Wholesale Matters

100 Small Actions #41 and #42

41. Do a postcard mailing to your customers

 

You do have your customers’ addresses, don’t you? If not, now’s the time to start asking for them, and not just with a “Sign Up for Our Mailing List” notebook at the sales counter. Verbally request their mailing address from them when they make a purchase. Once you’ve gathered up a good-sized list of your customers, send them a postcard announcing something special – an upcoming show, exhibition, or special event. Entice them to come with a “preferred customer” offer such as a discount or a free gift.

 

Frequency: Every three months

 

 

42.   Put your contact information, including company name, on every page of your website

 

Now that you actually HAVE a website (see #23), ensure that your contact information appears on every page. This is important for search engine optimization, and also makes it much easier for visitors to get in touch with you directly without having to navigate through multiple pages of your site.

 

Frequency: Once for your entire site, then as you add new pages

100 Small Actions: #39 and #40

39. Participate in your local, regional or state arts council

 

While most arts councils are government agencies rather than member-based organizations, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved. Many councils produce art fairs and festivals, which require volunteers to plan and execute; other councils have a wide range of committees that work on promoting arts within the community. Not all council websites are easy to navigate – if necessary, just pick up the phone and ask how you can help.

 

Frequency: Join once, volunteer at least twice a year

 

 

40.   Write a letter to the editor of an industry magazine

 

Writing a letter to your local paper (#30) is an excellent method of raising your profile locally. Letters published in national trade magazines will get you attention within your industry. Whether you are a jeweler (JCK, InStore) or the manager of a museum store (Museum Store Magazine), there is a trade publication devoted exclusively to your industry.

 

Frequency: Once a year