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Category Archives: Advertising

Add Some Spirit to Your Sales with Colored Popcorn

06 Dec

Remember the thrill of eating brightly colored treats as a kid? Whether it was a blueberry-colored shaved ice at the fair or a bubblegum-pink cupcake at a birthday party, there was just something exciting and special about getting to enjoy a colorful snack. While today, we know that food coloring is responsible for those fun colors, we still associate colorful foods with special occasions and fantastic flavors.

Food coloring is a safe way to make food fun. As a popcorn concessionaire, you should definitely consider offering colored popcorn for holidays or special occasions. Think red or pink popcorn for Valentine’s Day, green popcorn for St. Patrick’s Day, or mixed colors to represent team colors at a high school, college or national sports team game.

With the right products, colored popcorn is super easy to make. One way to make colored popcorn is to simply use Color-Popcorn salt instead of regular salt. This will provide a fun color to the popcorn without changing the flavor. You can also produce a wide variety of popcorn colors and flavors using Corn Treats Mixes.

Sometimes, you may wish to use the above Gold Medal Products popcorn colorings to provide color only. For example, you might want to use plain-flavored Color Popcorn salt or Corn Treats Color-Only to make an orange-and-green Miami Dolphins popcorn mix or some orange-and-black Cincinnati Bengals popcorn. Alternatively, you can add flavored Corn Treat Mixes to create popcorn that is both colored and flavored, such as red raspberry popcorn or green apple popcorn.

Besides plain and sweet flavors, colored popcorn can also be savory. Some ideas for savory colored popcorn include spicy-red and white cheddar popcorn to cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, or orange nacho cheese popcorn served in black bags for Halloween. Use Gold Medal Popcorn Co.’s Savory Shake Mixes, Alarm Blazen additive, and Cheddar Pure Gold mix to make savory and colorful popcorn.

Some approaching events that you might think about making colored popcorn mixes for include upcoming college football championship games and the 2013 Super Bowl! Local sports games and holiday fairs and festivals are also great opportunities to serve colored popcorn.

Whatever the occasion, use colored popcorn to help customers get into a festive spirit, and they’ll reward you by brightening your sales!

 
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Posted by on December 6, 2012 in Advertising

 

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How to Prep for Your First Gig

19 Sep

The first time for anything can be a little scary, especially when it comes to running your own business. But have no fear, running a concession stand is possible and you are the one to make it happen.

Since you’ve already thought about getting into the business of concessions, it’s time to focus your thinking on certain items of the shop.

Start by getting some ideas for brochures, so you can eventually create your own. Look at brochures that you know sell items, and see how they list products.

Know that a successful shop makes money in three ways: 1. From over the counter sales, 2. Shipping sales, and 3. Wholesale or packaged goods. Start thinking of good locations where your shop can accomplish all three of these ideas.

Visit at least two successful concession stands, so you can start thinking about ideas for product presentation, interior décor, display, and even uniforms for your employees. Only use what you see for ideas, it is important that you create your own, unique brand.

Next, do some investigating. Make sure this is what you want to do before you invest your money in the business.

Decide what you’re going to sell at your shop. Create a good balance of sweet and salty, and remember to keep it simple, especially in the beginning. In fact, your best bet is to limit the menu items, but vary the sizes they come in. Or, perhaps you offer popcorn, but sell different flavors. You also want to sell items that are easy to prepare.

Create a business plan based on your location and the products you plan to sell. A business plan will help you determine the costs for the first year, how to promote yourself and the products, and how much you need to make to succeed.

By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track in the concessions business before you sell your first bag of popcorn!

 
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Posted by on September 19, 2012 in Advertising, avoid burnout, Business, Concession Industry, Fun Foods, make money, New Business, popcorn, self-employment, Small Businesses, Starting Your Own Business

 

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5 Ways to Increase Your Facebook Engagement

11 Sep

What is it that makes some Facebook fan pages wildly successful with constant high engagement rates where the fans and their friends eat up the content like there’s no tomorrow… while other pages sit there dormant with hardly any activity, yet they produce great content, too?

