Print and online directories that list businesses for tourists and travelers.
I am Melissa M Guccione. I have a wildly diverse background that supports most facets of developing this small business. Advertising, Sales, Account Executive, Customer Service, Table Games Dealer, and Food & Beverage. I am deeply passionate about learning how to run this business to achieve its peak performance. This beautiful little business was founded by my father-in-law in 2000. Ashland Oregon is the entertainment and outdoor activity Mecca of Southern Oregon. With one of leading Shakespeare Repertory Theaters in the US, Ashland has nearly 400,000 annual visitors, due largely to the interest in the Oregon Shakespeare Theater.
The Ashland Visitors Map has been the go-to directory for visitors and tourists. for 20 years. I bought the map business in January of 2020. (Who knew there would be a health pandemic that would change the world, but here we are.) I knew I wanted to build a website around the print map business, since there is an increasing number of people using their phones to do most of their searching. I am using a directory service with Brilliant Directories to run my website. They are fantastic, but I am so new at this, and the learning curve is steep. My web developer set up my site and got me started. My father-in-law gave me a startup loan, to finance the website and pay for set-up.
The challenge has been getting my current print map clients used to the idea of the website. Ashland is a small town, and a bit slower to change the traditional ways of exposure. In March of 2020, I offered every business who stayed on the print map a Free digital profile on Visitorsmaps.com. With the amount of confusion and fear at the beginning of the pandemic, I did not want to overload my clients. I also had to offer some clients discounts to stay on. So, my annual sales are approximately 50% below the 2019 sales. Not leaving me enough income to pay for expansion. But now, it is time to start really making this website work for the businesses of Ashland. I am thankful to be able to help the small businesses in my town. I just want to do a better job. I currently have 72 local businesses, and now I am ready to get more.
I would also like to find a mentor. An experienced person who could help guide and teach me each phase of developing an online business, so that I don't waste time, or money, from lack of experience. I believe in perpetual learning, and I and willing and able. I am also looking to grow enough to hire employees.
There are 2 sides to this business.
1. I must have businesses on the map and website for visitors to choose from. 2. I must have as many visitors as possible looking at the map and website to visit the local businesses.
I am just at the beginning phases of this adventure, but I can see my business growing and helping both small businesses, and the passionate visitors we receive every year.
I am asking for funding, or investors, to pursue the expansion of Ashland Visitors Map + Visitorsmaps.com.
My goal is to make this business as well known and recognizable as the Oregon Shakespeare Theater. And that the people of Ashland, and the visitors to Ashland, benefit from it. Thank you in advance for your sincere consideration. I look forward to working together with my new investors.
Melissa M Guccione
Ashland Visitors Map +
Visitorsmaps.com'Know Where To Go!'
[email protected]541-324-9088