Friday, August 21, 2009

Ladies Night Out a Huge Success

Last night, I spent a good part of my evening enjoying dinner, drinks, and shopping with some friends. And I was not alone!

The event, which I believe was organized by the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, brought out hundreds of women. We enjoyed music, appetizers, refreshments, and lots of good bargains. The stores stayed open late and they were filled. The best part, was that it was also a fundraiser for Orange County Safe Homes.

Partnering with other local businesses is always a good idea. I say it all the time. It is a great way to market your business and a win/win for all involved. Especially when a local non-for-profit can also benefit.

Join your local chambers, rotaries, and your industry-related groups. Get to know the other businesses in your area -- even your "competitors". Good relationships are key to every business. That doesn't just mean relationships with your customers. It includes ALL relationships.

I'd love to hear about organized events that you have held, or other ways that you have collaborated with local businesses to attract customers.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Insight@bbggadv.com
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Warm Weather Brings an Increase in Outdoor Activity

This week in the Hudson Valley, we saw the first really hot days of the spring, which felt more like a flash of summer to me. The first extreme break in the weather has brought everybody outside to bask in the sun after the long winter. So what will be the most popular outdoor activities that people will be participating in this spring and summer?

Bicycle riding, hiking and exercise walking were among the top outdoor activities in 2008. This year, they are all expected to increase in popularity. Hiking is expected to have the largest increase at 19%, bicycle riding with 11.4% and then exercise walking with 7.6%. And 9.2% more people are expected to exercise with gym equipment than in 2008 will exercise.

With an increase in outdoor activities, this is a great opportunity for all of the sporting goods shops in the Hudson Valley, as well as businesses that sell athletic or hiking shoes, or outdoor equipment retailers. Weather like the 80-plus degree days that we saw this week will be sure to make consumers think about outdoor purchases for the warm months.

What will you do to take advantage of the outdoor spirit that this fresh weather brings to the consumers?
June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardcontacts.com

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posted by June Bisel at 5:28 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Product Labels and Your Business

A new study has unveiled that consumers consider product labels to be the most important source for information when shopping for healthy and organic foods. This is more proof that consumers want information in the quickest, most convenient ways possible (Why do you think Snapple Facts are so popular? Worldly facts right under the cap of your Mango Madness).

When deciding on what healthy foods to purchase, consumers are looking on the product packaging to find the information they desire. But they're looking for more than just nutrition facts on the labels. They want to know the company's story. Is this product made by a local small business? Does the company use energy efficient means of production?

The point of this research goes far beyond aisle 5. No matter who your audience is, nobody wants to look too hard to find out about your company. All materials coming from your business should have the company's personal brand stamp on it. Put your tagline on your business cards or in the bottom of your email signature. Put the company logo on folders that you hand out at events.

Use your BusinessCardContacts.com profile and get a banner ad on the site to tell the Hudson Valley about your company's personality.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com

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posted by June Bisel at 11:44 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Other Side of the Coin

Yesterday we talked a bit about the value of coupons during tough economic times. Today, I thought we should discuss the long-term dangers.
While two-for-ones, discounts, and enticing coupons may keep your customers buying your products or walking through your doors, let's think about the buying habits you are creating and the damage you may be doing for the long-term equity of your brand.
Once consumers get accustomed to using coupons, two things happen: 1) they start thinking that in all reality, your product/service was overpriced to begin with, and 2) it may be very difficult for you to restore a full-price mentality to your shopper's buying habits once the economy recovers.
So, what is the best way to proceed? Perhaps it is all in the way you present the discount offering. Show your customer that you are offering the discount because we're all in this together. For many local businesses, you will actually be taking on some financial burden yourself in order to make this offer to them. 
Why will you do this? Well, when it comes right down to it, it's because you want to stay in business. But let's remember why you started this business in the first place. It's most likely because you knew you had a product or service that would be of value to your customers. And, if you've stayed true to your vision and to your commitment to your customers, then it most likely is of value.
Whatever marketing route you decide to take, be true to your customers. Be honest. Offer them value. Put them first. And let them know how much you appreciate them. Maybe it's with coupons - maybe it's not.
June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising & PR
BusinessCardContacts.com

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posted by June Bisel at 10:02 AM 1 Comments