Entries are now being accepted for Bristol's fourth annual outdoor sculpture competiton, organized and implemented by Art in Public Places (AiPP), a committee of Arts Alliance
Mountain Empire (AAME).

The deadline for entries is April 30. Artists will be notified of selection by June 10.

Only digital/electronic entries will be accepted (e-mail submissions@aippbristol.org). Each image should include the artist's name, phone number and address, title of the work and size of piece. No work may exceed 15 feet in height or weigh more than 500 pounds. The pieces must be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions, high traffic areas, and safe for children. The pieces must be suitable for family viewing.

The entry fee is $15 for up to 3 entries. The fee should be remitted to: P.O. Box 94, Bristol, TN 37621, made payable to AAME with a notation that it is for AiPP (Art in Public Places).

Contact:  For more information
Phone: 423.612.9447
Website:  www.aippbristol.org
 

More LIVE Music in downtown!

Machiavelli's Italian Restaurant 

Upcoming Shows for February:

6th - Sam Quinn - Japan Ten

7th - Old Oak Revival

13th - Kids Our Age

14th - Corduroy Road

Call for time and details!

When It Comes to Customer Service, Small is Beautiful  
 
Size isn't everything, especially for providing value to customers.
 
This important fact can help distinguish small "mom and pop" businesses from big box chain stores. It gives them a powerful competitive advantage in an age when more consumers crave and expect a high level of service and responsiveness.
 
Your position at the "front lines" of your business gives you direct access to your customers' needs, attitudes, and opinions.  You know the kinds of products or services they want, when they want them, and how best to deliver them.
 
To gain these valuable insights, you need to proactively assess what you do and should be doing to keep customers coming back, rather than tempting them to try the "big store" down the street.
 
Start by putting yourself in your customers' place.  How would you like to be treated if you were a first-time customer or a "regular?"  Also consider conveniences.  What can you do to make it easier to find items and check out, rather than having to navigate a big-box store's aisles and cashier lines?
 
Also visit other stores and service centers, including those unrelated to your business.  See what they do that you find appealing, and adapt those practices to enhance your business's customer experience.  Similarly, watch for aspects you don't like, but be sure to understand the reasons behind problems or poor service, such as understaffing and limited inventory.  This will help prevent similar problems from arising in your business.
 
How you connect with customers by phone or email will also help differentiate your small business from the sometimes bureaucratic nature of big-box chains.  Answer calls promptly and with a friendly greeting.  Avoid putting callers on hold for longer than a minute; take a message and respond as soon as possible.  If you use an automated answering system, your customer service line should be one of the first options.
 
Although it may be impractical to handle email inquiries as they arrive, don't let them sit for too long.  Some email systems automatically generate a response to acknowledge the message.  Make sure the text is upbeat and friendly-again, the kind of message you'd want to receive.   A promise to respond within 24 hours may not be enough.  Designate certain times during the day to handle email queries, or assign the responsibility to an employee. 
 
The best tactic for gaining a competitive edge is to contact SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business." SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners. Call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you, or find a counselor online at www.score.org

February Event Calendar 

Wednesday, February 4

Kil'n Time Pottery Grand Opening

Thursday, February 5 

Puttin On The Hits at The Paramount

Friday, February 6

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 

Saturday, February 7 

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

Please check out our website for each month's events and further information!