The period following the holiday season is traditionally a slow time of year for many merchants. Here are some ideas to help increase people flow and give your business a boost, particularly in January and February.

Create a special event.

An indoor sidewalk sale or a Midnight Madness sale is a great way to increase people flow. Offer door prizes, free coffee or hot chocolate, and family entertainment such as musicians, clowns, or caricature artists. Use flyers and ads in community papers to promote the event, and get neighbouring businesses to join in. A special promotion will often attract new customers. For example, clothing retailers could stage a winter fashion show, and sports stores might screen a snowboarding instructional video. During the sale or event, motivate customers by handing out coupons that offer discounts, free merchandise, consultations, or services.

Motivate your staff.

If your employees are excited about an event, your customers will be, too. Run a contest where staff can earn prizes for highest sales, best new idea, or greatest customer service. Your employees' enthusiasm will rub off on your clientele. The following ideas can be used year-round to attract new business and please your regular customers.

Reward your best customers.

A punch-card promotion is an excellent way to encourage repeat business. Give your customers a card about the size of a business card. Every time a purchase is made, the card is punched or stamped. After a certain number of punches, the customer receives something free — a product, a meal, or a service — whatever is applicable to your business.

Share your knowledge.

Produce a free report, newsletter, or brochure for your customers that contains valuable information with a built-in sales pitch for your product or service. Or create a free "how to" handout. Consider becoming a guest speaker at seminars or on a radio talk show; or, hold your own seminar with a guest speaker on one or more aspects of your service, product, or industry. Contact your local community newspaper or cable station and offer to write a column or host a show.

Increase your profile in the community.

Community involvement can expand your network of contacts and raise awareness about your business while positioning you as an innovator. Take part in community events related to your area of expertise by volunteering your time or that of your employees. You could also sponsor an amateur sports team or a charity event through a community organization.

Be a good corporate citizen.

Consider donating high-traffic space in your store or parking lot to a local nonprofit group. Not only will you increase your exposure among a new group of people, you will benefit from the goodwill you generate.

Take a team approach.

Join forces with a merchant who has a compatible market and display brochures or leaflets promoting both your businesses. This allows you to reach an entirely new group of potential customers and can reduce promotion costs. Businesses that are involved in related activities or products can also co-sponsor booths and events, share advertising specialties, or bundle products and services. Participating in associations and events related to your industry is also a great way to reach new customers.