Grand Openings - Don't Let Your First Impression Be Your Last

We have all seen the cheesy signs by the road with "OPEN" written in black permanent marker on the cardboard box that the desk chair arrived in.  Sadly, the only thing permanent was the impression left in the mind of the potential customer as they drove by.  Furthermore, the signs taped in the windows stated "Grand Opening".  Was it Grand, or more like mediocore? Your Grand Opening says a lot about your business.  It is the first major milestone that states to the community who you are, and what they can expect from you.  It is your "First Impression" to the consumers.  GRAND is head-turning, colorful feather flags, signs, banners, tents, air dancers, giant inflatables, balloons, streamers, pennants, all with your matching design and logo.  Give your new customers the right impression.  Don't let your first impression be your last.

Word of Mouth, The Original Social Media

The return on your investment is great when the town is talking about your business with the Giant Inflatables at your location.  Everyone going by will notice your new business, and many (jealous) people will ask thier friends if they saw the "new business with the big Grand Opening".  If they didn't see you, they will be looking, and you will have word of mouth working for you!  How often has someone asked you "Did you see that such and such on Main Street?"   Get in on the original social media, be the business they are talking about!

The Grand Opening "Event" - How Long Should It Be?

Don't make your Grand Opening just a day, make it a GRAND event.  Just because you open your doors, does not mean it is your Grand Opening.  You may have a "soft" opening, getting things up and running, and working out the bugs.  Don't cheat yourself out of a great opportunity.  It's not just about opening doors, it's about making yourself known to the community.  It's about letting your customers know where you are, who you are, and what you do.  Use the maximum amount of time legally allowed to hold your Grand Opening.  You have weeks to celebrate the Grand Opening of your business, and weeks to make a GREAT first impression.  Take advantage of this opportunity to market and advertise your business to your prospective customers.  Don't let your business be a needle in a haystack of competition.  With such advertising bombardment, you need to make a Grand impression.  You must show the consumer that you want their business, and have what it takes to meet their needs.  It may take a few looks for people to be convinced and take you up on your offer. Don't short change your business during one of the most important times of its life.  Besides, what is 2 weeks or 2 months in the life span of a business?  That is just the GRAND Opening!  Celebrate it!