A lot of people tend to think of the state fair in one of two ways: delicious food overload or the last big summer activity before school starts back up. This is true, but it also has other benefits, especially for your lawn care business.
When the state fair hits, you, as the field service business owner, want to be looking for ways to use it to your business’advantage. It may not be the most obvious place to work on your business, but it can have some hidden benefits you won’t want to miss such as:
End of Summer Deals
If you live in a state like Minnesota, you can expect there to be plenty of opportunities for good deals on equipment. For example, at Minnesota’s State Fair, Grasshopper is offering $400 off certain packages or no interest financing when you buy a new mower.
Many vendors will come to the state fair to offer end of summer deals or state fair deals. These dealers are looking to clear out their stock for the new year just as much as you are looking for a good deal so try your hand at meeting these sellers one on one and bargaining.
Even if you are not in the market for a new piece of equipment, it doesn’t hurt to look and see what is available for future reference. And it doesn’t hurt to meet the local vendors in your area. These relationships could be beneficial in the future for your business.
Networking
For networking, you can either be super involved or take a more relaxed approach. If you are headed to the fair with your family, make it a point to stop by distributors and see what they have to offer. Introduce yourself, say what you are looking for or use and grab a business card. If nothing else this is one more connection for you in the future.
Marketing/Advertising
Have you ever thought to use your state fair as an advertising opportunity? It is not the most obvious option for a lot of companies, but it can actually hold some value. State fairs are always looking for sponsors and people attending the fair love free hand outs.
You can consider renting a space if you can afford it, otherwise I would suggest trying to team up with a friend or partner and getting your name out that way. You could offer tote bags, water bottles, or even pens as handouts with your company name and logo on them. You could also offer discounts on handouts for blowouts since the season is coming to an end or a new customer discount.
As a word of caution, the state fair may not be beneficial to your business because it draws a statewide audience and you only serve a small area of the state. You may also want to check out local fairs or festivals in your area that can help to boost your business. It can be tricky finding where you best reach your target market, but a state fair is a good place to at least consider so you don’t miss any opportunities to connect with potential customers.
Want to advance your marketing further? Check out our Mindful Marketing Worksheet for some great tips and examples.