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Calendar/Events
Around the Country--Scroll Down For the Calendar
*Note--The events listed here are for you information only--These are not events that we attend
On any given day communities across the country are hosting events; festivals, parades, art shows, rodeo's, horseshows, tractor or car shows, biker rallies, Horse clubs events, music shows, barrel races, cutting horse events etc....all drawing people from surrounding towns and even from across the state to your city.
While sometimes these events may seem to "take over" your town, they should not be seen as a detriment to your business. With a little bit of creative marketing, some elbow grease, an open mind, and a few phone calls you can take advantage of the thousands of people streaming into town.
Gail Markert, president to Markert Group Consulting in Nashville, Tennessee says, "Any opportunity to expand the number of visitors to your store is a bonus." Markert admits that although jammed parking lots, crowds and blocked off streets can cause headaches, you should think instead that 'There are 10,000 people here, how can I take advantage of this new market?' (paraphrased)
So, how does one go about this? Here are some ideas sent in by you the customers:
Help sponsor the event; even a small amount can sometimes get your logo on all the promotional material for an event. Contact the event promoter to learn about advertising opportunities. Create your own promotions to capitalize on additional local traffic. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or downtown business association to see how many people are expected for an event. This kind of information can be useful. Your Chamber or business association can also give you information about the events planned for the year in your community.
Make sure your store front is inviting, clean and neat. If you have a store window- your display has got to 'pop'! With out of town customers browsing the streets, make them feel welcome and comfortable, as simple as posting a welcome sign in the window and leaving your door open.
You could offer a SALE for the event drawing in not only new visitors but regular customers as well. Keep the same hours as the event--if for example, you close at 6pm and the event ends at 7pm--try staying open an extra couple of hours to see if you have additional customers.
Email, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter your Event=- the more people that know about it, the more buzz you can create.
No events coming to your town? Create your own! Have a trunk show, gather the women's bible study groups or drill team or horse association, or FFA members, etc.... for a one afternoon special showing; is there a cowboy poet in your area; invite him/her for a reading. Talk it up and focus the entire event around those attending. Send out invitations, make it special.
1. Research the event--what kind of people are drawn and how many.
2. Promote the event--distribute flyer's or have signage in your store. Sell tickets for an event. If it is a home tour, have the tour end at your store; a few cookies and punch or wine and cheese could go a long way in adding new customers.
3. Link your store to the event--help to sponsor the event, add your flier to any goo-die bags handed out, or hang a banner or sign at the event.
4. Have a window display that pops! No window? Make sure your store front is clean and inviting--add a pot of flowers, a bench and table and a welcome sign
5. Keep your door open--a closed door is not as inviting. (unless flies are an issue of course)
6. If your city allows it, have a sidewalk sale during the event or set up a tent with some of your items at the event handing out coupons to visit your store.
7. Hold a drawing or raffle to expand your data base, add them to your blog, twitter, facebook, etc...
8. Have Fun! Events are made to be fun, relaxing experiences for the guests and customers, smile, relax, say a prayer and enjoy!
Hope you enjoy these thoughts and ideas. We do not guarantee any outcome for you or your business. Check with your city for permits and regulations.
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