January is all about planning for the rest of the year. What changes do you want to make in your business? What has worked well and should be continued? What are your plans for marketing, advertising, or donations to community organizations?
The ideal way to form a plan is to know what to expect in the future. In Golden, we have many cherished traditions. People expect certain events every year and look forward to participating in them. Why not tie your business promotions to these widely-marketed events? That way, you demonstrate your awareness of the community, and at the same time you benefit from community-wide advertising efforts. Here are a few ideas:
- If you run a restaurant, offer Cowboy-themed meals during the Colorado Cowboy Gathering or special desserts during Olde Golden Christmas.
- If you own a store, display classic car-oriented merchandise on SuperCruise days, and bike merchandise on Golden Cruise days. Feature old west-looking items for Buffalo Bill’s birthday in February, and again during Buffalo Bill Days. Fill your windows with hand-crafted items or art supplies during the Fine Arts Festival
- Regardless of business type, make sure you register to use the local business booth during the Farmers Market. It’s a great opportunity to meet potential customers face to face.
- Publish special offers in the programs at Miners Alley Playhouse, the Golden Music Festival, Jefferson Symphony concerts, or Buffalo Bill Days. Low-cost ads in those programs are a great way to connect with the throngs of people who attend those events.
- Provide gift certificates to local fund-raisers. People who buy those certificates usually spend more than the face amount, and often become long-term customers.
So how can you learn what to expect in Golden during 2015? For a good overview, check Golden.com’s Signature Events page: golden.com/signature-events.htm. For late-breaking events, subscribe to the daily emails: golden.com/subscribe.htm.
We have special events all year long in Golden. Don’t let them sneak up on you!
Barb Warden, Golden.com
