2012 Resolutions: LOCAL

It's that time of year to look ahead- see how to Up Our Sales in a Downward Market. So I hit the street(s) of Hood River, where there's lots of unique small business' that rely on this town to keep them around. Here's what a few Owners had to say...

Lucy's Informal Flowers- spoke with the lovely Lucy, the owner and creator, who's been doing what she does for over 15 years. Walking into her shop on Oak Street, evoked a Parisian feel. Bursting visuals of bright and bold colors and smells that made the rest of your wild senses come alive- make you want to fly to Paris and make crazy love in a field of Roses.... Gardenia... Sweet Pea... Tulips... or whatever the season. Truly amazing- her shop is just the front door to what this woman is capable of... her focus is Floral & Design for Weddings, she also has talents in repurposing furniture, sewing house-felt decor, building Destination Weddings, Centerpieces and much more. Although her immediate challenge was figuring out how to use her new iPhone she got for Christmas, a more serious goal was how she could attract more local business. Starting in the new year you'll also find Lucy's flowers at The Farm Stand in the Heights- great place- say hi to Rob and Doug while you're there. To my local peeps, because nature does not grow alone, stop in for an occasional bouquet or her beautiful smile!

Mother's Market Place- chatted with Eric, who's quite the character- cross between Steve Martin and Jon Stewart- quick witted, very outgoing, yet detected a bit of modesty when it came to asking him a few questions. Little history- Mother's was founded 16 years ago- family owned by the Ohlson's-  I'm drawn to call them the Health Ministry Market of Hood River- their philosophy is to help and educate people that there Are other options to a healthier mind and body, other then the conventional treatments. Stop in for lunch- yum! Not even mom can make 'home-made' soups, breads and pizza's the way they do... between their smoothies, wheatgrass and ginger shots you'll feel like Health Nut Guru! Talk to Margaret if you want to find an alternative way to fighting cancer, crohn's disease, or even want to spice up your sex drive. Speaking of... they just got Brew Dr. Kombucha (this young company is out of Portland) and soon we'll see dark chocolate. Surprisingly, their prices are lower than large chain grocery stores, AND you're getting local organic foods. Their #1 goal is health first. If only more people knew about Mother's, this world (well, Hood River) would be a better place! Yo peeps, a little tid-bit- sweet or salty tooth? try their Thai Nuts or Peanut Butter Pretzels. Heaven!!

Windance Boardshop- this is one cool store! Dave, the owner clearly loves what he does....seems he does everything. Must have been out playing in the snow when I popped by, so I chatted with Ginger = store manager- super friendly... and really enthusiastic about her job! Here I assumed this shop was merely about kiting and windsurfing... BAH! Snowboards, Mountain Boards, Skateboards, SUP's, Cool Gear, Shoes, Rentals, Lessons, Swapmeets, PartY's... cool local brands- Slingshot, Dakine and oodles more. What I dig about this place is their knowledge and service. If your sport requires wind or snow than visiting this store is NO BRAINER...when your headed up to the mountain- they're right at the base of 35... oh and check it out- right next to Mother's Market Place- where you can grab some good grub before hittin' the slopes. That's right- One-stop-shop! See at the top soda-pop!

Dakine base layer- SALE $21, an all season piece!

Dakine fleecy warm ski socks. SALE for $8...Bargain baby!

back to basics, here's a few tips... 

1. Always smart to become more customer focused, and protect existing customer relationships. Remember the longer the relationship, the more profitable!

2. Provide more sales training. Whether I'm a customer or sales person, the story sells. Know your product and be enthusiastic about it... I promise, your sales will increase.

3. Advertising and Marketing. Network- face-to-face. Blog. Facebook. Switch up your ads. Offer promotions and discounts. Be open.

4. Change. With a fast-paced environment the companies that succeed are the ones willing to make changes. Evaluate what's working, and what's not, and change it!

Seems the common goal is to attract more locals, so let's double our efforts and shop local... with over 7000 people living in HR, even just once can make a difference in time.

You be the change!

Stayed tuned to read up on more local biz, bods and blurbs.