The stadiums and facilities are complete, the transport systems had test runs for the extra visitors so all that's needed is the beginning of the 2012 Olympic Games in Stratford, London on 27th July. If small businesses aren't already thinking about the way to benefit from the games, they should definitely begin right now so as not to miss out!
To help the idea process, here are one or two ideas. Clearly not pertinent to all businesses. But the aim is to act as a 'kick start ' to the idea process.
Themed Events
You can hold special Olympic Games themed events:
- Launching fresh products, services
- Beginning your summer sale
- For a bar, cafeteria, bistro launch an Olympic menu
If possible hold mini Olympics or Olympic themed games as part of your event. Offer prizes to winners, proceeds to charity, for example.
If you can hold an event or special day. See if you can drum up extra press by issuing a press release to your local paper or radio station.
Specials/Discounts
Folk always like to get 'a deal'. You can think about launching a very special offer or discount that is related to the Olympics. So the offer on your leaflets, signs, website, etc would be something like "Olympic Games Special Offer". Describe the offer i.e. 15% discount, buy 1 get 1 free, and so on. Then, most critical, create the urgency by pronouncing the offer closes on 16th Aug 2012.
If you would like to be really clever, you can link the reductions to the games such as 20.12% discount. However , do consider how hard this could be to manage.
It may be as easy as giving free chocolate Olympic medals to all the youngsters who come in to your business with their parents.
Extra Visitors
If you're based in or around London (including close to airports or ports), think about the extra visitors who will be arriving to the area. If you run a B&B or diner, create offers that target Olympic visitors. If you sell or turn out products, such as furniture, ornaments, etc you've got an opportunity to reach new customers. The advances of the internet mean that more folk are more than happy to place mail order purchasers thru the web.
Conclusion
This is only a fast post with universal concepts. The target is to start the thought process and, most critically, prompt action to be taken so your small business takes advantage of the Olympics.
To help the idea process, here are one or two ideas. Clearly not pertinent to all businesses. But the aim is to act as a 'kick start ' to the idea process.
Themed Events
You can hold special Olympic Games themed events:
- Launching fresh products, services
- Beginning your summer sale
- For a bar, cafeteria, bistro launch an Olympic menu
If possible hold mini Olympics or Olympic themed games as part of your event. Offer prizes to winners, proceeds to charity, for example.
If you can hold an event or special day. See if you can drum up extra press by issuing a press release to your local paper or radio station.
Specials/Discounts
Folk always like to get 'a deal'. You can think about launching a very special offer or discount that is related to the Olympics. So the offer on your leaflets, signs, website, etc would be something like "Olympic Games Special Offer". Describe the offer i.e. 15% discount, buy 1 get 1 free, and so on. Then, most critical, create the urgency by pronouncing the offer closes on 16th Aug 2012.
If you would like to be really clever, you can link the reductions to the games such as 20.12% discount. However , do consider how hard this could be to manage.
It may be as easy as giving free chocolate Olympic medals to all the youngsters who come in to your business with their parents.
Extra Visitors
If you're based in or around London (including close to airports or ports), think about the extra visitors who will be arriving to the area. If you run a B&B or diner, create offers that target Olympic visitors. If you sell or turn out products, such as furniture, ornaments, etc you've got an opportunity to reach new customers. The advances of the internet mean that more folk are more than happy to place mail order purchasers thru the web.
Conclusion
This is only a fast post with universal concepts. The target is to start the thought process and, most critically, prompt action to be taken so your small business takes advantage of the Olympics.
About the Author:
Simon Wilkinson is the founder of Digital Ark, Colchester an organisation providing cost effective website design particularly to help the online marketing of small businesses.
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