Make them feel “Dino-Mite”

Picture this...snow falling, the office Christmas tree is up and the smell of sugar cookies are in the air.  The mailman comes bearing a stack of Christmas cards.  Many of these cards are the only “touch” from the sender this business gets all year long.  This is a low cost, very memorable way to reach out to make our clients feel special!  By no means should we stop sending Christmas cards.  Simply another way to step out of the box.  So~ go pull out the calender (or use this site ) and find a holiday that fits your business or pick one out of the air.  Two important items here 1) you are connecting with clients when they least expect it, that will make them smile.  And/or 2) build a campaign around it to keep it top of mind awareness.  Offer a special around the same time,  give away a promotional product or run an ad in the newspaper or radio.  The ideas are endless and can fit into any budget.  Over the years we have sent out New Year’s cards, Trick or Treat and this past year Valentine cards.  With this latest one we combined it with a banner on our building and a special for trade show displays.   The first several days after I send the cards the phone starts ringing with messages filled with words of appreciations and thanks.  I know we made them feel special and they are because they make it all possible.

Why Not To Read This Blog

I am NOT an expert.  Sorry.  No smoke & mirrors or grand illusions of a social media god will be found here.  What I am is a small business owner and mom that is living and working  in a small town (Logan County.)  So why read this blog then?  Good question.  What I have learned about a blog is that most are written with a larger city feel and audience.  What I have also learned is that networking and marketing in small towns is very different.   My education is in marketing, while my work experience has been the hard way via the day to day issues of having a business.  What I see for this blog is a list of thoughts and ideas about networking in a community where the closest Starbucks is thirty minute away. 

 P.S.  If you happen to be coming this way and pass a Starbucks could you bring me a tall white chocolate mocha?

It's Not Just A Hat!

And so the blog posts start! It all begins with a simple story of me and a monkey hat. Most that know me, know that I am not a hat person, but there is a magic about this hat that pulls you in. It is goofy and so cute that you have to smile when you see it. The monkey is the perfect ice breaker! Very simple. I had a lady stop me in Target to show me pictures of her daughter in a hat like mine. A number of people would just stop to say "cute hate" or "love the hat" plus a number of other stories. What does all this have to do with Build Grow Repeat? That is simple like the hat. What are you doing to break the ice, either at a networking event or while meeting a new client? At several of the Logan County Networking events others have set goals on the number of new people to meet. What better of a way then to start by being out of the box. Rather then your business card, hand them the card of a local coffee shop with your email on the back. Another idea comes from a friend with a blog titled Confessions of an Insurance Goddess who handed out homemade cookies with information about her blog enclosed.
Here is the challenge, at the next networking event you attend think of an out of the box but simple way you can engage others. Set a goal of how many new people you want to meet and stick to it! If you are struggling for an idea then call me, maybe you could use my hat!