Issue link: https://docs.hic.us/i/403552
interest stories." These are just like they sound, articles that are not considered news, but rather interesting stories. They may include write-ups about unique people, exciting places or neat Businesses. In fact, it was through a human- interest article that we learned about Embroidery in the first place. So how do you take advantage of this? Simply contact your local Newspaper and invite them to visit your Business. Once you get someone there, be sure to have a machine in operation. When the reporter sees it running, you can pretty much count on a sealed deal. If you are real creative, you might consider setting up the logo (or some semblance of it) so that you can be sewing it out while the reporter watches. Chances are you will get a shot at doing business with the Newspaper. I know an individual that regularly offers tours of his (garage) business to school children. When they come to visit, he invites the Newspaper people as well. They love to take pictures of children in unique learning situations. Another way to make full use of the local Paper is to issue Press Releases for your Business. Every time that anything important happens such as: you move to a new location, purchase more equipment, or offer a new service, send out a Press Release. This will help put your name out where other businesses can see it. 7. Sponsor An Event. Too expensive? Maybe not. We routinely get involved as Event Sponsors for Saltwater Fishing Tournaments. These are a big deal along the North Carolina coast, where a winning fish can easily fetch $50,000 or more. With that kind of money, you can expect a lot of participation. We usually pay around $300.00 for a sponsorship. In return, we are included in the advertising, the brochures, and all promotional items. Also, we are allowed to have a booth at the tournament site, where we can sell approved merchandise. We always make back much more than we spend and receive a tremendous amount of exposure as well. The opportunities for sponsorships are endless. However, I do recommend that you look very closely at each event. Look for the chance to actively promote your Business and its products. If all you get is your name on a T-shirt, it may not be worth the cost. 8. Donate Embroidered Items As Gifts. This one caught us by surprise. We donated a sweatshirt embroidered with a teddy-bear appliqué and school name to a local school-sponsored Halloween carnival as a prize. There was no ulterior motive, we were just trying to be good neighbors. Well, the next day we were deluged with requests from mothers who had seen it. Totally unexpected! Today, we do a lot of business with that school and several others as a direct result of that initial exposure. In addition to schools, consider Corporate events, Fund-raisers, Church Activities, etc. Just be sure that you get ample credit for your contribution. 9. Set Up In A Local Store. www.hsi.us care@hic.us 112