Small Biz in a Digital Age: Communication
Monday, January 26, 2015
GoLocalWorcester Business Team
The world of business is moving faster -- hyper fast. Small businesses face the challenge of trying to keep up and innovate their business to create an advantage.
This week, GoLocal brings you a look at how to approach and understand popular forms of communication to improve your business.
Usage
According to Gallup, the most frequently used modes of communication are texting, email, and social media - and people are receiving their information from cell phones primarily.
However, fine-tuning your communication skills with customers has much to do with understanding their preferences.
Luckily, Gallup's findings are broken down by how often participants used certain modes of communication and then categorized that information by age.
Texting was found to be, by far, the most popular form of communication for Americans under 50:
Only 34% of those 50 and over collectively text often, while 68% of people aged 18-29 and 47% of people aged 30-49 say that they send and receive text messages "a lot".
Taking this into account, sending and receiving emails is shockingly more popular than the use of social media platforms and Twitter combined. 37% of Americans reporting using their email "a lot" while only 24% communicate via social platforms just as often.
Twitter
Gallup also found that the usage of Twitter in particular has diminished among Americans - their findings show that less than 10% of the population reported using Twitter (and landlines) "a lot" compare this to the overall 20% to 35% of participants who reported using Facebook and Instagram accounts "a lot" and "a little".
The usage of Facebook and Instagram is also more consistent when broken down by age - 20% participants aged 30 to 49 use the platforms as often as the reported 38% of 18 to 29 year olds.
This is a stark contrast from the mere 14% of the population aged 18 to 29 and 3% of those aged 30 to 49 using Twitter as often.
What Does This Mean?
Since the average American is using their cell phone to keep in touch with the world, small business owners need to utilize texting, email, and interactive social media (preferably Facebook and/or Instagram) to communicate with consumers directly.
"Chief marketing officers (CMOs) who fail to realize social media's potential for customer interaction and customer retention are being left behind," says Bluewolf's Corinne Sklar. "[...] Across social networks and traditional selling channels – email, telephone and storefronts – companies miss or mishandle up to 80% of customer engagement opportunities. And a missed opportunity means lost revenue."
If your business attracts young professionals who are constantly checking their email and phones for work, think about setting up an auto-texting or e-blast system to let your customers know about deals and get their attention - they will appreciate the engagement.
It has also never been easier to reach out to your audience and gain valuable feedback about products and services.
Use your Instagram page to post goods from new vendors and ask your clients what they think - be interactive!
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Grab Some Coffee
Talyta’s Café
20 Front St., Worcester MA
Talyta’s Café has you covered for the most important meal of the day!
Grab some Huevos Rancheros, and egg burrito, or go all out with their breakfast special piled high with home fries, eggs, and toast before you head out to shop your Saturday away.
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Grab a Snack
Bahnan’s International Marketplace
344 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA
Don’t have time to sit down to breakfast? Bahnan’s International Marketplace, Bakery and Café is a family-owned business that offers meat pies, fresh breads and some sweet pastries to grab on the go!
They also have a selection of imported teas and coffees to get your morning started.
Photo: Bahnan's International Marketplace
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Shop for Dad
Shack’s
446 Main St., Fitchburg, MA
Get dad the gift of looking like a million bucks with a tailored outfit from Shack’s.
They specialize in men’s fine clothing including sports coats and trousers and tailoring is free with purchase!
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Shop for Mom
The Hidden Jewel
72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
The Hidden Jewel has beautiful handmade jewelry, apparel for the office and on-the-go, and the best part is most of their wares are made in the US!
Photo: The Hidden Jewel
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Shop for Someone Special
Mark Gerard’s Therapeutic Massage
21 West St Worcester, MA
Mark Gerard’s Therapeutic Massage offers Reiki, deep Swedish massages, and deep tissue therapy massages to give that special someone in your life some relaxation.
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Shop for a Difficult Buy
Union Music
142 Southbridge St., Worcester, MA
Give that difficult person to buy for in your family the gift of music!
Union Music offers music lessons, instruments, and repairs at their full-service music shop.
