“Christmas is here again, it’s time to make great sales. Hurray!!!”
This is what some entrepreneurs are saying. But the really good news is, Christmas or any other festive season doesn’t need to be, in fact should not be, the only period your business benefits from consumers’ local-minded spirit. Whether you own a retail business or a restaurant, or provide a service, here are some ways any business that depends on local customers can enjoy great sales every day of the year.

1. Hire right. It’s easy to train someone how to work a cash register, but you can’t teach a grouch how to be friendly. Always make it a standard to hire employees with people skills and fit the bill for friendliness and helpfulness.

2. Know your stuff. Of course, friendliness isn’t everything: Employees need to be helpful and knowledgeable, too. Make sure your staff is well-versed in what you sell and can help customers compare options to find the best products for them. Educate your team about new merchandise and how to showcase what makes your business unique.

3. Offer something special. You can’t compete with Shoprite on low, low prices, so don’t even try. Instead, go the opposite direction of mass-produced and focus on hard-to-find items. Promoting products customers can’t find anywhere else is an easy way to make your small store stand out.

4. Make your place a ‘hangout.’: Is your business somewhere customers want to get in and get out of quickly, or do they linger? If your business becomes a community hangout, you’ll enjoy the benefits of growing sales and word-of-mouth. Figure out what would make your business more enjoyable and add it.

5. Keep in touch. Capture customer information when they make a purchase. It’s easy to ask for an email address at the point of sale or include a form customers can fill out. Once you’ve got their information, you can stay in touch with personalized emails and offers throughout the year. Streamline customer connections by noting purchase history as well as contact info so you can really tailor your marketing messages to what customers are interested in.

6. Team up. Sales during festive seasons works because everybody is excited and want to share gifts with loved ones, but you don’t have to wait until next year to join with other businesses in your area. Work with nearby businesses to come up with event ideas—a sidewalk sale during the summer months, a “taste of” event with local restaurants or anything that draws local customers to your area.

Get busy. Get innovative, Make great sales all year!
http:///1iyqg0g

On point!!!
Noted