Your post generated some really interesting comments and got me thinking about a local wine store I love. And, actually since my husband and I have moved it’s NOT local anymore, but we still make the trip because we like it so much.

The owner does a lot right — he is friendly, gets to know his customers, has helpful suggestions, etc. So, when he asked me if wanted to be on his email list, I said yes. (And I nearly always decline to give my email address.) Anyway, he doesn’t abuse this list as some companies do … no need to name names, we all know who they are!! … Instead, he sends out weekly invitations to friday night wine & cheese tastings at his store. (This is Ball Square Wine and Spirits in Somerville, by the way.) They’re not fancy events, but a great way to try new wines and meet your neighbors. And I think that last point is particularly important — he’s creating a community so that people (like us) want to come back, even after they’ve moved.

Okay, that’s all — good luck and I look forward to hearing how your interview goes!

Cheers,
Anna

Your post generated some really interesting comments and got me thinking about a local wine store I love. And, actually since my husband and I have moved it’s NOT local anymore, but we still make the trip because we like it so much.

The owner does a lot right — he is friendly, gets to know his customers, has helpful suggestions, etc. So, when he asked me if wanted to be on his email list, I said yes. (And I nearly always decline to give my email address.) Anyway, he doesn’t abuse this list as some companies do … no need to name names, we all know who they are!! … Instead, he sends out weekly invitations to friday night wine & cheese tastings at his store. (This is Ball Square Wine and Spirits in Somerville, by the way.) They’re not fancy events, but a great way to try new wines and meet your neighbors. And I think that last point is particularly important — he’s creating a community so that people (like us) want to come back, even after they’ve moved.

Okay, that’s all — good luck and I look forward to hearing how your interview goes!

Cheers,
Anna

As Ron wrote, email marketing is critical and often underutilized. They are onboard – make sure they are fully maximizing the potential. See the last section of http://www.useit.com/alertbox/confirmation-email.html, especially. “Deferred SEO”, I like that.

Web 2.0 will be important – but make sure their Web 1.0 is solid: updated menus in the right places; fast optimized site; domain names!; optimized for search engines; some way to manage content; hours and directions and calendar updated and in google local, yelp, etc.; google alerts and other monitoring is set up; analytics is set up and used.

Papa Gino’s is right now making a huge push for online orders. See what they are doing.

In addition to writing blogs, they could sponsor them, such as http://foodwoolf.com/

Cams is a great idea!

Check out Legals’ online activity; They use the agency http://getfused.com, apparently.

I suspect people unhappy with a dish or service may be more inclined to comment than people happy or OK with them, so they will need to be careful with any public review system.

skaufman’s last blog post..skaufman24: @ariherzog digitized music, that’s all. many kids start with their mp3 players around than. radio & making CDs would be more frugal tho

As Ron wrote, email marketing is critical and often underutilized. They are onboard – make sure they are fully maximizing the potential. See the last section of http://www.useit.com/alertbox/confirmation-email.html, especially. “Deferred SEO”, I like that.

Web 2.0 will be important – but make sure their Web 1.0 is solid: updated menus in the right places; fast optimized site; domain names!; optimized for search engines; some way to manage content; hours and directions and calendar updated and in google local, yelp, etc.; google alerts and other monitoring is set up; analytics is set up and used.

Papa Gino’s is right now making a huge push for online orders. See what they are doing.

In addition to writing blogs, they could sponsor them, such as http://foodwoolf.com/

Cams is a great idea!

Check out Legals’ online activity; They use the agency http://getfused.com, apparently.

I suspect people unhappy with a dish or service may be more inclined to comment than people happy or OK with them, so they will need to be careful with any public review system.

skaufman’s last blog post..skaufman24: @ariherzog digitized music, that’s all. many kids start with their mp3 players around than. radio & making CDs would be more frugal tho