Must admit. . . Gary V of Vaynermedia is a marketing genius. . .I just bought his book. Will share some insights if I get around to actually reading it. . .In the meantime, educate yourselves in the art of beer appreciation.

For all you single malt fanboys and fangirls (we like the peat so partial to Laphroaig), the Wine Library TV guy and blogging godhead share tips on how to enjoy and appreciate this nectar of the gods. Watch and learn.

It’s a given that a well planned Sales & Marketing strategy is key to jump-starting any new business.

If your new business happens to be a restaurant, a bar, coffee house, this rule takes on whole new meaning. And in a competitive, growing metropolis like Davao, where the drinking and dining crowd are apt to jump ship en masse to the next cool thing, a successful campaign becomes absolutely critical.

Here are a few lessons we’ve picked up along the way:

- set yourself apart ~ Create a buzz by offering something unique. Decide on what this is and remain consistent in the plan and execution. Be it the overall theme (the atmosphere, entertainment), the menu, etc. as these relate to your target market. Avoid being too faddish or trendy. . .because we all know what happens when they no longer are.

- creative affiliate programs work ~ Back when we first started, a services exchange deal with the highest rated pop music station in our target demographics segment certainly helped in creating awareness and curiosity.

- public relations / press releases ~ We were fortunate to have met some really cool, local media movers and shakers when we first started who remain really good friends to this day.

- an online presence does not have to cost much ~ The local buy and sell web portal davaosale.com is in fact, free to join. This one happens to be very well organized and maintained and has quite the readership. List your establishment in every possible online directory. . .once again free. If the budget allows, create a website and start a blog – we are new to the latter. Other options are facebook, twitter and the few dozen other social networks.

- suppliers are your best friends ~ Suppliers (especially the large, national or global brands) can help you organize your next big event . Tap into their ideas and expertise to help you launch the next one, be it an annual summer party or anniversary celebration. More often than not, these collaborations are mutually beneficial.

- work with your landlord ~ Support from your landlord in terms of ongoing events in your stripmall or location can sometimes spell the difference between early demise or long-term success.

- nurture your clients ~ Nothing beats good old fashioned service in influencing word of mouth referrals and repeat customers. When the novelty of a new place wears off, this carries your business to the next level.

last but not least . . .

- creative marketing techniques ~ our good friend Martin from LIP got us going on this post and offers some off beat suggestions inspired by Jay Conrad Levinson’s book called Guerrilla Marketing. It’s a fun, very informative read on using unorthodox, disruptive, low cost alternatives when traditional (print, tv, radio) mediums don’t make the most financial sense. Thanks again Martin and LIP for your insights and ideas.

Cheers everyone!

For those of you contemplating on going into the bar and/or restaurant business or are already in it and wondering where the profits are going, this article by Martin of LIP is an invaluable checklist of dos and don’ts, and may save you some cash in the long run. A definite must read.

other than to get hammered:

1. To remove a bandage painlessly, saturate the bandage with vodka. The solvent dissolves the adhesive.

2. To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers, fill a trigger-spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set five minutes and wash clean.
The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew.

3. To clean your eyeglasses, simply wipe the lenses with a soft, clean cloth dampened with vodka. The alcohol in the vodka cleans the glass and kills germs.

4. Prolong the life of razors by filling a cup with vodka and letting your safety razor blade soak in the alcohol after shaving. The vodka disinfects the blade and prevents rusting.

5. Spray vodka on vomit stains, scrub with a brush, then blot dry.

6. Using a cotton ball, apply vodka to your face as an astringent to cleanse the skin and tighten pores.

7. Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. The alcohol cleanses the scalp, removes toxins from hair, and stimulates the growth of healthy hair.

8. Fill a sixteen-ounce trigger-spray bottle and spray bees or wasps to kill them.

9. Pour one-half cup vodka and one-half cup water in a Ziploc freezer bag, and freeze for a slushy, re-freezable ice pack for aches, pain, or black eyes..

10. Fill a clean, used mayonnaise jar with freshly packed lavender flowers, fill the jar with vodka, seal the lid tightly and set in the sun for three days. Strain liquid through a coffee filter, then apply the tincture to aches and pains.

11. Make your own mouthwash by mixing nine tablespoons powered cinnamon with one cup vodka. Seal in an airtight container for two weeks. Strain through a coffee filter. Mix with warm water and rinse your mouth. Don’t swallow.

12. Using a q-tip, apply vodka to a cold sore to help it dry out.

13. If a blister opens, pour vodka over the raw skin as a local anesthetic that also disinfects the exposed dermis.

14. To treat dandruff, mix one cup vodka with two teaspoons crushed rosemary, let sit for two days, strain through a coffee filter and massage into your scalp and let dry.

15. To treat an earache put a few drops of vodka in your ear. Let set for a few minutes. Then drain. The vodka will kill the bacteria that is causing pain in your ear.

16. To relieve a fever, use a washcloth to rub vodka on your chest and back as a liniment.

17. To cure foot odor, wash your feet with vodka.

18. Vodka will disinfect and alleviate a jellyfish sting.

19. To remove cigarette smoke in your home or office mix one part vodka and three parts water and spray the clothing, then launder and let dry.

20. Pour vodka over an area affected with poison ivy to remove the urushiol oil from your skin.

21. Swish a shot of vodka over an aching tooth. Allow your gums to absorb some of the alcohol to numb the pain.

Here are some of our thoughts on this subject as published in the business section of a popular Davao based Blog called LIP

The old adage “location, location, location” certainly holds true in our case. Four and a half years ago, we opened our little bar/restaurant operation in the remote, suburban North part of Davao City.

While the initial buzz of a new place brought people in in droves, eventually, the crowd reverted back to hanging out closer to home or closer to the downtown area, in big-box entertainment venues and other areas where clusters of similar establishments already existed – to see and be seen, so to speak.

It was not an easy task going against other flashier, better funded establishments.

Four and a half years later, with the transformation of this part of the city running at full speed, we’re finding that we’re not as stretched. The new malls (new or under construction), major IT hub across the street, new restaurants and hotels, not to mention, the McDo within crawling distance (that hot caramel sundae sure sounds good after a half-a-case of San Mig Lights, haha!), certainly help in increasing visibility.

But what kept us alive in these last four years was primarily sticking to our plan of offering a nice, comfortable place to unwind and hang out, a cozy atmosphere – not too trendy (we have a new air-con btw) haha! And making the customer feel right at home.

It’s a good business to venture into if you enjoy a constant challenge, which can mean it’s not for everyone.

It’s also highly competitive, especially in a burgeoning market like Davao. You have to enjoy working long nights and enjoy what you do (a lot!).

Thanks to Martin for the fine article and to Bob for a wonderful website.