Ask yourself: Would you want to be a customer of your your car wash? Why?

This session offers attendees the opportunity to examine strategic questions about their own company’s consumer experience.

Most people think innovation starts with a well-defined problem, and then you brainstorm a solution. Try the opposite: Work backwards by taking an abstract, conceptual solution and finding a problem it can solve.

Words are interesting means of communication. Even under the best of circumstances with the most knowledgeable wordsmiths involved, a simple conversation can result in a disastrous misunderstanding. 

Loyalty marketing has been around for decades and the advantages (increased customer spending, higher retention, consumer evangelizing, etc.) are well-known. Is putting a loyalty program in place something that is wise for a small or medium-sized business, or is it something that should wait until they become a bit larger?

The image your business projects to the public can make or break your company. While you might not have a large (or any) budget to spend on a public relations firm or employee, you can apply their techniques to make your small business look the best that it can possibly be on paper.

Smashburger has opened more than 200 restaurants in the past seven years. Founder Tom Ryan told Nation's Restaurant News that the fast-casual chain's success can be attributed to an unconventional marketing philosophy that relies heavily on social media and old-fashioned word of mouth.

Yocum's Holiday in Woodbury announced in early July its new car wash, which also "includes the new state-of-the-art "LAVA" feature of Rain-X Clear Coat Protectant and Blue Coral Polybond."

The Essenburg family of Holland has purchased the Quality Car Wash in Muskegon, MI, and has plans to improve and expand operations.