How many of you SmallBizMentor visitors are restaurateurs, caterers, or providers of other entertainment services? Check out this press release in the OttawaStart. The release is provided by an organization that caters to women entrepreneurs in Ottawa. While it's meant to drum up attendance for a specific event, take note of how many other businesses and service providers are mentioned in the process.
How many do you count? I see four myself...the Helsinki Lounge (where the event is being held), Chapters (the bookstore across the street, which is always a great landmark), The Cabana Boys (presumably the waitstaff of the lounge or an entertainment group) and Carol Pilon, the inspirational draw for the ladies.
Moral of the story here, folks: if you operate a brick-and-mortar business such a restaurant, bookstore, coffee house, gym, club, bed and breakfast, dance hall...you name it...you have the opportunity to gain traffic if you're taking the time to network with business groups.
Get in touch with the other members of your local Chamber of Commerce (you are a member, right?) and let them know that you'd love to host their gatherings. This is particularly handy if you have meeting areas that you can designate as reserved especially for participants in these events. People love to know they are running with the big dogs, and they love to have that velvet rope lifted "just" for them. Grab some organization leaders by the briefcase and tell them to hold a meeting at your restaurant and all attendees will get 15% off their tabs. Then make sure that you are mentioned in their press releases and flyers for the events...or create some of your own!
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