TCM Online

Use Social Media – Your Customers are

admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:21:35 +0000

I know it’s tough to get started, but get started you must. About 6 months ago we at TCM joined the Social Media craze and we did it kicking and screaming. You have to understand that social media isn’t going away and continues to grow….rapidly. We still have managing partners that have yet to jump on board….and I’m fine with that. They will jump in when ready. Generation Y have grown up with a cell phone in their hands, and it is something they turn to for information constantly. That is 80 million people that could be constantly connected to your stores!

Just like in a C-Store, people view change as a bad thing, but it shouldn’t be looked at that way. Cell phones, Ipad’s, and other mobile devices allow consumers to be connected to the internet, and your company or store, 24 hours a day. There are several that you should look at to get started: We started this way – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogger, and I have recently signed us up on Foursquare. You can typically find us as TCM Sales Team.

With Twitter and Facebook, I am able to follow my customers and know what they are promoting for that month. Some chains have their own apps that allow the end-user to use mobile coupons for store specials. That is a perfect way to gain loyalty and sales. Get on and “follow” a few companies that interest you. See if it is something that can benefit your company. I think you will find that it is!

Total Convenience Marketing

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Make Your Stores a Destination for SOMETHING!

admin — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:43:38 +0000

I know the title makes this sound easy…and it is! Pick something to make your stores stick out from the competition. And who IS your competition? I will leave that question for another time.

What is Starbucks known for? What is Chick Fil A known for? How about Chicken Express? If you pick a reason (besides convenience) for people to stop at your store and not the one across the street, you will have made a huge step toward increasing your sales. What ARE you good at? What COULD you be good at? And not even good, but GREAT!

Every store has bottled water, candy, sodas, gas and cigarettes. Why should I stop at your store? Maybe it is the awesome coffee. Maybe super sweet iced tea. Maybe there are meal deals that fit my budget better than the traditional fast feeder. Maybe I can get every fountain drink imaginable at your store and at a great price. Maybe you have a great hot dog program. Maybe the restrooms are always clean. Maybe the manager remembers my name. Maybe I can get everything I need at your store going to work. That means I don’t have to stop at a fast feeder to get my coffee or sausage biscuit. A lot of customers stop at your store, fill up with gas, buy some gum, and then head to a fast feeder for breakfast. Why? Pick something to make your store stand above the rest. And do it today!

TCM Insights From The Beginning

admin — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:41:30 +0000

Last but not least…the TCM blog site. We have jumped on the social media wave and intend to ride it for as far as it will take us. The last outlet we had yet to venture into was the Blogger sites. TCM is participating in Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and we have our own YouTube channel. You can find those by looking up TCMSalesTeam or find the links on our web site at http://www.tcmonline.com/. The blog will allow us to discuss the subjects that are most dear to us and allow us to express OPINION about where we think the business is going, how we can help you get there, and other issues facing our industry. While some of the posts may be more serious than others, the point of all the ramblings will be to help all our customers grow their business. If there are topics which you would like to hear our opinion, please contact us through the aforementioned web site.

We look forward to sharing experiences, knowledge, opinion and maybe a little humor. – TCM Sales Team