TIPS FOR THE TRADE
APRIL NEWSLETTER

10 THINGS I HEARD IN VEGAS

Last month I attended the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas to help promote a new product, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine. Now, as most of you know, I'm a big fan of trade shows. I've found that not only are they a great source for finding new products and ideas, they are also a great place to network and get you back on your A-game.

Unfortunately not everyone yet sees the importance of these trade shows. In fact, I once had a client tell me, "I know all the stuff they teach you at trade shows." My response to them was, "Well why aren't you using it?"

So, instead of writing a bunch of long white papers, I'm just going to share some quickies from Las Vegas so you too can get on your A-game... After all not all secrets stay there!

1. Fixing people is tough
2. Predetermine the purpose, lead your thought with the accomplishment in mind, and visualize the success you will have
3. Any program can happen faster than you think
4. Failure is an excuse
5. The trick is to create a reaction
6. Dig so deep in your customer’s pocket that you grab his ankles
7. Are you in reaction management?
8. Word of mouth is no longer enough
9. EDU-tainment
10. Over-programming may be confusing to your guest... Too much crap is crap

AND NOW FOR YOUR DRINKING ENJOYMENT

We've been fortunate enough to partner with two relatively new distilleries that are bringing back the art of hand-crafted, small batch spirits. Treaty Oak Distillery is a Texas-owned family operation that produces rums and gin using ingredients native to the area, giving them a familiar yet completely unique flavor profile.

Also, our friends at Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, who have used their family's century old moonshine recipe, are now producing it for everyone to enjoy. They grow their corn in East Tennessee where it is then transported to the family mill to be ground for authentic Tennessee moonshine. They also make an Apple Pie variety as well as moonshine soaked cherries to give your cherry cokes a little kick. Give us a shout or reach out to your distributor, and we’ll tell you how to get it. Also, stop by and meet them at the National Restaurant Association/International Wine Spirits and Beer Event in Chicago May 5-7. After all... Life's a Batch!

REAL ESTATE CORNER

bigInk Real Estate Services' focus on results has been rewarded with quite a workload in 2012 so far. As a result, we have recently hired Ali Gatewood, real estate associate, to our expanding team of experts to continue to meet all of our clients' needs in the ever-changing world of food, drink, and hospitality. Ali is a DFW native who knows the metroplex well. We look forward to utilizing her many skills as we continue to surpass our clients' expectations. She can also whip up some mean cupcakes, so we plan on keeping her around.

Last month, Brian Adams and I were asked to go to Las Vegas with a local operator to discuss a potential partnership that will ultimately bring a hot celebrity chef concept into Dallas. We have also been working with Chef John Tesar as he furthers his culinary influence in the city with his new concept Spoon, expected to open late summer. Our presence in the industry is ever-increasing and big things should be expected from this division of bigInk.

HAPPENINGS IN THE OFFICE

We are proud to report many exciting changes happening recently in our office. In our PR department, Mallory Jensen has been promoted to Account Supervisor, and Emily Stephens to Account Coordinator. Congrats and thanks to these capable team leaders who stand always at your service!

We are constantly growing and changing to stay on top of our game, so if you want to talk more about my Vegas experience, PR, commercial real estate, or Heck, even if you need some extra cash from Express Working Capital, call me or send me a note.

QUALITY USED EQUIPMENT

Call us if you want to buy, sell or consign restaurant equipment. Watch for our spring auction coming soon.

bigInk, located at 1409 South Lamar St. Dallas, TX, is a full-service PR and Marketing Company specializing in restaurants,
bars, fashion, food, entertainment, wine and lifestyle oriented clientele. bigInk PR and Marketing was named one of the
Top 25 Public Relations Firms by the Dallas Business Journal. To contact bigInk's office please call (214) 485-7300.