Special Events

Grand openings (or re-openings) are always attention-getters as are anniversary sales and seasonal promotions. A small business can host open house events and invite key target buyers to explain and demonstrate products and services.

Set up an event calendar or diary for your business — the kind with big squares you can scribble in. Note all opportunities for events as the year progresses. Also note when your customers may be having events. Then next year you'll be able to refer to your calendar, call your customers in advance, and ask what you can do to help them with their upcoming activity. This preemptive approach is very effective, and all it takes is a few notes scribbled on a calendar.

Watch your local papers and church bulletins for events you didn't get to participate in this year but will not want to miss selling to next year. Your non-customers will soon be recruited as steady clients. It takes little time and costs nothing.