Generating New Ideas, New Business, and New Revenue

I just got back from an extended Thanksgiving trip to visit family in North Carolina. In addition to the traditional turkey dinner, naps, and lots of football, I also got the chance to sample two new restaurants. Well, they aren’t new, but they were new to me.

The first was The Mellow Mushroom in Southern Pines, one of more than 100 restaurants in a chain that began in Georgia back in 1974. I had never heard of this pizza chain before, but have quickly become a fan. Quite possibly the best pizza I’ve ever had (try the Philosopher’s Pie…you won’t be disappointed). I also love that they encourage each of the franchises to have their own Facebook and Twitter accounts, rather than just rely on one for the entire chain.

Then on Saturday we drove up to Raleigh and ate at The Pit, an amazing barbecue place we had seen on the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food. Whether you like pork, beef, chicken, or turkey, you won’t be disappointed. Also make sure you check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

And I might add, not only was the food superb at both places, but they both excel in the area of customer service. To both the Mellow Mushroom and The Pit, I say, “Well done!”.

But I digress.

While I was out and about discovering new businesses, I also spent some time coming up with some new business ideas for myself. And in the spirit of that old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, I bring you this week’s video. Enjoy!

If you can’ see the video in your email or feed, please click here. Also, feel free to subscribe to my Inkling Media YouTube Channel.

Mellow Mushroom Dragged Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century (prweb.com)
Music Lovers Unite … Through Facebook (spinsucks.com)
Three reasons social media marketing favors small businesses (businessesgrow.com)
Seven Ways to Get More Fans for your Business on Facebook (marijeanjaggers.com)
Small Businesses and Marketing Mantras (inklingmedia.net)

Charlotte74 74 pts

It's great seeing restaurants using social media to drive customers. Never been one of my marketing strong points.

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KenMueller 1760 pts moderator

Charlotte74 Restaurants, especially smaller local ones, have been late to the game of not only social media, but also websites. I think those that do it well, can really benefit.

My latest conversation: Small Business Tip Tuesday: Social Media is Not About Marketing

LauLau81 131 pts

The best pizza you've ever had - that is some claim.

LauLau81 and I think it's true!

ginidietrich 5331 pts

I have a friend who works at a Mellow Mushroom and he'll post things on his personal FB page to drive visitors. Last week, it was if you came in wearing a shirt with his alma mater, he'd buy your first beer. I LOVE that they let him do that!

My latest conversation: Using Twitter for Effective Media Relations

ginidietrich I wish more companies would do that kind of thing. Actually, it was kind of funny. We sat down and this guy comes over, wearing a jacket like he was just outside, and started talking to us. Really laid back. All of a sudden we realized he was our server. Even employees who weren't waiting on us came over to say things like "Oh, that's my favorite pizza" as they walked by.

It was just further proof that the culture of a business is so important, and that if the employees like working there, it is evident to the customers.

KenMueller Great. Now I want pizza.

My latest conversation: Politicians Trying to Control What Is Said Online

ginidietrich and it is sooooo good.

Erin F. 678 pts

I like how your idea relates to writing, which is going to be my new focus with the business. Somebody's writing could be horrendous, but I could take that writing and help that person turn "trash" into "treasure."

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Erin F. that works!

RmSorg 12 pts

Great idea Ken and I love how you are always thinking business, marketing and SM where ever you go!

Thanks for the post!

RMSorg - WallStreetBranding

RmSorg Thank YOU for stopping by, RM. Always good to have you hear. Of course my family probably doesn't appreciate how I'm always trying to relate everything to a blog post about business and SM!

HowieSPM 2336 pts

I was outside Allentown for thanksgiving in a place called Limekln. Mr Boscov lives around the corner from my girlfriend's Aunt and Uncle. I proudly wore my Mets hat and no one spit on me. It was a successful visit 8) And being a UNC-Greensboro Grad love where you went. Did you have any Country Ham for breakfast?

I agree with your video Ken. When I sold Instrumentation Products for heavy industry I had a client in Long Beach, Ca that was a power plant. They burned garbage. Long Beach paid them to take the trash. They then burned the trash in a furnace that was almost blinding to look into They sold the power from that. They also had this truck which sorted out the metals from the trash and sold that. Then the ash that was left they sold to concrete makers. And their last line of income was contraband. The Feds and LAPD and Long beach Police would send drugs, guns, all sorts of stuff to be burned up in the furnace which was hot enough to melt guns down.

HowieSPM Right near my old stomping grounds, or at least not too far. And that sounds like a pretty good deal for that client, and for everyone else involved. Win win win!