Dear Lake City Business Owners:
What's full of helpful hints for your business and comes out at least once a season? The Scoop .... please keep reading ....
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| Business Survey
We want to hear from you! |
Lake City DIRT relies on feedback from our residents, our visitors, and our business owners to identify challenges, find solutions, and gauge our effectiveness. You can find previous survey results on our website at www.lakecitydirt.com
We are currently asking Lake City business owners to complete the 2009 Business Survey. Results will be analyzed and shared. Please visit www.lakecitydirt.com and click on the Business Survey. If you prefer a paper copy, just let us know ( ed@lakecitydirt.com or 970-944-3478). Your input is valuable. Thanks for participating. |
| Lake City Uncorked - Wine & Music Festival
Business Sponsorship Opportunities |
The 2009 event will be held on September 19th - good music, good wine, good beer, good weather (cross your fingers) and good friends.
We have increased the levels of sponsorship opportunities for businesses for the 2009 event. Whether your business is interested in sponsoring $100 or $ 1000 or something in-between, we have a sponsorship plan for you. Find out what perks come with each level and sign up today. Payment plans are possible. We are also soliciting regional business sponsorships as well as additional targeted industries. If you have contacts with businesses that may be interested in helping fund this event, please let us know or feel free to forward information on.
970-944-DIRT Email |
| A Marketing Strategy
Planning to Succeed |
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A marketing strategy is vital for every business. This strategy will help you focus efficient and effective marketing tactics. A marketing strategy will serve as a road map; stimulate (innovative) thinking; more effective use of limited resources; help in organization, assignment of tasks, and efficiency; develop a timeline; and identify problems, opportunities, and threats.
This strategy is not simply a list of advertising outlets or other promotional activities, but also an evaluation of the local and regional markets, competitors, and your businesses strengths and weaknesses. Spend time positioning (and planning this positioning) your business in relation to other Lake City businesses.
Don't worry about the exact right wording or format of the marketing strategy. Excessive time word-smithing the strategy reduces implementation time. Time spent writing marketing messages IS important. If pressed for time (what small business owner isn't?), consider an abbreviated marketing strategy that focus primarily on the positioning statement, local market research, financial predictions and guidelines, and an implementation schedule.
Are there other markets you could capture a portion of? On-line clients or more repeat business? Are there low-cost ways to reach these markets? The cost (time & money) of aquiring new clients is more intensive than keeping existing, happy clients. Does your business offer current customers any discounts or encouragement to continue doing business with you? Do you train your staff to provide excellent customer service? Could some of these ideas be made a part of your marketing strategy?
A marketing strategy has to work for YOU to focus your time and energy in marketing in more effective ways. More helpful materials can be found at the Business Library (call the Chamber) or call DIRT to brainstorm innovative ways to market your business in our current economic climate. |
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The bubble that is Lake City does somewhat insulate us from overall economic woes. But we are not immune. As a community, we are working together to strongly support our business owners. Lake City DIRT is working with the Lake City/Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce to provide even more business assistance this year. We've come up with a list of what we think will be helpful, but we want to hear from you, too!
We encourage you to share your ideas for Lake City business support with DIRT or Chamber staff, with members of either board of directors, or with our Town or County elected officials.
Respectfully,
Kristie Borchers
Lake City DIRT
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Upcoming Opportunities for Business Owners
March 17th Coffee & Conversation, Mocha Moose Coffee House
April 21st
Coffee & Conversation, Mean Jean's Internet Cafe
April 24th
Downtown Institute (Organization) Montrose
DCI
April 29 - May 1
Tough Times = Tough Solutions Grand Junction
EDCC
Mid-May
Regional Economic Development Summit
Lake City |
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| Revolving Loan |
| The Revolving Loan of Lake City has done just that - revolved through six businesses. Business loan payments go back into the loan fund and additional loans are made.
You must be a Lake City business owner. Loan amount is capped at $5,000. Low-interest rate of 2% applies. Typical loan length is 48 months.
Return to the DIRT office.
This program is made possible by the Miners & Merchants Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. |
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| Free Counseling Sessions |
| The Small Business Development Center offers free counseling sessions for small business owners in the region.
Director Marily Laverty is inviting Lake City business owners to schedule a session (these can be over the telephone).
Pre-work is required. For more information, visit www.lakecitydirt.com and click on the SBDC's free counseling sessions or call 970-944-3478. |
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