Guest post by Michele Payn-Knoper Sensationalism sells. Civility lacks sex appeal. Besides, do those ‘city folk’ even care about rural businesses? So why even make an effort to build bridges when contentious issues arise? Simple. It’s called interdependence. Let’s look at bridging the gap from an agricultural viewpoint. People require food. Businesses depend on people for…
In January, I spoke in Norfolk County, Ontario. It’s a rural county with several small towns and lots of farms, and a beautiful coastline. They sent me probably the best speaker-preparation packet I’ve ever received. Looking at the Official Map and Local Food Guide, the local recipe booklet, the Ontario’s Garden brochure and much more,…
When I spoke to small business owners in Ponca City recently, one audience member asked about offering coupons and discounts. So we talked about her business (basically, a franchised frozen yogurt parlor), and how they’ve gotten started with coupons and discounts, so now people seem to expect them. I made up these two rules for…
The Brag Basket is our tradition of sharing. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one May 31 – June 2, 2013. What good news will you add to the brag basket? Don’t hold back because of that word, “brag.” When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that…
Every Thursday, I publish a special newsletter. It’s a personal conversation with me and over a thousand rural friends that gives you a positive view of rural business and small towns. If you don’t already get it, join us right here: I won’t ever sell or rent your email address to anyone else because I wouldn’t…
Small town tourism can take inspiration from the Smithsonian Institution’s list of best small towns to visit in the U.S. Their first list in 2012 was limited to towns under 25,000 in population. For 2013, they’ve changed the target to towns under 15,000 and put the focus on visiting rather than just giving a ranking. The…
This one is especially for the downtown businesses. Standing in downtown Waterville, Maine, surrounding by big crowds for the Memorial Day parade, Marc Pitman tweeted in frustration: The marketer in me is going nuts. Hundreds of people here downtown. WHY AREN’T BUSINESSES OPEN!? Selling coffee, anything for foot traffic! — Marc A. Pitman (@marcapitman) May…
How can you best help in a disaster? Donating: Send money. Do not send clothes or supplies. Check with state or local government for lists of donation needs. For Oklahoma, start with the State of Oklahoma donation page. Volunteering: Don’t go there to volunteer until you find an organization that has a specific need for you….
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