Business Promotion During the Holidays

We are looking to hear methods of business promotion being utilized this holiday season. What steps have you taken to attract new customers? Has it proven successful? Share your ideas and actions here, so others can learn from you.

The Hat Said What?

Recently, I had some construction work performed at my home. The worker I hired showed up with a friendly smile, and gear in hand ready to start his day. What surprised me was the baseball hat he wore. Resting comfortably upon his head, and proudly displaying bold coloring, it had a clear message for all to see. Sh#t Happens! I couldn't believe it. I paused momentarily, unsure if I should be frightened to let him touch my home and begin the repairs. What was his advertisement supposed to really mean? "Interesting hat." I commented. He smiled proudly and whistled away as he began to set up.

This advertisement was a simple reminder that we must remain aware of the message our business is conveying to others at all times. When you present yourself to a customer, or potential customer-you don't want them to ever hesitate about hiring you. I know I did. Fortunately, he did a fantastic job. But, not everyone is willing to give you a second chance, and it often reverts back to the old saying, you have one opportunity to make a first impression.

What is Your Preferred Means of Social-Networking?

We are looking for those willing to share their preferred means of social-networking and why? Do you utilize Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, web-conferencing, or something else? What works best for you, or has proven to be an effective means of promoting your business? Share your thoughts, and help those trying to learn understand.

Bubbles Make You Look for Sure!

I always like to share interesting things with my readers when I see them, and with the economy still in an unstable state I am continuously looking to see how people are promoting their businesses. I saw an interesting promotional tactic the other day that caught my attention.

What looked like a million bubbles (slight exaggeration but there were alot,) were flying from the top of what appeared to be a pipe sitting on a car, and floating towards the sky. Music was blasting from the vehicle as well.

The attraction made you look, and believe me I did because I was curious to see what type of business was being promoted. It was a housecleaning business. As I glanced around everyone seemed to be smiling, and pointing. This business owner had succeeded in doing what they intended to do, and that was catch attention.

Have you recently seen a catchy means of business promotion? If so leave a comment and share with us what you observed. If you have used something that has worked well for your business promotion-let us know.

Get Crazy, Wacky, and Creative When Promoting Your Business!

I am always thinking about different ways to let people know about what I am doing in business. While this doesn't always have to cost money, it does need to be in a manner that makes you and your business stand out to others. Not long ago I saw a couple of business promotion ideas that stood out to me and I would like to tell you why.

First, while on a local highway, I caught site of a vehicle that had something that appeared to be a clear box attached on the back. After getting closer, I noticed it was a box filled with colorful flyers. A small slot beside the flyers held business cards. A lid ensured that the items would not get wet, and remained securely in place. Gold lettering beside the materials indicated the business name. I had never seen anything like this. It was sort of a self serve business promotion. Rather than going shopping and returning to your vehicle only to find unwanted brochures or information placed under your wiper, you could grab information yourself if interested. The bright colors and unique placement of this box made you want to get closer, and grab information just to see what it was all about.

Several minutes later while rounding a corner I noticed a black Mercedes heading in my direction. Attached to the side was a bright yellow sign promoting a housecleaning business. It was interesting to see the color contrast. It grabbed your attention because it screamed "look at me."

The economy has caused people to become creative in expressing their business offerings. What have you done lately to let others know about your business? Have you gone to extremes to spread the word? Share your ideas here.

Times Are Hard But Keep Your Business Popping!

The other morning while driving in a nearby neighborhood I was stunned to see a local 7-11 was out of business. I knew times were hard, but people are now debating on whether to even by a Slurpee. "This is scary" I said to my daughter sitting next to me. Then, today while I was out I noticed a Chevron gas station near the 7-11 is being torn down. It is amazing how something can be in a location one day, actively doing business and then the bulldozers come in, get to work, and make them disappear in a day. You cannot even tell a business was once there. Seeing this activity caused me to start thinking more about upcoming business changes for the new year. Though times are rough, you can still keep things progressing in the business arena with a few simple implementations.

Handle Money Situations

If you have had money issues, take a clear look at what is going on with the situation. Need help? Get a respected professional that comes highly recommended. Do a thorough check before making a final selection. You want to ensure you are selecting someone interested in you. They must improve your situation not the other way around.

Maintain Integrity

The fear of failure causes many of us to do things we wouldn't normally do. Create a business plan today, so that when you are under pressure you do not have to compromise your morals.

Diversify

Never place all your bets in one area, because things change. I believe the current economic situation has clearly represented this. If you have nothing to fall back on, you can end up in a bad place. Look today and see what changes can be made within your business to create new profit. Find that small untapped area (niche,) and turn it in to a money maker for your business.

Be Seen by Potential Customers

Many businesses fail because there isn't enough publicity generated around them. What can you do to make your business stand out more from today? Devise new tactics to bring customers to the products and services you are offering. Once you have done this, remember to keep things fresh. No one likes anything that is stagnant.

Pay Attention to Detail

Though some customers may have not purchased anything from your business for a while, pay attention to them. Send a small card thanking them for their previous business, offer a discount on upcoming items, remember their birthday...Do what needs to be done to keep your business name in the game and respected.

Work Efficiently

Now is the time to look at how the speed for product delivery and services can be increased without compromising customer satisfaction. Is there a new piece of software that can help organize your files more easily? how about simplification of packaging? Review all aspects of your business, and see where you can improve. The smallest changes can provide the largest impact. Just ensure whatever you do is necessary and effective.

The Opportunity to Learn Comes When You Least Expect it

Today was a beautiful day in our suburb. The sun was shining brightly, birds were singing, and the sound of lawn mowers going could be heard outdoors. Sneeze, sneeze, sniffle... spring is coming and allergy season is in full bloom. I decided I wanted to spend extra time with my youngest daughter running a few errands and enjoying our time together. I strongly believe in daily business promotion, gratitude...but I just wanted to relax for a while after having been ill all week. We headed out with smiles on our faces.

The day ended up being enjoyable, but I knew later in the evening I still had to do some work research, and business promotion. But, I needed to call a family member before I could do just that. I intended to make the call earlier in the week but this was another thing illness had prevented me from doing on schedule. Once the call was made, our conversation turned in to hours of fun. Yes, I did say hours. We talked and laughed about so many things, and then the conversation turned to business. Unplanned networking, questionnaire session, and so much more... I came away from that conversation filled with another level of knowledge, it was amazing. It was then that I was reminded that often when we allow ourselves to just go with the flow, our business networking emerges at its best and it becomes fun not just work.