George Anderson knows how hard it is to market a small business. Push too little, and people forget you; push too hard, and they tune you out.
But the owner of Verona-based Anderson Electric has found an interesting approach that combines the professional and the personal. About a year ago, he and his wife Cathy created an e-mail newsletter for the business. Each issue contains not only the electrical tips you might expect (and a few coupons to make necessary changes easier on the wallet), but a feature story and a recipe.
This month’s newsletter, which I get because George has done much of the electrical rehab of my house, contains a story on a topic we’ve started to explore on MyVeronaNJ.com: day trips. George says he came up with the idea, but his wife came up with the list of places. “This is a nice way to go out and not spend a ton of money,” he says.
“We’ve had a good reception to the newsletter from our customers,” George adds. “One lady told me she goes on it just for the recipes.”
And that, Cathy Anderson believes, is the key. “I think the newsletter is so successful because it really has a man’s and woman’s touch to it”, she says. “Initially, my husband wanted electrical or construction type articles–which I still do–and I suggested to switch it up to appeal to all different people, especially women. The non-electrical articles are the most successful.”
So here, without further delay, are George and Cathy Anderson’s “NJ Day Trips to Enjoy”:
Jersey Shore Pirates: Ahoy Maties! Pirate Cruises. Come sail with Jersey Shore Pirates for an interactive treasure hunt where your child becomes part of the action! Click Pirates to learn more.
Frenchtown, NJ: Frenchtown is one of Hunterdon County’s best kept secrets. Frenchtown is a small, quaint, charming town nestled on the Delaware river. Restaurants, shops, antiques, clothing and crafts are just a few things to check out. Click Frenchtown to learn more.
Duke Farms: Visit one of the most historic homes in all of New Jersey by taking the Country Manor Tour. Click Duke Farms to learn more.
NJ Astronomical Association Observatory: If you are interested in the rewards contained in the night sky, stop by the Paul Robinson Observatory on any designated evening and see what one of their qualified observers can show you. Click Observatory to learn more.
Leamings Run Gardens: 30 wonderful acres to explore. See the 25 different individually designed gardens each representing a different theme, including an orange and English garden. Click Gardens to learn more.