Making Facebook work for your business can often take a bit of trial and error… and time.

Read more to find the full text article…

 
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Posted by on September 11, 2012 in Advertising, brand champions, Business, customer service, e-marketing, facebook, sales tool, Small Businesses, Social Media

 

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12 Simple Ways Marketers Can Humanize Their Brand

30 Aug

 

Simple Ways to Humize Your Brand

Many people say: “Yeah, using social media sounds like a good plan but I am a big corporation.  How do I do that?  Hubspot is a marketing company that helps companies grow and nuture leads and lead generating materials and they have come up with these 12 simple ways to humanize your brand.  Take a look and tell us in the comments section below if they missed any.Read More…

 
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Posted by on August 30, 2012 in Advertising, brand champions, Business, Common Business Mistakes, customer retention, customer service, increased sales

 

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Creative Brainstorming

28 Feb

Creativity is a muscle that needs exercise. Yet, like our other muscles, sometimes we get busy and it’s easy to fall into a pattern where we take a path that’s known has the least resistance. Then, when it comes time to really push ourselves for something new, it’s like hitting a brick wall.

That’s why it pays to do a little creative brainstorming not just when you need to solve a problem, but also regularly to bank up fresh ideas that are easy to use whenever you need them.

Forget the cliché about thinking outside of the box. Think your way inside, around, on top of, and encircling the solution. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

  • Play with toys like Etch A Sketch or games like Pictionary while you work; you’ll stimulate your      brain and reduce stress.
  • Don’t focus on the finding the solution.
  • Play word association.
  • Write down everything—even if it seems completely ridiculous.
  • Set a time limit of 1 hour, then move on to something else.
  • Play classical music. It relaxes you and it also stimulates the brain.
  • Leave your comfort zone and go to some place new.
 
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Posted by on February 28, 2012 in Advertising, avoid burnout

 

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Great Films Set to POP Up in 2012

31 Jan

Written by: Emily Gertenbach
Emily works as a content writer at WEBstaurant Restaurant Supply in Lancaster, PA

Few things sound more classic, tried, true and beloved than the combination of dinner and a movie. Just about everyone loves a trip to the cinema – from silent films to drive-ins to the huge 3D blockbusters of today, motion pictures have been a big part of Americana for decades. Even during recent economic downturns, movie attendance went up, not down. And what could be better to go hand-in-hand with a movie than popcorn?

Concession stand blockbuster

Popcorn is found at concession stands nationwide not only because of its status as a fan favorite – it’s also a great money maker for businesses! According to the national Popcorn Board, Two tablespoons of unpopped kernels only cost about 25 cents, but produce a quart of popcorn that will be eagerly snapped up by excited patrons. Americans love their popcorn just as much, if not more, than movies. Each year, the average American ingests 52 quarts of the buttery, airy, kernels!

Silver screen selections

Film fans will find plenty of reasons to go grab some movie popcorn during 2012. The year’s great lineup of movies has everything from animated family films to action packed adventures, sweet romantic comedies, and poignant dramas. According to the Movie Insider, lot of the new films for 2012 have one thing in common: they got their start on a printed page, be it a book, graphic novel, or short story.

The Lorax
Release Date: March 2, 2012
Starring: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Betty White
Based on: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

More than just a whimsical children’s tale, The Lorax deals with underlying issues of environmental and moral responsibility. Originally published as a book in 1971 and made into a successful TV movie in 1972, The Lorax has been a favorite of children and adults for decades. Setting out to find a real tree in his artificial world, a young boy encounters the mysterious Once-ler and learns about what nature used to look like – and gets a special responsibility regarding the future of the Earth.  Learn more about this beloved tale before hitting the theaters!

The Hunger Games
Release Date: March 23, 2012
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Based on: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl living in a futuristic world where poverty is widespread and selected children are made to fight to the death on live television each year. It is based around the first book in a trilogy of extremely popular young adult novels.

