I really get a kick out of some businesses. The businesses who "get it" understand that they must continue to market and be creative no matter what the economic circumstances. The businesses who don't...are not in business for very long. Either that or they go running to the government for some of our taxpayer dollars.
We were visiting the sleepy town of Stillman Valley, IL this weekend for a wrestling tournament that our 16 year old was participating in. Wrestling tournaments are a great activity, however, they are very long. Usually the families leave after eight to nine hours and are tired, hungry, and sore from sitting on bleachers all day.
Upon pulling into the town, there was a restaurant advertising "FREE CHEESE FRIES FOR ALL WRESTLERS!" Brilliant marketing! Let's look at some numbers:
1. 500 people at the tournament.
2. Let's assume that 10% of the attendees decided to eat at the restaurant to get the "free" fries.
3. The average family of four will spend $40 (even after the free fries)
4. The restaurant earns $2000 it didn't have when they opened.
The days of "holding back" great information or product from customers has long since passed. We live in an age of give to get. What are some simple products or services that your business can provide for free to help generate additional revenue? A free special report on your field of expertise, a free dessert with meal purchase, a free car wash with oil change. What ever you decide to offer, do it with gusto. Some promotions will work, some promotions will not work. The only guarantee is that if you do nothing, you will gain nothing in return!
