The stadiums and facilities are complete, the transport systems have had test runs for the extra visitors so all that is needed is the start of the 2012 Olympics in Stratford, London will start on 27th July.  If small businesses are not already thinking about how to benefit from the games, they should certainly start now so as not to miss out!

To help the thought process, here are a few ideas.  Obviously not applicable to all businesses.  However, the aim is to serve as a ‘kick start’ to the thought process.

Special Offers / Discounts

People always like to get ‘a deal’.  You can think about launching a special offer or discount that is related to the Olympics.  So offer on your leaflets, signs, website, etc would be something like “Olympic Games Special Offer”.  Describe the offer i.e. 20% discount, buy 1 get 1 free, etc.  Then, most important, create the urgency by saying the offer closes on 16th August 2012.

If you want to be really clever, you can link the discounts to the games such as 20.12% discount.  However, do think about how hard this will be.

It could be as simple as giving free chocolate Olympic medals to all the children who come in to your business.

Themed Events

You can hold special Olympic themed events:

• Launching new products, services
• Starting your summer sale
• For a bar, cafe, restaurant launch an Olympic menu

If possible hold mini Olympics or Olympic themed games as part of your event.  Offer prizes to winners, proceeds to charity, etc.

If you can hold an event or special day.  See if you can drum up extra publicity by issuing a press release to your local paper or radio station.

 Extra Visitors

If you are based in or around London (including close to airports or ports), think about the extra visitors who will be arriving to the area.  If you run a B&B or restaurant, create offers that target Olympic visitors.  If you sell or manufacture products, such as furniture, ornaments, etc you have an opportunity to reach new customers.  The advances of the internet mean that more and more people are more than happy to place mail order purchasers via the internet.

Conclusion

This is only a quick post with generic ideas.  The aim is to start the thought process and, most importantly, prompt action to be taken so you can benefit from the Olympic Games.