Monday, June 18, 2012

Business Tips


 
Sustainably Sadie
Business Tips
The GRVCCA Local Business Expo held Saturday, May 12 at the MP Gym at TB School was a fun, family-friendly event.  It was stressful to plan; many thanks to Jessica Hutchinson, Gail Poirier and their families and GRVCCA board members, vendors, participants and attendees!  Participating in an event like the GRVCCA Local Business Expo is an excellent opportunity to not only attract new customers but also an awesome networking opportunity. 

Speak with other business owners about successes, frustrations, lessons learned.  Highlight new services or products.  Tell your customers to find you at an Expo or Trade Show.  Offer coupons and specials only available at the special event. 

Expos, trade shows, and community events are great ways to get face time with your customers.  Attending chamber of commerce, community association and other board meetings is another way to reach out to the community (customers).  Volunteer on those boards and for projects.  Those who have been serving need help planning and orchestrating events and projects. 

There is no substitute for the person to person contact that occurs when you are active in the community.   In addition to real face time there is Facebook for promoting your business.  JoAnne Steele of ruraltourismmarketing.com has discussed on her blog how facebook.com and pinterest.com (you can access Pinterest using your Facebook account; you need an invite to access, ask your Facebook friends) can be used to positively promote your business. 

Research by checking out other business Facebook pages.  Mimic professional pages that catch your eye and are appropriate for your personality.  It is becoming as important as having a webpage and email account, a Facebook page is another way to connect with your customers. 

Home-based businesses, outfitters, lodges, restaurants, specialty shops, horse brokers, and many many more local businesses are using personal and business facebook accounts to keep touch with their customers.  Keep it professional, even your personal page. 

Twin Bits

There is a Montana Draft Horse and Mule Association event happening at the Madison County Fairgrounds this Memorial Day weekend.  I grew up with draft horses, its how my husband and I know each other, if you have the time to stop by with the kids and see the gentle giants at work, it will be an experience that is remembered.  Jumping Rainbow is providing concessions. 
The Draft Horse and Mule Association has a web page and Facebook page!  Check ‘em out!

The Twin Bridges Farmer’s Market opens for the season this Saturday!  Bring your market bag/ basket and load up on local goodies. Contact:  Coree Martin, Market Master, cmartin@3rivers.net, 406-596-1978.    If You Grow It, Raise It, Bake It or Make It - MARKET IT.  *WANTED*
VENDORS for 2012 Twin Bridges Farmers Market at Main St. Park.
Saturday's starts at 9:00am until 12:00pm  May 26th thru Sept 29
Booth Fee is $3.00.  Booth size unlimited space- for now!
Prior approval. Youth Groups & Fund Raisers - no booth fees (Letter from
Group & type of Fund Raiser required).

The next GRVCCA meeting is Tuesday June 5 in Sheridan.

The next TBCA meeting is Friday June 8, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 


Sheridan High School Graduation:  Saturday June 2, 1:00 pm
Thursday May 31, Last Day for Seniors
Thursday June 7, Last Day for Students


From TBS Calendar:

Thursday May 24:  Kindergarten graduation
May 25:  Last Day of School; State Track @ Butte; 5th/ 6th Gr Water Fight
Saturday May 26:  State Track @ Butte
May 26- 27:  Men’s Basketball Tourney @ both gyms


No comments:

Post a Comment