5-24-18 Marketing wisdom from the Langley Chamber of Commerce

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Open Door Policy If you have a storefront, there is one simple thing you can do as summer is just around the corner and the weather warms up to increase foot traffic and provide potential for new sales: OPEN YOUR DOORS! There is nothing quite as welcoming as an open front door to spur someone walking by to turn in, browse around, and maybe even buy something. And, of course, when you see someone come into your business, be sure to make eye contact, say “Hello” and make them feel welcome. "Having an open door in front of you means having an opportunity before you."

5-17-18 An important question to ask a customer or potential customer: "How did you learn about my business?"

When someone comes into your store, or contacts you to purchase your product or service, be sure to ask how they found out about your business---and, keep track of what you learn.

If you are already doing this…..that’s great! 

Are you keeping a record of what you learn?

Asking this question and keeping a record of the responses is important, so that you can see where to place your energy and dollars to promote your business. 

On South Whidbey, word-of-mouth seems to be one of the most important sources of business, but we also have newspapers, emails, Drew’s List, (and let’s not forget the Whidbeylocal.com “Business Spotlight”), bulletin boards, brochures, and promotions for non-profits (hopefully, you’ve heard me mention businesses that support the Whidbey Children’s Theater, for example).

When you have a sale or any kind of special promotion, it is especially important to keep track of what brings potential customers to you.

Be aware also, that advertising and promotion that works well may vary.  It is not uncommon for something to work great for a while, and then suddenly not be as effective in generating business for you. 

That’s why it’s so important to continue to check on what works, and if something isn’t working as well as it used to, try something new.

5-10-18 Hearts & Hammers on Whidbey Island: Businesses give back to the community

Last weekend was Hearts & Hammers.  Rich and I have participated in this wonderful community program for several years.  The concept of having large numbers of people come together on a single day to help elderly or low-income people with home repairs so they can comfortably stay in their homes has become a template being used in many other communities.

In a small community like South Whidbey, you notice how much the local business people donate to the local non-profits and help out in many other ways. 

This year, over 400 volunteers participated.  Many, like my husband and I, simply show up and do what we can to help.  But, there are also many skilled crafts people who donate their skills, as well like the two master carpenters who were on my team.  Electricians, plumbers, roofers and other skilled people who have their own businesses, participate.  Many of the large commercial businesses in the community offer special prices for materials needed for the projects.

When you see businesses giving back to the community, it certainly makes you want to do business with them whenever you can.

5-3-18 Wine and music go together on South Whidbey

In the time Rich and I have lived on Whidbey, we have seen a significant increase in wineries and distilleries, but what has been noticeable in the last few years is the amount of pairings of wine and music.

Nearly every weekend, and some weekdays, the wineries on South Whidbey are offering venues for our local (and sometimes off-island) musicians.  And, I’m sure that these pairings of wine and music are not only building business for the wineries, but for the rest of the community as well.  If you are coming to the south end from other parts of Whidbey or the mainland, you are most likely purchasing some food and maybe visiting some of the retail stores in the vicinity.

If you haven’t experienced a wine and music pairing (or if you want to treat visitors to something special on Whidbey), check out the regular concerts being offered at:

• Ott & Murphy – our own cabaret
• Bloom’s (which is in the process of building a new, large tasting room and music venue in Freeland)
• Comfort’s – which has a large space and great acoustics
• Dancing Fish – which also has a large space and great sound

Apologies if I left out anyone.  You can see the growing pattern of matching wine and spirits to music and entertainment….what a great idea!!

4-26-18 Wow, it seems people really are craving good news

Last week, I posted an item from the “Good News Network” on the MoveonWhidbey Facebook page.  Usually, the items there have 30, 40 or 50 people who “Like” the item.

The Good News article, “Scientists Accidentally Create Super Enzyme That Can Devour Plastic Pollution,” had 191 “likes” last time I checked.  A record!!

I think with the Trump administration, we are all overwhelmed with negative news, and there is a real hunger out there to read positive stories.

Guess I’d better keep checking the “Good News Network” for more stories to share. If you didn’t see the article mentioned here and want to it, here’s the ink: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scientists-accidentally-create-super-enzyme-that-can-devour-plastic-pollution/#.WtjA5V3fvPU.facebook