In case you’ve been hiding under a rock due to the economy, late season snowstorms, tornado warnings, or for whatever reason, we wanted to point out a few things around town that you may have missed. Of course, you could be out and about and yet find yourself out of the loop (so to speak). Here are 5 happenings of note around Cherokee county that offer up unique opportunities for meeting new people and networking with folks around town:
1. Mason’s Sports Grill is opening in the ex-Jocks and Jill’s location tomorrow (Wednesday). Was there this weekend, and Gary and Susie have done wonders with the building and the menu. The staff is experienced as many came back from J&Js, and the food was great! They’re planning tons of family-style events and we expect to see tons of business happening on Reinhardt College Parkway in the coming days and weeks. Also – Happy Birthday Gary ! (turning 29 again on Saturday). Marketing tip: plan a power networking lunch at Masons by inviting two business associates who don’t know each other to join you for a meal.
2. A few doors down, sad news. Paula’s Unique Boutique – ladies’ consignment clothing – is closing its doors. Paula Powers is a great lady and it’s sad to see the business didn’t make it. Sign of the times maybe, plus a little help from the downtime of J&Js as well. Hoped we’d have had an opportunity to work with the store to get the word out, but alas it wasn’t in the cards. Marketing tip: thinking of starting up a retail shop? The store inventory and fixtures will be liquidated, so contact Paula directly. Best of Luck to you Paula!
3. Just a door or two down from Paula’s is a great place for coffee and meeting space. My Corner Office is a welcome addition to Canton, especially for home business owners, sales people, and visitors here for meetings at the Bluffs, or here for court. Dave and Cindy have created a friendly and affordable alternative to Starbucks for anyone looking for a spot to hook up, have a spot of tea or a shot of espresso, and enjoy a clean, quiet and comfortable meeting space. They offer memberships that have tons of perks, or just on the fly workspace. They’ve also got an impressive board room, and a work room for smaller meetings. Stop in for a coffee (or try the drive through). Marketing tip: sit and sip a coffee or latte a couple of times a week and get to know the proprietors, who will introduce you and connect you with other regulars – mostly small business owners – and start networking.
4. Coming up next weekend – Concert for the Cure – in Woodstock’s Hobgood Park. An event to raise money for breast cancer, the concert is Saturday, May 2nd from 2-6:30 and will feature music and demos for families, plus tons of business vendors from around the county. Advance tickets are $1 off, but you have to buy before this Saturday. Marketing tip: visit the booths, and sign up for the various drawings. Collect biz cards and make some connections.
5. Speaker needed! The Southeast Cherokee Business Network is looking for guest speakers for their August, September and October meetings. The business group meets at 8:30am Wednesdays at the Frosty Frog Creamery in Hickory Flat. If you’re a speaker, coach, business advisor, or the like, please contact Linda at Inspired 2 Design so we can discuss your topic and a date. Visit the SECBN website here. Marketing tip: great opportunity to put yourself in front of 30 or so businesses including Northside Hospital Cherokee, Edward Jones, Cherokee Bank, Maxsell and Keller Williams Real Estate, and more locally owned and operated companies – big and small.
Now that you’re in-the-know, get up from under that rock and get out there! There are tons of opportunities to meet other business owners, find out what they’re doing and what they need, and make the connection. Look at each opportunity as a chance to market yourself, and help others grow their businesses too.