As summer gets underway, many businesses are looking for ways to attract customers, increase foot traffic, and make the most of the season. For sellers, this creates an opportunity to do something more valuable than pitch products or packages. It is an opportunity to bring ideas.
Recently, I revisited a popular Speed & Swagger episode from last summer where Speed Marriott and Derron Steenbergen discussed creative ways businesses can generate excitement, attract customers, and create memorable experiences during the summer months. While the specific examples were focused on summer promotions, the larger lesson still applies today: businesses are looking for partners who can help them think differently and uncover new opportunities.
Here are five ideas from that conversation that can spark meaningful discussions with your clients this summer.
1. Create a “Taste of Summer” Experience
Summer naturally brings people outdoors. Businesses can take advantage of the season by creating experiences that encourage customers to gather, explore, and engage.
Ideas could include:
- Pop-up patios or outdoor seating areas
- Live local music
- Food tastings and sampling events
- Partnerships with neighboring businesses
- Community-focused outdoor gatherings
The goal is not simply to advertise a product. The goal is to create an experience people want to be part of.
2. Build a Summer Adventure Pass
One business alone can create excitement. Several businesses working together can create a destination.
A Summer Adventure Pass encourages customers to visit multiple participating businesses through discounts, rewards, giveaways, or exclusive offers.
Benefits include:
- Increased foot traffic
- Repeat visits
- Stronger community partnerships
- Greater exposure for participating businesses
This type of promotion works especially well in downtown districts, shopping centers, and local business communities.
3. Host a Drive-In Movie Night
Few things feel more like summer than gathering outdoors for a movie.
A drive-in movie night can create a memorable family-friendly event while providing sponsorship opportunities and exposure for local businesses.
The concept can be adapted for:
- Car dealerships
- Parks and recreation departments
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Community organizations
Events like these help businesses become part of the community experience rather than simply a place people visit.
4. Spotlight Local Businesses
One of my favorite ideas from the Speed & Swagger discussion was creating a local business spotlight series.
Whether through video, social media, radio, television, or digital content, businesses can showcase:
- Their story
- Summer promotions
- Team members
- Behind-the-scenes moments
- Customer success stories
People love doing business with organizations they know and trust. Storytelling creates that connection.
5. Create an Interactive Summer Experience
Interactive promotions encourage participation and help businesses stay top of mind.
Consider ideas such as:
- QR-code scavenger hunts
- Digital contests
- Community-wide challenges
- Location-based giveaways
- Interactive social media campaigns
These promotions can drive engagement while also helping businesses gather valuable customer information for future marketing efforts.
Bringing Value Beyond the Sale
One of the themes that stood out most in this Speed & Swagger episode was the importance of bringing ideas to the table.
Many business owners are focused on day-to-day operations, staffing challenges, inventory concerns, and serving customers. They often do not have the time to step back and brainstorm new promotions or creative campaigns.
That is where sellers can make a real difference.
When you bring thoughtful ideas that help businesses solve problems, attract customers, or create excitement, you become more than a salesperson. You become a trusted partner.
The businesses that have the strongest summers are not always the ones spending the most money. More often, they are the ones creating memorable experiences, building stronger community connections, and finding creative ways to engage their audience.
As you work with clients this summer, challenge yourself to bring at least one new idea to every conversation. It may be the idea that helps them stand out, grow their business, and make this their strongest sales season yet.