Based on my conversation with Rebecca Marion Flach, Vice President of Membership and Communication for the Retail Council of New York State, here are some ideas to explore for implementation in your business in 2012.

1. Have an open mind. Start thinking, what are others doing that are bringing in customers? Are these good ideas for my business? Should I be joining with other retailers, sharing coupons and inviting them to share in events?
2. Think community. Who do I know that I could “pair up with” and have an event? Is it a restaurant, caterer, jewelry store or the local candy maker? What type of event could we hold? Can we swap coupons or give out gift cards advertising each other’s stores? How will “being green” help your community and are you doing your part?
3. Think about what’s cutting into my customer’s spending. If food purchasing is taking a bite out of their budget, how about giving grocery coupons or partnering with a grocery store? I remember when we were in business; food was always a good gift during the holiday season. We used to give out coupons of different values based on how much the customer spent. Giving away turkeys was always a big hit.
4. Know your customer as well as you know yourself. Many retailers are afraid to ask for email addresses or if the customer is on Facebook. They feel like they’re being intrusive. How will you get to know them better if you don’t find a way to keep in touch?
5. Get involved with local activities, and don’t forget Small Business Saturday. It’s not too early to start thinking about next year. How can you market to your customers and what can you do better? Talk with other business on your block or in your neighborhood. How can you all join forces?
6. Get moving with social media. If you’re already involved in social media, explore how you can do it better and take advantage of new programs. Don’t forget Four Square and other programs which offer free gifts to customers. I have a friend who used Groupon and had so much success, they were overwhelmed. They couldn’t believe the response.
7. Develop your “small business hat.” Continue to talk about how shopping in small, locally owned businesses can help your community.
8. Review your customer list from past years. Who are your good customers? Who is giving you business, and how can you keep in touch?
9. If social media isn’t “your thing,” review the pros and cons. What are your objections? Is it helping other businesses? How can you get your salespeople involved in getting your customers to “brag” about you on line? Talk with successful businesses and ask about their on line customers. What are customers talking about?
10. Look at new ways to communicate with your customers. Are you using video regularly? Are you reusing your television and radio commercials by linking them to your social media sites? Don’t forget that YouTube surpassed Yahoo for the first time in total U.S. search queries, making it the 2nd largest search engine in the U.S.

Have a great New Year! Maybe retail really is looking up!