Hi Everyone,

Things are hotting up here with listings to the 2011 Beechmont Business & Community Directory now open (till December 1) and our AGM and Christmas networking gathering happening on Sunday December 5, 4pm-6pm at the Old School Site. We welcome your participation in both activities!

In the course of organising the 2011 Business & Community Directory, we recently received a great idea from local yoga teacher Shirley Hicks about how to more actively connect local businesses with local residents via a discount coupon promotion in the next booklet and potentially also on the Beechmont Community Website. We think it’s a great idea and we’re keen to work with Shirley on this so she’s written an article in this newsletter to invite the participation of local business people. Thanks Shirley!

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN SMALL PROJECT TEAM TO DISCUSS FEASIBILITY OF A COUPON MARKETING PROGRAM FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BBEN DIRECTORY 2011

Hi Everyone
This is an open invitation for expressions of interest on joining a small working committee to investigate the feasibility of some form of coupon promotional system for the 2011 Directory. It has arisen out of an enquiry I made to the BBEN committee about the possibility of having some "call to action' in the BBEN directory that provided subscribers to the directory a more direct response from Beechmont residents when they receive the directory in Feb 2011. This would be in the form of some type of redeemable coupon for a value add or discount ( either $'s or % off services) when the coupon is presented at the participating subscribers business. Consideration is for both a printed redeemable coupon ( included in the directory) and/or a coupon facility on the Beechmont website.

Examples might be:
Free cup of coffee & cake ( cafe)
Free class ( yoga/zumba etc)
10% discount off services
2 for one offer
.... and so on. Obviously the offer would be in alignment with the type of business. I would imagine that these offers are also time limited but would be perceived as offering some form of enticement or value to actually get the users of the BBEN directory to actually use the services listed. For some of the businesses in the directory this is an easy promotional offer- for others it may not be applicable.

So that's as far as the idea has got to date. For it to go any further I would love to hear from all of you on the following 2 areas:

1. Your thoughts on this idea- how it might work for you- how much extra would you be willing to pay for something like this- obviously on the latter this program should pay for itself by increasing resident's usage of local businesses and then the return business that comes from that. My initial enquiry to BBEN, was due to the fact that I haven't received any active enquiries off the directory and am keen to see if we can make the directory which is a great publication a more active promotional tool, rather than the more passive promotional tool it appears to be at the moment. Of course, you might be being overwhelmed with enquiries from the directory- would love to know if you are. The best way to send your feedback is directly to my email address, Shirley Hicks: greatvibes@amaze.com.au - I will compile all the responses and forward back to BBEN- who will also send it out to the whole list- so that everyone is kept in the loop.

2. Who of you out there would be willing to put your hands up to be on the working committee- I would envisage it's most probably 2-3 people max. The purpose of the committee will be to work out the logistics, admin and costings of a coupon promotional program and to present this to BBEN early December with a view to printing whatever is decided on in January (assuming it is a goer) for a Feb insert into the directory. I would imagine in time commitments we would be looking at a meeting late Nov with phone & email followup- shouldn't be too onerous a task, me thinks !!? If you're interested but not sure whether you want to commit give me a buzz and we can talk- 55333753 or 0419 800412. To make the Jan printing deadline, I really need working committee expressions of interest by Nov 26th at the latest. Still this is predicated on whether people are open to considering this in the first place so your initial responses are really important- so when you get this please come back to me as soon as you are able to.

REMINDER – LISTINGS OPEN FOR 2011 BEECHMONT BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Listings are now open for the 2011 Beechmont Business & Community Directory – booklet and hard copy. Don’t miss out! Deadline is December 1. Please find attached the 2011 listing form – just fill out and return with payment to Sally MacKinnon at: safehaven@austarnet.com.au or 37 Bibaringa Close, Beechmont, Q, 4211. You can also do your listing and payment via paypal at the Beechmont Community Website: www.beechmont.org.au

REMINDER – BBEN AGM & CHRISTMAS NETWORKING

We have a great evening organised on Sunday December 5, 4pm-6pm at the Old School Site for BBEN’s AGM (a quick meeting!) and Christmas Business Networking. The event is fully catered by Pistachio Catering and the sunset views from the terrace at the community site will be inspiring. Non alcoholic drinks supplied, BYO. Come along and meet some of the great people who bring Beechmont’s businesses and local economy to life – we’re a great bunch! $15 per adult to cover catering and venue hire. RSVP to Wendi Trulson, ph: 5533 3835, email: wendit@optusnet.com.au

LATIN DANCE PARTY AT BEECHMONT HALL

Get ready to party... with 7hrs of Latin music, food and drinks at Beechmont Hall on Saturday 11th December 5pm-midnight

3 LIVE bands | 2 DJ's | 6 Zumba Demonstrations | Latinmania Performance | Delicious South American Food Available | Licensed Bar | Complimentary drink for 1st 100 adults on arrival | FREE Camping on site!

This is a family-friendly event with Free entry for children under 12.

Buy tickets online Here for a discounted rate $15 ADULTS $5 KIDS, or on the Door $20 ADULTS $5 KIDS

Prize for BEST DRESSED!

Download Flyer: Latin Dance Party Flyer


See you soon!
BBEN Team: Lis, Wendi, Emily, Sal and Shirley