Helloooooooo LJ!

[arcadian72]

So - haven't been around much - mostly because I am not a blog about what is going on type of person, and also because I am guessing about 2 people actually read this site (Hi Kass and Katie!) But - and yes, this is a prologue for those of you reading this - I have come to the conclusion that I want to be writing about my business somewhere. I don'

Comments

[kass_rants]

Great big sympathies, my dear. I'm afraid the best way to see the crappy side of humanity is owning a small business.
'
Are you looking for ideas to drive more people into the shop? I think the daily -- multiple times daily sometimes -- things you put on Facebook are awesome. If I was in the area, those would really remind me to come out. You're doing so many good things. I know it makes no sense, but I don't tend to go to a place regularly until they're not "new" anymore. No reason. It's just that I kinda forget about them.

I can hardly believe it's been 3.5 months! Feels like last week. But then again, I've been here three months today, so I guess that's why.

Yeah. You gotta have a place to vent that's not something all your customers can see. Learned that the hard way.

Love you!

[arcadian72]

I am always looking for ideas to bring more people in. I am guessing that actually have a SIGN with MY NAME on it would help. ;)But - alas - that requires money. Which we don't have. Viscious circle, it is. I have definitely been seeing a response due to the facebook posts - and people are starting to come who have never been here and say things like "Oh - I always wanted to stop in" - so I know it just take time.

[kass_rants]

I honestly don't think the sign is that important. I think looking open is far more important than a sign. I mean, plan for the sign, but don't fret over it too much.

It does take time. The infuriating thing is that it takes months -- maybe even a year -- to know if anything you're doing is working. It's a slow process. You know this. But it looks to me like you're doing all the right stuff and you just have to delay your gratification and keep doing it. Changing too often is the only thing that messes it up. People want to know that Book Night, for example, is always on the third Friday or whatever so that if they aren't following you on FB but just decide to go one day, they know when it is. Consistency is key.

There's nothing you're doing that I would constructively criticize. I think you're making good choices and providing the stuff people want. You just have to wait for the payoff. And keep doing what you're doing.

I'm there for you. You know, not *there* but here... but still "there". ;)

[arcadian72]

I am trying to be consistent. And I am trying to respond to what people seem interested in - like Open Mic seems to be growing - we get one or two new people every time - and we are only doing it 2 times a month to keep it from being "old" or always there.

Today is looking to be rather quiet - it's finally "really" snowing out there, so I am not sure if that will bring people out or keep them home. I am keeping a "diary" of when we are busy and when we are quiet so I can plan accordingly. ;)

[comitto]

I have been writing here although I haven't read/wrote in a while... it's probably the longest span I've gone without reading my friends list regularly ever. You're right, facebook is just too public. I miss the old days of LJ where people actually went on here!

[arcadian72]

I actually have a few friends who have come back to LJ because FB is so public!

[rustymarble]

Yea, I've come back to LJ for the privacy and the length. I can spew and really work thoughts through on LJ, whereas facebook is just so my far-away family (which is sometimes single-digit miles) can see the fun stuff.
I got no advice on the shop...if I do, you know I'll tell you. :-)

[jtrumbore]

Ok, you know I've said some of this out loud to you, but figured I'd update here too