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Take a Break
ArtsWorcester
660 Main Street, Worcester, MA
ArtsWorcester hosts exhibits from local artists and promotes them to the public.
Admission into the gallery is always free of charge and they sell art that can suit most budgets.
Support local art on Small Business Saturday with ArtsWorcester!
Photo: ArtsWorcester
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Grab Some More Lunch
Armsby Abbey
144 Main St, Worcester, MA
Armsby Abbey offers delicious comfort food and a wide selection of Farmstead cheeses to enjoy with their house-baked breads.
Armsby also has delicious sandwiches and soups to warm you up after a blustery shopping day.
Photo: Armsby Abbey
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Even More Lunch!
Mezcal Tequila Cantina
20 Central St. Leominster, MA
Add some spice to your day at Mezcal Tequila Cantina.
Come for the guacamole and salsa bar and stay for the generously portioned entrees like their Adobo Chicken Enchiladas and Pulled Pork Tostadas!
Photo: Mezcal Tequila Cantina
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Do Something Creative
EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA
EcoTarium makes learning science a fun experience.
The museum offers memberships - a great gift idea for the children in your family- and Science Discovery Programs daily.
Photo: EcoTarium
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Participate in and Event
Small Business Saturday at Annie's Book Shop
Annie's is taking Small Business Saturday to the next level by featuring the Worcester Writers Collaborative, a local organization supporting writers throughout Worcester County, in a collection of readings, signings, and more from 12:00 PM 6:00 PM.
Click here for more information
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Get Some Retail Therapy
Exclusives
39 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA
Exclusives has on-trend fashions for men and women and carries an eclectic selection of music and media!
College students can also save an extra 10% off their purchases.
Photo: Exclusives
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Repair Your Shoes
Central Shoe Repair of Worcester
37 Mechanic St., Worcester, MA
Central Shoe Repair of Worcester repairs everything from leather soles, boots, high heels and even purses.
Central Shoe Repair will help you keep your fashionable wares in tact!
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Revitalize Your Space
Rotman's
725 Southbridge St., Worcester, MA
Need to perk up your living space for the season?
Head into Rotman's where you can find new carpets, furniture, lighting and more.
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Go Golfing
Auburn Driving Range
541 Southbridge st. Auburn MA
Get some exercise and test your skills at Auburn Driving Range.
Take lessons to improve your golf game or play for fun, and Ladies' Night is every Saturday with half priced buckets.
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Get Ready For a Special Occassion
Isaac's Alterations
63 Auburn St., Auburn, MA
Isaac's Alterations offers a wide selection of dresses for your next wedding, birthday celebration, or formal event.
They also offer alterations, show and handbag repair on site to keep you looking your best!
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Relax Your Body and Mind
Yoga Mandala
750 Main St, Winchester, MA
Yoga Mandala offers yoga courses for yogis of all ages and abilities.
Choose from “Core Strengthening and Conditioning” or Barre- inspired courses or purchase a package for someone on your Christmas list!
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Grab a Drink
Compass Tavern
90 Harding St., Worcester, MA
Grab a locally crafted beer or seasonal cocktail at The Compass Tavern.
The tavern is home to the largest bar in Worcester - seating 48 at any given time.
Grab some food and begin your weekend at Compass Tavern!
Photo: Compass Tavern
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Feed Your Sweet Tooth
La Patisserie
30 Church St., Winchester, MA
Feed your sweet tooth with a decadent dessert at La Patisserie.
Grab a red velvet cupcake, éclair or lemon bar and treat yourself after a busy shopping day.
Photo: La Patisserie
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Watch the Game
Whiskey on Water
97 Water St, Worcester
Looking for that perfect place to watch the big football games over the weekend. Whiskey on Water is exactly where you want to be.
Their 32-tap system will feature Worcester largest selection of local and craft and bottled beer. Food will continuously evolve with New England’s first rotating food truck service.
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Grab A Late Night Snack
The Banner Bar and Grille
112 Green Street, Worcester
The Banner Bar and Grille is one of the best spots around to get late-night post-bar favorites like nachos piled high with chicken or chili, wings, and melty quesadillas.
The Banner also features music from local DJs every weekend night so you can have your snake and get some entertainment!