Creating more or better exposure continues to be one of the greatest challenges for our businesses and communities. Whether you are trying to attract customers, employees, or attention, it seems harder than ever to stand out in the crowd of distractions.
When it has become easier than ever to simply get what we need from the convenience of our home or office, with online ordering and communication, the burden is on us to give our audience a reason to show up. Several local businesses have taken a chance in doing something unpredictable or special and we have noticed!
Who doesn’t know Gina? 4 Your Car Connection’s business ambassador, providing a fun greeting from in front of the business, but also engaging in social media and fun stories that engage members from across communities.
Pets can be a great way to show your friendly business climate, as customer greeters or creating a stress-free work environment for employees. Dr. Kate Eckert brings her English Lab Bruno to work every day. The Oil City Warehouse Mall and Best Printing both have pet kitties who lounge around the businesses and often are a pleasant surprise to customers, conveying a relaxed atmosphere. And of course, the Venango Chamber dog Niko, Susan’s golden retriever, provides a connection to our neighbors and visitors walking by (pictured on cover).
Using color can be a great way to call attention to your business. G Rex Wireless, in Seneca, stands out in the crowd along Route 257 with their bright green building, and the butterfly mural on the side of Buffalo Street Lanes is a popular photo attraction for visitors to Franklin.
Hoss’s recently added the option to bring your own bottle, giving customers the choice to compliment their meal with their favorite wine or beer, which can now be conveniently purchased next door at Sheetz, the chain making a significant investment in adding beer caves to its stores. Fat Dogs in Oil City is capitalizing on its proximity to a scenic overlook and by adding weekly concerts during the summer, providing another reason for customers to visit their ice cream and hot dog shop.
With the change of seasons, it is the perfect time to consider trying something new and creative, possibly taking inspiration from those shared in this article. To get the most mileage out of any new tactics, be sure to share stories and pictures on social media. And be sure to let us know at the Chamber, so that we can tell others!
This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s May 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.