I encourage every business in Hickman County to use as much technology as they can stand. Not everything is worth the time for every business, but websites, email marketing, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, Google, other social media, etc., etc. can be low-cost, profit-maximizing tools. A little technology utilization is a must (in my expert opinion), even if you have to go into it kicking and screaming. Korie from Centerville Marketplace (in Centerville, Tennessee) already had her store on Facebook and literally put her place on the map with Google Places a few days after one of our retail workshops. Think about it — how many people use a phone book or a map? When’s the last time you heard “let your fingers do the walking?” If you want your business and your business information to show up when someone “Googles it”, put yourself on the map like Centerville Marketplace did. (Centerville Marketplace on Google Places link)
Google Places allows a business to adjust the Google map pointer to its exact spot, list business hours, attach a photo of the front of the business, describe its products or services, list a menu, list payment options, and/or post special offers or coupons. Free. What’s not to like?
About Daryl Phillips, CEcD
I am a professional economic developer. I presently work for communities and companies in developing and implementing workforce and economic development solutions as CEO of Phillips Economic Development Solutions (Phi EDS).
Prior to September 2017, I was the economic development professional who served a community team of elected officials, business people, community leaders and dedicated stakeholders for economic development in Cheatham County, Tennessee (pop. 39,880) and its four towns. During my five-year tenure, I served the team as Cheatham County grew over 1,700 jobs, turned around population declines at the start of this decade into healthy population growth, increased tourism expenditures 20.3% and local tax revenue from tourism 25.4%, grew sales tax revenue 36%, focused on developing the local workforce and was recognized by SmartAsset as having the 9th highest Incoming Investment Index of all the 95 counties in Tennessee.
I am a member of International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Council and International Council of Shopping Centers.
I have earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from National Development Council and hold a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University.
