By Diane Probst
President/CEO
Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce
Let's just reflect together on all the activities happening in December. Winter Texan Fish Fry, Tree Lighting, Night land and boat parades, homes tour, entertainment, dancers, choirs, singers, etc. There is an event nearly every night! Ever thought about how those events can help your business?
Over the years, I have learned the following:
* You can draw people to an event in your community if you make it exciting and worthwhile.
* You can create different types of events and draw different types of people.
* Events don't have to all be fundraisers but always simulators for the economy.
* Many organizations/businesses are good at coordinating events.
* Making events fun for everyone on the coordinating side is key to a great event.
* Everyone must enjoy what they are doing and have the passion for it.
* Creating an event is fairly simplistic when you have the right system in place.
* Creating events is a great economic stimulus for the community.
With the above in mind, let's discuss how your business can benefit from the events in December. Let's talk first about the Winter Texan Fish Fry. Did you know with permission you can distribute flyers to the Winter Texans in line to be served? For a restaurant, how about a buy one, get one free breakfast special? Yes, the Winter Texans are on a tight budget but they love to eat breakfast and lunch out in the community! Now, let's talk about the Tropical Christmas Festival in Downtown Rockport. Think about what you can offer or do to lure people into your business. Is your business a dress shop, ever thought about a demonstration at a certain time. Just the learning experience from a demonstration will attract people to your shop. The more people that know about your business and what you offer is priceless. How about the Christmas Historic Homes Tour? Ever thought about hosting a meeting for the group in your business? When you do this, your business name gets mentioned verbally and publicized numerous times. This turns out to be great "top of the mind" awareness for your business. Is the parade going in front of your business? Why not pass out samples of products? Have someone dress up in a costume to lure people in for pictures... of course, place your store's name in the backdrop!
My point here is when times are a little slower we have to work just a little harder. We have to stay positive and we'll all be just fine. Remember, the squeeky wheel always gets the grease and events just might be a way for you to generate business. In today's world, it is all about marketing and getting people's attention. How many 20% off coupons have you gotten via email or the mail lately?
This blog spot has hopefully inspired you to think positively in December about how you can tie local community events to a bottomline stimulus for your business. Use the comment box below to tell what has worked for you.
