This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

An Open House Can Help Promote Your Business

A great way to introduce your place to people who have not used your services is an open house. Here are some great ideas on how you can have an open house at your place.

As an owner of a business that caters to a very specific group of people, I have found that open houses are a good tool to show the public what your business is all about. I have been helping people get in shape since 1984 and in 2000 I opened Philadelphia Private Gym. Like most businesses today I have a web site and also a Facebook page to post any news or upcoming events to promote my business.  Yet nothing replaces the importance of meeting people face to face and talking to them about what you do.

I have been conducting open houses for 13 years since I opened Philadelphia Private Gym. An open house for your business is a fun way to connect with the community through food, demonstrations, education, conversations. With careful promotion it can introduce you to the right customers that need your products or services.

I recommend that you have food readily available. Who doesn’t like free food? You can have it catered by a local establishment for a discount by promoting their food and business at your open house or just pick up a platter from your local eatery.  If food or diet is an important piece of your business, try and incorporate samples that are relevant.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Make sure you promote the event locally. Press releases to local radio stations can reach many people. Facebook is a great resource to get the word out. Local news and event sites such as Patch. Create flyers to display at the locations of businesses you partner with, customers who can display them at their place of business, and locations within your target market. Email blasts is a great way to reach people as well.

This week through February 2nd on Bensalem Community TV you can watch a segment they did on the Bensalem Business Association and Philadelphia Private Gym. In this program I announce an open house for the gym on Saturday February 9, 2013 from noon until 3PM. We make healthy food for people to try which works out well since it is around lunch time and pertinent to a healthier lifestyle. The massage therapists will be conducting free sample massages. The personal trainers will do tours of the 4000 square foot facility. The Yoga Instructor will be here to talk about and field any questions regarding, you guessed it Yoga. You won’t get the traditional hard sell as you get at other gyms. Don’t be a stranger, stop in on Saturday and say hello.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I hope this information helps you notice the value of an open house as a business owner. If you have questions about holding an open house I’d be happy to answer them. Email me at pondeli@pondeli.com or you can give me a call 215-245-0802.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?