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Kris Kristofferson at Carpenter Performing Arts Center

February 1, 2014 from 8pm to 10pm
Three-time Grammy Award winner Kris Kristofferson is an American original, with hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the legendary singer/ songwriter’s newest album explores love, gratitude, aging, war, and his ever-present theme of freedom. “If you took freedom out of the songs, you’d have very few Kristofferson songs.”See More
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Luis Uribe promoted Luis Uribe's event La Bomba Vintage
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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Long Beach Playhouse

May 25, 2013 at 8pm to June 29, 2013 at 8pm
May 25 - June 22, 2013Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Seymour, a down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding her growing appetite. A sadistic nitrous-oxide inhaling dentist is just one of Audrey II’s gustatory delights as she eats her way…See More
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Cinco de Mayo Special @ Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show inside the Laugh Factory at The Laugh Factory

May 5, 2013 at 8pm to May 6, 2013 at 1am
Pookey Wigington Presents:Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show@ the Laugh Factory8001 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CAHosted by: Ron GMusic by: DJ SidekickTo RSVP for Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show contact Pookey Wigingtonemail: cs@chocolatesundaes.com or text: 310-600-7992, space is limited.Hey if you haven't already, connect with us!!!www.chocolatesundaes.comwww.facebook.com/chocolatesundaes…See More
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To Weave A Name: E Haku Inoa Long Beach Screening at Long Beach Art Theater

May 11, 2013 from 3pm to 4:15pm
In this hour-long documentary film a young multi-racial Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) woman, filmmaker Christen Hepuakoa Marquez, sets out to discover the meaning of her incredibly lengthy Hawaiian name from her estranged mother whose diagnosis as schizophrenic in the 80′s caused their family separation. Christen discovers not only herself within the name, but gains a whole new perspective on the idea of sanity and how cultural differences can sometimes muddle its definition.See More
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"The Walled Garden Men's Group meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. Check it out. http://ning.it/10JUchY"
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Carpenter Center posted an event
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Robin & Linda Williams at Carpenter Performing Arts Center

May 4, 2014 from 2pm to 4pm
From their many appearances with Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion and The American Radio Company, to performances at The Grand Ole Opry and Austin City Limits as well as their tours with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris, and The Seldom Scene—Robin and Linda Williams have thrilled audiences throughout America for more than twenty years with their distinctive folk, bluegrass, and country sound! See More
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Pookey Wigington posted an event
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Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show @ the Laugh Factory Hollywood - The Laughs Don't Stop! at The Laugh Factory

April 21, 2013 at 8pm to April 22, 2013 at 12am
Pookey Wigington Presents:Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show@ the Laugh Factory8001 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CAHosted by: Ron GMusic by: DJ SidekickWe showcase a powerful and flavorful mix of comedic talent, from seasoned veteran comedians to the hottest up and coming comedians. Our talent comes from the world of entertainment, television, and film. You've seen them on Def Comedy Jam, the David Letterman Show, Late Night, Comedy Central, HBO, and Showtime. Our star studded talent that keeps you…See More
Apr 19

10 Tips to Maximize Your Holiday Retail Sales – October 2011


The holiday shopping season is upon us, but with big retailers slashing prices and customers more price-savvy than ever, how can small retailers hope to compete? It’s easier than you think—just try these 10 tips:

  1. Start now. “Now is the time to begin executing your plan to reach customers during the holiday season,” says SBDC Business Advisor Monica Rayes. “Most of the challenges [small businesses face] can be alleviated with a well-thought out marketing plan that connects with consumers.”

  2. Use social media. Today, Rayes says, customers expect to be one click away from businesses at all times. Use social media to get close to your customers, alert them about holiday news and specials in your business, and learn what they want and need.

  3. Use email. Timing and subject line are key. “Time your emails right and make them stand out,” says Rayes. “Identify the best days and times for emails to go out, and be proactive about generating quick responses.”

  4. Use the Web. Even if you don’t sell products online, Internet marketing can expand your visibility to a wider audience. Use social media, search engine optimization and paid search advertising to attract customers seeking particular products.

  5. Enhance the shopping experience. Price matters, yes, but emotion is still important for holiday shoppers, says Rayes. Use festive décor, music and scents to create a mood that makes customers linger (and spend more) in your store. Online, use images and marketing copy that put customers in a holiday mood.

  6. Be part of the community. Participate in community events both before and during the holidays, Rayes advises. Get involved with charitable organizations and consider holding holiday events in your store.

  7. Capture early shoppers. “Early shoppers like to plan ahead and take their time when making purchases,” says Rayes. Since these customers seek continuous engagement, Rayes suggests using mobile marketing, social networking and email marketing to promote customer loyalty programs, discounts and new product announcements.

  8. Capture last-minute shoppers. The more you can simplify the gift-buying process for these shoppers, the better, says Rayes. Then, use email and social media to alert last-minute buyers of your simple, stress-free approach to shopping. “Offer ideas and recommendations, and provide a lenient return policy, free gift-wrapping or free delivery,” she adds.

  9. Offer added value. Little extras mean a lot to harried consumers during the hectic shopping season. Offering holiday treats, free samples, gifts with purchase or free delivery are all great ways to reward customers and boost sales.

  10. Plan for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday (www.smallbusinesssaturday.com) and Cyber Monday. These key shopping days, which fall just after Thanksgiving, are vitally important for retailers. Have a plan for how you will market your business to attract customers on each day and how you will ensure adequate staff and inventory to meet the demand.

Since January 1, 2006, Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD) has been the host for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network servicing the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara communities. The SBDC program is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) most extensive economic development program, helping small businesses create jobs and strengthen local economies. LBCCD as the Lead Center holds the contract with the SBA and contracts with a diverse group of six educational and community development organizations to deliver services to small businesses. For more information, please visit www.smallbizla.org

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Replies to This Discussion

These are ten very good and effective tips. I would just like to briefly add to your suggestion that business make use of social media.

 

Unfortunately, too many businesses are ignoring this marketing channel and leaving a lot of money on the table. For example, a significant number of businesses never claim their Google Places listing that Google gives every business for free. And although it is free, when used properly, it actually significantly adds to their exposure. Also, in some cases, angry customers have visited their (unclaimed) Google Places and left negative comments.

 

Too often, business owners aren't even aware that they have this spot on Google. And, worse yet, they don't realize that potential customers are visiting their (unclaimed) Google Places site to see the reviews by other customers. When they get there, all that they see is the negative reviews and they usually just click away and go to the next site - the competition.

 

Anyway, your tips are very good and effective tips. Thanks.

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