would rather not deal with the crush of people and the employee attitudes that you get in those gigantic stores. You can offer a personalized service that is totally impossible for them to get even close to. If you offer good products, and have excellent service with decent prices it's only a matter of time before people become aware of this.