Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Blog

I don’t know if everyone does this or not, but I keep a calendar of events near my desk so I can mention to my customers about upcoming Williamsburg activities in case they are thinking about a visit in the near future. No matter what time of year it is, I find some reason to say, “This is a great time to visit Williamsburg!” So far only one person has actually visited as a result of my suggestions, but if all chamber members regularly invited out-of-town customers and clients to “bring the family for a visit” I would imagine the impact would be quite positive. It’s also nice if you can plug other chamber members, as in “Have you ever visited ____? It’s one of our family’s favorite places.”

Personal contact counts: Phone calls, emails or flyers inserted in billing statements, or shopping bags to advise them of a special shipment, new product, availability of a companion product, or a sale coming up can all be profitable for you and your customer. Hosting special customer appreciation events; even something as simple as a tin of cookies or candies on your counter during business hours can be festively done and make a statement of appreciation.

Coupons are popular and there may be variations you haven’t used: honoring your competitor’s coupon, including one for a friend, doubling it on a specific date, or even offering a free service with a purchase. These can be counter hand outs, part of your regular advertising, window and in store signs, individual mail outs or statement inserts.

Remember how important the referral from a satisfied customer is and offer inducements and rewards. These can come in any shape or form; cash, gift, discount, inclusion in a drawing, all have advantages.

Every customer remembers a sincerely offered THANK YOU! One successful business chain always answers a customer’s thank you with, “It’s my pleasure”, that’s hard to beat for making a customer feel appreciated.

Have any other suggestions or tips that have worked to retain your customer loyalty…join the conversation and leave a comment.

It’s Holiday Time! I know everyone has all kinds of parties, events, and gatherings planned for the holiday season. While making your holiday plans dont forget these great Alliance events coming up.

December Business After Hours
Ethan Allen Design Center
Thursday, December 4, 5:30PM
Come Celebrate the holidays with the Alliance and Alliance members at the December Business After Hours held at the Ethan Allen Design Center on Dec 4 at 5:30. For more information or to RSVP call Betty Smith at 229.6511 or at wacc@williamsburgcc.com

Christmas Parade
From Merchants Square to William and Mary Hall
Saturday, December 6, 9am
Ushering in Santa Claus will be 100 parade units representing organizations from across the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County. The parade will begin at Merchants Square and end at the College of William and Mary’s William & Mary Hall.

Surviving the Credit Crunch: A Guide for Success:
Williamsburg Woodlands Conference Center
Tuesday, December 9, 7:30AM – Noon
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, The College of William & Mary’s Technology & Business Center and the Mason School of Business In Partnership with the Historic Triangle Economic Developers are hosting a highly interactive seminar discussing critical issues facing area businesses and will feature, regional, state and federal organizations that will help your business survive and prosper. For more information or to RSVP contat Betty Smith at 229.6511 or at wacc@williamsburgcc.com

If any Alliance members have Christmas events feel free to post them here on the blog!