“You’re a tool.”
“Thank you.”
Did you ever think that being called a “Tool” would be a good thing? Well, in this case it is. Let us explain.
Name recognition is an asset for any business, especially in the tourist communities of Michiana. Aside from spending a fortune in advertising or on gimmicks with little returns, small businesses can benefit from becoming a tool for consumer use.
What is a Consumer Tool?
A consumer tool is a resource that consumers use in order to make purchase decisions, gather information and to stay up to date on industry information. A business that becomes a tool benefits from continuous exposure for its role as a resource as well as for its profitable ventures. The consumer makes an initial purchase, but returns continuously because of the resources.
How to Become a Consumer Tool?
There are a few tips to consider when trying to become a tool for consumers.
- Find Your Niche. Appliance repair services and parts retailers can offer instruction on basic maintenance. A bakery could host a cake decorating class. An accounting firm can offer tax tutorials. Whatever your business is, figure out what you can offer to the community that would make your business a resource for consumers.
- Consider The Costs. Make sure that the resources you offer is cost effective for your business. You may want to try to recoup some of the costs. For example, the bakery may want to give one free course, while offering a regular course available for a fee.
- Be Creative. Instead of sending out how-to flyers or promotional items, find something that will get your business out and active with the community.
- Get Attention. Consider resources that will draw media attention a.k.a. free advertising. A copyediting service can offer resume clinics for the unemployed. In Michigan and Indiana, two states among the highest in unemployment numbers such a clinic will be major media news.
- Look for Grant Funding. Grants are available for community related activities. Businesses that come up with ideas to benefit the community like resume clinics and even boating safety courses, may be able to apply for grant funding for the projects. They may have to partner with a nonprofit agency in order to acquire the funding.
Activities such as these will keep your business’s name on the tips of tongues within the community. It will also give you business some positive press that will follow you out of this recession economy.
