Business growth is essential to remain profitable but in some markets, that’s becoming harder and harder to do. It’s likely if you have a small business you don’t have the time to explore new types of customers. You’re likely focused on retaining the ones you have and marketing to the Read more…
The day after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday where shoppers are encouraged to support small businesses. This is a great way to bring recognition and revenue to the underdog but it’s not enough. Starting a local currency program in your community is another way to bolster support for small Read more…
Repeat clients are a businesses dream because they require less marketing dollars. They are also more likely to write referrals and send you customers. Your business becomes their go-to place and with any luck, you become a buying habit for them. But not all businesses are set up for repeat Read more…
No matter how amazing your business is, at some point, you will encounter a difficult customer. When you do, here are a few ways to diffuse a tough situation. 8 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Customers Check your own emotions. An emotional answer or even emotionally-charged body language can Read more…
Merchants realize the benefit of gift certificates. They allow you to collect the revenue up front and provide the merchandise or service later. But the administration behind starting your own program and tracking it can be a real pain. There is a better option out there. Some communities offer what’s Read more…
Customer loyalty programs, like local currency, work best when everyone participates. The great thing about loyalty programs is that they can work in collaboration with local currency, and getting your fellow community businesses on board is a great way to advertise for each other. But where to start? Creating Read more…
In days gone by, a welcome wagon or chamber member would reach out to every new brick and mortar store/business. Today, people are starting businesses with just a laptop and an Internet connection. It’s impossible to just “stop by” but how do you make all new businesses feel welcome when Read more…
Spring is officially here. (Even if there’s still snow on the ground.) The temperatures are warming up (one of these days), and your town is likely about to see a boom in tourism and travelers. Is your business ready, or are there still a few spring cleaning items you Read more…
Last month we talked about ways to partner with bloggers…but have you considered blogging yourself? Though not a new trend, blogs are becoming more and more popular for businesses and business people as Google makes “time on page” an important factor in organic results. LinkedIn has a whole section on Read more…
Businesses are using bloggers now more than ever to attract customers. By partnering with bloggers in your town, you are widening your customer base and creating a platform for even more people to learn about your business and participating in your local currency program. Plus, reviews and things shared by Read more…
