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Wendy HearnThe Inspiring Catalyst business coaching business coaching |
Owners of physical businesses have many resources for new leads. The first one being that they are in a physical business and new customers can easily stop in for a visit. To take advantage of this, many brick and mortar businesses take part in networking opportunities. This may take the form of a traditional networking meeting sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, or it could be simply talking to the other parents in the PTA about what you do for a living. A small conversation could spur them into coming to your business and having a look around. Referrals from current customers and other business associates, also known as word of mouth advertising, can also serve a brick and mortar business owner well. Simply letting people know that you are looking for referrals may be all that is needed to receive them. A brick and mortar business should never ignore their own backyard, and it will really pay off to develop a strong name within the community. Many local papers have affordable ad rates, and advertising on a regular basis within the paper will keep the business name known among the locals. A business can also take part in community events to help bring in new leads. Some ideas would be to sponsor a charity event, fair, school event or even a Little League team. Not only will the participants see your name at the event on the promotional materials, the local paper will most likely be doing some type of story about the event. As a courtesy to the sponsors, the sponsors' names may be listed in the story. The newspaper may even call a few businesses to do a small interview about how they got involved with the particular event. This type of exposure is better than advertising, as it draws attention to the business in a very credible way. In today's business world, a brick and mortar business with very strong ties to their local community still needs to have a website. Every business can profit from this tool. Potential customers in the local community can explore the site and learn things such as business hours and directions. Potential customers from far away are introduced to a business through the website and, if the website has ecommerce functionality, can make purchases through the site as well. By using traditional networking methods and staying close to their local community while taking advantage of all that technology offers, a brick and mortar business can receive many leads from various places.
Wendy Hearn 
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