Coloring Outside the Lines - Working in Parternship with My Clients

[Note: I am so tired of the phrase "thinking outside the box" that I am naming this post "coloring outside the lines." It means the same thing, but it sounds fresher to me.]

I was recently asked by a prospective client how I can help her get more visibility for her retail business. She owns a darling, niche-based yarn and knitting shop in downtown Kent called Renaissance Yarns. She seems to be doing all of the right things right, but wants to know how to further grow her business both online and off.

My niche is marketing small businesses in the service sector, though I've done some retail marketing. Rather than say "I can't help," I'm taking this project on as a challenge. What can I learn that can help her to gain visibility? How can I draw more loyal customers to her business? That's the beauty - and challenge - of marketing. It is an art, not a science, and what works for one business might not work for another...but I'm excited about the possibilities. She has a wonderful product, a gorgeous store and a talented staff. I want to help her succeed, while at the same time learning more about marketing retail companies. In this way, we are working together in partnership.

Have a great idea to share? Please post it. I'm open to suggestions!


Virtually Yourz,

Dana