The Avengers
Release Date: May 4, 2012
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannson, Samuel L. Jackson
Based on: Marvel Comics’ The Avengers

With all the Marvel Comics superheroes under one roof and directed by cult favorite Joss Whedon, The Avengers may just prove to be one of the biggest movies of the year! The original actors from previous Marvel Comics movies such as Iron Man and Captain America will reprise their roles for this film.

Snow White and the Huntsman
Release Date: June 1, 2012
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth
Based on: Snow White, a German fairy tale popularized by the Grimm Brothers

The well known story of hunted princess Snow White continues in this new live-action adaptation. Snow White’s evil stepmother orders a huntsman to kill the princess – but he disobeys orders and teaches her how to fight back instead, putting a new, adventurous spin on this old tale.

The Dark Knight Rises
Release Date: July 20, 2012
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman
Based on: DC Comics’ Batman

Set eight years after The Dark Knight, this movie concludes the latest series of films about Bruce Wayne/Batman. While many details have been kept tightly under wraps, the film expected to follow Batman’s return to Gotham City and deliver a fitting end to the acclaimed trilogy.

Skyfall
Release Date: November 9, 2012
Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench
Based on: The James Bond novels, originated by Ian Fleming in 1953

The 23rd in the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, may find 007′s loyalty to his mentor tested, leading him to track down and destroy a threat – some of what Bond does best. Sure to feature stylish cars, beautiful women, and a healthy dose of action, the movie helps to mark the 50th anniversary of the very first James Bond film. Visit Reuters or the film’s official site for more.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Release Date: December 14, 2012
Starring: Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, Martin Freeman
Based on: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

With the same director and a similar cast to that of the Lord of the Rings films, The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf on a journey that introduces Gollum and puts Bilbo in possession of the One Ring, setting in place the storyline for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Whether you like action, fantasy, mystery or classics, pick a movie and grab your favorite popcorn – your new favorite film is about to begin!

 
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Posted by on January 31, 2012 in Advertising, Fun Foods, increased sales, popcorn, theater, theatre, Uncategorized

 

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How to “Effectively” Sell

27 Jan

I constantly hear from salespeople that “marketing isn’t getting me leads…the leads are no good…the prospect seemed interested until I spoke with him…”as if all the salesperson has to do is wait for the phone to ring and write up the order. If only it were that easy. Most salespeople I speak with are good, honest hardworking people that take a ton of heat and rejection, yet get right back on the horse. It’s a tough job, and takes a tough person to do it well. But while they’re good at getting back on that horse, many of them take the horse’s blinders off, and put them on their own eyes instead. They’re so focused on the product that they forget why the prospect will buy it.

Very few people buy anything because of how it’s made. Or where. Or by whom. Customers large and small have a “pain point”—an area that needs fixing—and the job of a salesperson is to find that pain point and alleviate it. THAT’S when the sale happens. There’s no magic pill, no ingenious marketing plan, or no special combination of words that will make the customer instantly fall into your lap. It’s solving the emotional issue of your customer. And each one is unique. Just because your company exists is not reason enough to make the sale.

Marketing helps. The right language can draw them in. But if you’re looking for those to solve the sale for you, you’ll wait a long, long time. Use them as the tools to help find the customer, then uncover their pain. You do that, and your sales will soar!

 
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Posted by on January 27, 2012 in Advertising, Marketing, sales tool

 

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How Super is Your Advertising?

24 Jan

It used to be that you had to actually watch the Super Bowl to see the ads. Advertisers spent big bucks to keep your attention and pulled out all the stops to top the other guy. From the Bud Bowl to the comeback kid Betty White with Snickers, there have been countless ads that stick with you through the years.

But now the power of going viral is causing ads to “leak” early.  VW and Chrysler drove home big kudos last year with their cute and powerful ads (respectively). Now, VW is trying to keep the flame alive with the barking dogs’ ode to Darth Vader. Plus, Doritos made its customers do the work for it and generated countless impressions with its commercial contests.

