Eckert AgriMarketing Newsletter

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April 2008

Spring House Cleaning...
Make A Good First Impression!

Don't overlook the value of spring housecleaning at the farm. It not only gets your blood flowing, but it sets the stage for a productive new year.

Tourism research shows that guests can often forget waiting in a long line at the cash register or perhaps a short supply of a popular product, but they don't forget what they see first. It's either "very positive" or just so-so and "forgetable."

So Clean House, Make a Great First Impression, and Get Folks Talking About Your Farm:

1. Signs leading to and around your property should be fresh and easy to read. Keep the area's mowed, planted and attractive.
2. Your buildings and grounds should look inviting. Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, removal of the winter snow plough, and moving the dumpster out of sight. Try to look at your property as an outsider, not as if you live there.
3. Landscaping and outdoor display of farm memorabilia plays a critical part in setting the stage for a good guest experience.
4. Your property should be clean and litter free. From the parking lot to the trash cans to the restroom floors, be vigilant about the cleanliness. If the guests see a clean environment out front then they imagine you take the same care in your backroom spaces and food handling areas.

These tasks are all pretty obvious, but it's too easy to say, "That's good enough" and too important to let that happen.

Commit yourself today, and every day this year, to making a good first impression for every customer.