We talk all the time of the importance to your business of being different, but being different for different’s sake is often just plain weird. You want to be different in a way that makes a difference for your customers and that sets you apart from your competition. [level-members]
Here’s a way to consider. Washington is currently discussing the option of following in the footsteps of the craft beer industry and allowing wine to be sold by the growler.
Chances are this isn’t legal in your state. Only Oregon has allowed growlers and only at wineries. (Which is an odd choice – sort of limits the appeal to those who might be back soon – locals – when tourism is so big a part of the industry.) But you might consider exploring the idea of advocating for it with your state legislators if it’s something feel could be a competitive advantage and a marketing advantage.
That may seem like a heavy lift, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to get the attention of state legislators. (Though that doesn’t mean the wheels of government will ever move as quickly as you might like …)
Maybe this isn’t the right fit for you, or you don’t feel like you could be an effective advocate, but there are many other ways to reach outside your own business, help burnish your shop’s reputation in the market, and make valuable contacts along the way. [/level-members]