Put On an Event to Bring in New Leads
Promoting your event is vital. You’ll want to invite your existing customers, and keep up a strong social media presence before, during, and after the event. One great way to advertise events is with a print newsletter, especially if you include a freestanding flyer for the event inside the newsletter. For more ideas on event promotion — as well as a great primer on event planning in general — check out Judy Allen’s book “Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide.” It goes into all the factors of event planning in way more detail than we can here! A free event is well worth the effort. Nothing builds the same goodwill in the community, generates leads from the public, and puts a great face on your business like a free lunch or workshop. And for some business owners, such as attorneys, hosting a free event might be one of the few ways to promote your company without running afoul of marketing rules that apply to your specific profession. Are you ready to host your own free event yet? Plan, promote, and don’t forget to follow up. Strike when the iron is hottest, during and immediately after the event, for great leads and customer retention rates. Be sure to ask people where they heard of your business as well — something you should already be doing. That way you’ll know how successful your event was at attracting new leads!
People are social animals. We like to gather together; it’s one of our most basic instincts. Want to play on that instinct to boost your business and attract new leads? Plan and throw a free event! Free events are “a great way to help attract new customers, cement relationships with existing customers, and build buzz about your business,” says small-business expert Rieva Lesonsky. A public gathering is a good way to get your foot in the door and generate some leads from the general public. It could be a free workshop or seminar, a meet-and-greet luncheon for local small-business owners, or even a birthday party for your company.
Refried Bean
have a LAUGH
Poblanos
with cheese
This vegetarian meal comes together in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to avoid take-out on a busy weeknight.
ingredients
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½ cup picante sauce
•
4 medium poblano chilies, halved and seeded
•
1 cup (4 ounces) pre-shredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend
•
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans
•
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
•
1 (8.8-ounce) pouch microwaveable cooked long-grain rice
Directions
chili halves. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 2 minutes. Uncover chilies, sprinkle each half with 2 tablespoons cheese, and microwave on high 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.
1.
Place chili halves, cut sides up, on a round microwave-safe plate. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 3 minutes. While chilies cook, combine beans, rice, and picante sauce in a medium bowl, stirring well. Spoon bean mixture into
3.
2.
Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com. (561) 810-0170 • 3
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