Merchant & Business Owner Information

It's easy to get so wrapped up in the day to day challenges of running a business, that we all forget to take a look at the basics. 

Can your potential customers find you?

Review how your customers will get to know you. Do you have a website, or do you need one, we can help if you do. Are you using Social Media, if not, why? Are you using a landline or a cell phone? Search for your business on-line and see if you can find yourself. If you have a tough time, will your potential customers be successful or become frustrated and move on?

Are you building a customer database?

When you earn a customer, don't lose them. At that very first transaction collect a mailing address and email address. Keep in touch often. Mail birthday cards, holiday cards, information about special events. Keep it professional and focused. Use both snail mail and email for variety. Don't over do it, more than weekly contact is too much. 

Do you have consistent hours? 

If you post an opening and closing time, stick to it. Customers expect you to be there when you say you will. Don't disappoint them, they may not come back.

Is your entry way welcoming and inviting?

Take a minute and walk through your front door, not the back door you always go in. Does your entry way invite customers to come in? Flower pots, lights, flags, are all inviting. Grafitti, trash, dirty windows, and old posters are not.

Are your windows fresh and clean?

Your window displays should be changed often and should show your current merchandise. Of course, the glass needs to be shiny clean so folks can see your display. If you need help learning how to put together effective window displays, just let us know. There are several pros downtown that would be happy to help.

Are you appealing to all of the senses of your shoppers? 

That's pretty easy if you are a bakery or restaurant, but not so easy if you are a bookstore or antique store. Be sure your store smells fresh and appealing. 

Do you need professional help?

That may sound like a loaded question, but it's not meant to be. Every business owner needs help along the way. Do you need to hire a bookkeeping firm? Are you going to hire a new employee and need help with interviewing or have human resource questions? Do you need to talk with a banker to review your business loan? There are a variety of needs and we have advocates from various firms that would be happy to sit down and speak with you. We'd be happy to make a recommendation.

Resources & Assistance

Click here to view a list of links to local and statewide resources available to help.

To Grow Your Business, Get Involved!

There are many ways to become involved in the Downtown neighborhood and the Pocatello & Chubbuck community. Getting your business' name out and becoming involved doesn't have to cost a fortune. It just takes time and effort. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Get to know your neighbors - walk along the blocks surrounding your business and introduce yourself and your business. Hand out business cards, brochures, menus, and if you'd like, offer an "Downtown Neighbor Special" to get your neighbors in to visit your store.

Join the Chamber of Commerce and start networking - the Chamber of Commerce is located in Downtown and they understand the needs of small businesses. Becoming a member has many advantages including the opportunity to network at monthly events including the General Membership Lunch on the first Friday of each month, Business After Hours on most Thursdays, and there's more. Give Kirk Lepchenske Membership Director, a call at 208-233-1525, and he will stop by and introduce you to all of the benefits of becoming a member of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce.

Become a First Friday Art Walk stop - this monthly event draws hundreds through your door with very little cost.  Below is the Art Walk Participate Guide to help get you started.