Our friend Heather Thomas of Destin Florida Boat Rentals has been looking for ways to make her website “copy-proof.” See, other boat rental companies can say they offer the same services or the same tours, but of course it isn’t the same. How could she better show off her uncopy-able qualities? How can you add…
Lisle Corporation makes specialty auto tools. They are tapping their customers’ creativity to find new tools to make. See, auto mechanics are notorious tinkerers, so it’s only natural to go to them for new ideas that Lisle can cooperate to market. This ad was on the cardboard backing on a tool Lisle sells. How are you tapping…
“The most commonly visited section on a small brick-and-mortar business website is the store locator. Customers want to know your store locations, your hours, and your phone number,” Alex Schmelkin of Alexander Interactive says. My store’s site putslocation and hoursright up top. Here are the important implications for your small town business website: Put your…
Another weird retail idea from who-knows-where in my brain: Hide an item. But hide it so people can’t avoid noticing it. Premium items in boxes and bagsbeg to be opened. In a retail store, cover an item with a cloth or box it. You can label it “open me to see the new ___.” Or…
I saw this terrific info on Google + from my long-time Twitter friend Steven, and I just had to get permission to share it here. –Becky Social Media Marketing Tip: Define Your TerminologyBy Steven E. Streight How often have you seen a post like “Our annual Founders Day Beacon Quest will be held on June…
Yes, I do get asked “Is my small town the only one that is this messed up?” The answer is no, you are not alone. We all wonder about it. We all think we must have the most messed up small town anywhere. We deal with some part of the continuum of bad behavior: pettiness backstabbing…
Many small businesses can’t qualify for a small business loan from a traditional local bank. A bad credit record disqualifies many. Lending standards have tightened. Some small towns are limited by local banks that don’t support small business; others don’t have locally-owned banks any more. The good news is that alternatives are available. We are…
As small town business people, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. What we learn in the tough environment of small towns gives us a valuable perspective. We know what it’s like to survive an uncertain economy and through times with zero income. Just like the national economy today. We know how to manage multiple lines…
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