BC Speaker Offers Tips On Building A 'Destination Business'
Businesses in Michigan -- from those in busy urban areas to remote rural routes -- are encouraged to converge in Battle Creek to hear nationally known speaker Jon Schallert present his acclaimed business improvement session, "Creating a Destination Business," on Tuesday, April 19.
Schallert's sessions teach independent business owners how to turn their businesses into consumer "destinations" that attract customers from many miles away, past other competitive outlets. Schallert's workshop also shows businesses how to get local consumers to spend more money locally, and how to stop "retail leakage." Schallert's consulting firm, The Schallert Group Inc., is noted for providing competitive tools to independent business owners that are typically used exclusively by large corporate chains to dominate a marketplace.
In today's economy, "the challenge for any business today, regardless of its location and surrounding demographics, is to create such a compelling offering that it is repeatedly visited by consumers," Schallert said. "For a business to be a true destination, it must also draw customers both locally and from out of town."
Schallert has been working with independent business owners since 1983, and contributes his business strategies to national publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Schallert speaks and consults with thousands of entrepreneurs annually.
"Most independent businesses that fail today would not have to close if they had adapted to easily recognizable marketplace changes and focused on becoming Consumer Destinations," Schallert said. "It's an oversimplification to say that all small Mom and Pop businesses are doomed because of today's economic recession."
As part of his visit to the area, Schallert will also conduct a marketing roundtable with seminar attendees to discuss pertinent business issues. The event is sponsored by Calhoun County Economic Development Corp., Battle Creek Unlimited, Battle Creek Downtown Partnership, the city of Marshall and the Columbia Avenue Business Improvement District.
Early bird registration has been extended through March 24 and can be completed at www.bcunlimited.org. Click on the link in the upper left hand corner Destination Business Workshop. Early registration ends March 24 when the rate will increase. Open registratoin from March 25 to April 18 will be $140, and on-site registration will be $160.
For an additional $80, business owners who participate in the morning session can sign up to participate in the focus group.
Group discounts are also available by contacting Alyssa Jones at alyssa@downtownbattlecreek.com
Those wanting to learn more about Schallert prior to his visit are encouraged to visit his company website at www.JonSchallert.com.
Schallert's company is located in Longmont, Colo. Schallert is a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Main Street Network, and the International Downtown Association.
