Rejuvination

Cullman is rejuvenating their downtown area.  We have boutique shopping and restaurants all within walking distance.  During the summer months, they have 2nd Fridays every second Friday, which is a local festival with a farmers' market, craft show, & car show set up for the community to enjoy.  The downtown area would be an ideal place to live.  I'm not sure if it is zoned for residential housing in the business district, but the city of Cullman should consider it.  That would help bring young professionals to the area, or keep the ones that are already here.

Location

Location is an important part of starting a business.  Will the area you choose have enough consumers to support your business?  Wal-Mart does not build in an area unless it meets a population quota and that is where Dollar General has found their target audience.  By catering to these less populated areas, Dollar General has become a quickly growing chain store.  Most small towns have at least one Dollar General.  The one we have in Vinemont is ten minutes from our house. We will run over there to pick up forgotten items or things we run out of quickly.  Being convenient in small towns has really worked out well for Dollar General.

Advertising

Advertising is one of the main ways to get people to visit your business.  We are surrounded by advertisements all day long.  Television & radio commercials, billboards,and signs everywhere you look.  How do we know what to choose?  Most people, myself included, have learned to filter these out.  So what is effective anymore?  I always make a point to read whatever the sign twirlers in costumes are advertising.  I don't know if it's the movement at the side of the road or the sympathy for the people in the hot Alabama days that draw my attention, but it works.  I find myself slowing down to read their signs.  My interest is captured, which is the point in advertising.