It all brings home the point of standing out in a crowd with advertising. Are you wasting money with text-heavy ads and boring graphics? You don’t have to spend a ton of money like the big guys listed above to make an impression. Just remember that pictures are worth a thousand words and ads should inspire movement. Include sales, funny and memorable text, catchy graphics, limited-time only offers, and some kind of call to action.

Your ads should be like a Field of Dreams moment. If you build it, they will come. That’s why it also pays to spend the time to routinely evaluate all your advertising and marketing materials. Track the return on investment (ROI) and ask your customers for feedback. Or, conduct an informal focus group. Your friends and family can be brutally honest with you. Ask them how super your advertising truly is and take the steps to stand out in a cluttered advertising world.

 
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Posted by on January 24, 2012 in Advertising, brand champions, Business, increased sales, make money, Marketing, Small Businesses, Social Media, Starting Your Own Business

 

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A Secret to the Upsell: Keeping it on Kid Level

08 Dec

Recently, I was fortunate to sit in on the amazing Larry Etter’s certification class for becoming an Accredited Concession Specialist. Although he taught it on behalf of the National Association of Concessionaires (NAC), the lessons applied to any savvy sales person.

One of the most interesting takeaways was about packaging and general presentation. Mr. Etter showed us these cute little cup toppers that spoke to the kid in me. I also immediately thought how my own son would beg for them if he saw them at the movies. They were less than $2, but you had to add them to a meal package. It’s an instant, silent upsell and all it would take was putting them at the right eye level for kids.

This also is a method employed by marketing giant Disney. They “target” children to create lifelong Disney fans. For example, the housekeeping staff creates fun, memorable decorations daily with towels in park guest rooms. There are countless hidden treasures in the parks meant only for children—like the secret crown in the mural near Cinderella’s Castle that’s only viewed from a child’s height.

Or, think about product placement in grocery or pharmacy stores. I went in to a drug store for one thing for my sick, newborn daughter and also came out with a swirly, purple, bouncy ball because it helped speed up the trip with my impatient 2½-year-old son. They were all right there when you walked in just begging to be purchased.

So the moral of the story is: Placement and packaging are everything! As our wise Chairman J.C. Evans says, “The Flash is What Gets the Cash.”

 
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Posted by on December 8, 2011 in Advertising, make money, Marketing, sales tool

 

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How to Advertise your Small Business

08 Sep

With unemployment on the rise and many companies tightening their belts, the thought might have crossed your mind as to whether you may be the next to be downsized. Even if the axe should fall in your direction at some point, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it might be the catalyst for finding the answer on how to start your own business.

There are still many small business opportunities out there. Regardless of the type of business you enter, if you work smart and offer products or services people need or desire, you can make a decent living while also establishing your independence.

Economic uncertainty has also caused many to venture out to earn extra income while keeping their “day job.” In addition to providing more cash flow, a small side business can be something you can fully focus on in the event that you become unemployed.

Landscaping, consulting work and online buying and selling are a few examples of businesses that have allowed some individuals to gain entrepreneurial independence. Many have found the concession trailer business to be profitable as well.

Getting the Word Out

Once you have established a business plan and begun the process of bringing it to life, it’s time to start making the public aware of the products or services offered by your business. Here are a few effective ways of getting the word out:

  • Hand out attractive business cards at every opportunity. Stack flyers and brochures around town.
  • Mail cards or flyers to targeted areas.
  • Place ads in local magazines and newspapers.
  • Have graphics or magnets displaying business information affixed to company vehicles.

There are numerous methods you can employ to grab the attention of prospective customers. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try something new.

Now it’s your turn, tell us how you have grabbed the attention of prospective customers either in marketing or social media?  Tell us about it in the comments section below.

 
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Posted by on September 8, 2011 in Advertising, Business, Concession Industry, Concession Trailers, Entrepreneurs, Fun Foods, increased sales, make money, Marketing, Starting Your Own Business

 
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