Sometimes clients reach out to the SBDC after they realize they made a mistake while starting or running their business. As advisors and former business owners ourselves, we know the feeling. Owning a business means having to learn a lot on the fly, and sometimes you don’t get it right. But you’re not alone because many of us have been down that road before you.Read More
Blog
Main Street Provisions – Waterville
Zachary Brann’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his passion for locally sourced food and beverages, coupled with a love for the Waterville area where he grew up and plans to raise his family. Now, he proudly contributes to Waterville’s revitalization through his new business, Main Street Provisions.Read More
Brick House Kitchen – Skowhegan
Beth Terstegen has co-owned Brick House Kitchen since she and a friend purchased the business in 2019 with the help of the SBDC. Located in the heart of downtown Skowhegan, Brick House Kitchen is a popular lunch spot serving unique deli-style sandwiches, wraps, and salads.Read More
Fundamental Foot Care – Hampden
Heather Fogg, RN, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2019 when she established Fundamental Foot Care. In 2023, she reached her biggest milestone yet, opening a comfortable and clean physical space for footcare services and gatherings at 735 Main Road North in Hampden, ME.Read More
Black Diamond Detailing – Lewiston
Abdinur Mohamed and Abdirahman Saeed of Black Diamond Detailing are not only business partners but also friends with a shared interest in cars. They decided to pursue their dreams together and start a business that would provide convenient and reasonably priced auto detailing services. The two partners knew that starting a business was challenging and they needed to utilize the resources available to them.Read More
Reflections on 2023: Focusing on Self-Care for Entrepreneurs
By: Business Advisor Anne Lancaster, Maine SBDC’s 2023 State Star
Mainers are hard-working, dedicated, resilient people who lead their businesses with passion. But, being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It often means 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, year after year after year. Add in constant change from the pandemic, a difficult labor market, and an evolving economy, and you have a recipe for burnout. The last few years have tested even the best, most determined business owner. Read More
Bolton Electric – Windham
Edward Bolton started his electrical journey in high school vocational training. After working in the industry for many years as an employee, he was more than ready to start his own business. Eddie wanted to take his knowledge and work ethic and focus it on a business that he could proudly call his own. His wife Meredith has always believed in Eddie’s dream and was happy to help kick-start the administrative side of the business.Read More
Crosswind Investments – Bangor
Chelsie Crane discovered her true calling amidst pages of textbooks when completing her MBA. Driven by her belief that investing and good financial health shouldn’t be reserved for the elite, Chelsie embarked on a journey through the male-dominated field of financial advisory services. A native Mainer and mother of three, she wanted to start her own business to help individuals and families in their pursuit of financial independence.Read More
Kelly’s Place Learning Center – Presque Isle
Shyla Pinette recognized a need in her community after having her daughter. Childcare in Aroostook County was incredibly hard to come by. So, after years in the medical field, she decided to purchase a struggling childcare business and make it a safe and welcoming place for local families.
For assistance making this happen, Shyla turned to Dan Umphrey, certified business advisor at the Maine SBDC at Northern Maine Development Commission. Shyla needed funding to purchase the business and the real estate. She also needed guidance on starting and running her own childcare business.Read More
Holiday Prep Marketing for Your Business
As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s essential to plan ahead and make the most of the opportunities it presents. The 2023 holiday forecast predicts a 4.5% increase in retail sales, making it one of the busiest seasons yet. In this blog, we’ll share strategies to help you take advantage of this busy time of year.
Understanding Your Businesses
The key to a successful business and a successful holiday season lies in understanding your value proposition — the end benefit your customer receives after using your product or service. Your goal is to fulfill a need, solve a problem, or address a pain point for your customers. Lean into the value you provide your customers.
Identifying Your Target Audience
Knowing your customers inside out is vital for effective marketing. Identify your target audience and understand their preferences, behaviors, and needs. Utilize social media platforms and personalized email campaigns to connect with them directly. Consistency across all communication channels is key to building brand recognition among your target market.
Building Relationships and Trust
Building strong relationships with your customers is fundamental. Exceeding expectations, establishing trust, and making personal connections are crucial steps in this process. Customers are more likely to return and refer your services to others if they have a positive, personalized experience. Consider loyalty programs and referrals as effective strategies to enhance customer engagement.
Setting Holiday Season Goals
Set clear and achievable goals for the holiday season. Whether it’s increasing your customer base, boosting sales, or introducing new products or services, having a focused approach will guide your efforts. Remember, holiday promotions aren’t confined to December; various occasions throughout the year offer opportunities to market your services effectively.
Capitalizing on Seasonal Trends
Seasonal trends, such as the pumpkin spice craze, provide unique marketing opportunities. Prepare in advance to meet the demands of these trends. Consistency in messaging across platforms, involvement in community events, and free media exposure through partnerships can help your business gain visibility.
Promotions and Engagements
Consider offering product samples, hosting events, or organizing giveaways to attract customers. Special events like costume contests and private invitation-only gatherings can create buzz and loyalty. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-decorated storefront; it can attract passersby and set the festive mood.
Embrace the Spirit of the Season
Remember, holiday marketing is not just about boosting sales; it’s about building enduring relationships with your customers. By understanding your audience, providing exceptional experiences, and staying consistent in your messaging, you can make the most of this holiday season and set the stage for a successful year ahead.
For more information from Business Advisor Chris Cole, watch our recent webinar that discussed this topic.
This blog was generated with the help of ChatGPT, but edited for accuracy and relevance.