Session offers tools to change business, attract new customers

Grow Hays

Seven local business owners returned from a Colorado-based business improvement “Destination Business BootCamp”, where they learned hundreds of new methods to bring more customers and tourists to Hays and Ellis County.

This is the first group from Ellis County Kansas to ever attend the 20 hour Destination Bootcamp. Those attending were Sarah Cearley (Simply Charmed & Bella Luna), Karen Dreiling (The Furniture Look), Kathy Schupman (Kat’s Hallmark Shop), Oscar Runyon (Hickok’s Steakhouse), Kelly Koenke and Chandler Schumacher (Horizon Appliance and Mattress) and coordinator Ernee Sly (Grow Hays/ BriefSpace).

The two and one-half day “Destination BootCamp”, created by marketing consultant Jon Schallert, teaches independent business owners on how to reposition their businesses as “consumer destinations”. According to Schallert, a business using his “Destination Business” strategies can compete effectively with larger brick and mortar competitors, along with on line giants like Amazon. According to Schallert, it is not uncommon for destination businesses to create change in an entire city, by drawing consumers from miles around, from outside the immediate marketplace of a community.

“With the principles we learned at the BootCamp, we will be able to satisfy more of our customers’ needs and make buying local more enjoyable, fun experience. Additionally, we will be attracting more visitors and tourists from outside Ellis County,” Sly said. “With implementing what we’ve learned, there’s no reason we can’t draw shoppers from hundreds of miles away.”

Grow Hays is Ellis County’s local economic development agency and your partner in business success. Through Grow Hays, Ellis County is also a Network Kansas E-Community. They have made a commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial environment by identifying and developing resources to help local entrepreneurs start or grow businesses. Network Kansas has designated Jon Schallert’s Destination BootCamp as a board-certified program.

Schallert’s Destination Business BootCamp is held in Colorado seven times annually. Schallert has worked with independent business owners since 1983, speaks to thousands every year, and is the President of The Schallert Group, Inc., Longmont, Colo. One newspaper called Schallert “the marketing guru rooting for the retail underdogs.” Business owners interested in attending can contact Sly at [email protected] or visit www.DestinationBootCamp.com.