After all the planning and hard work, the day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. You're ready to open your doors for business! Holding an official ribbon-cutting or grand opening ceremony is an excellent way to introduce your new enterprise to the community and begin building relationships with the people you seek to serve.

If you choose to hold an official grand opening, you'll want your debut to go off without a hitch so you'll make a favorable impression on your potential customers. Here are some things to think about:

• Determine the scope of your event. For example:
  • Will you serve food?
  • Will the event include tours of your facilities?
  • Will you offer souvenirs, such as small promotional items containing your business name?
  • Will there be a ribbon-cutting or other "official" ceremony?
  • Will you offer special entertainment or other "fun" activities?
• If you've joined your local Chamber of Commerce, contact them to see if they have any resources available to assist you with your grand opening event.
• Announce your grand opening well in advance. Send invitations and advertise in the local media. Be sure to include the date, time and location of the event. If you plan to serve food, mention this, as well as any special activities that will take place. In addition to news articles, print ads, and flyers for inviting the general public, you may invite the local business community through the Chamber of Commerce (if you are a member). Don't forget to include local civic, government and business leaders. Personal invitations to these individuals may help ensure better attendance.
• Line up coverage of your event, either through the local media or by hiring a professional photographer and/or writer to cover the event. You'll want follow-up coverage after the event as well as before it.
• Prepare yourself and your employees for the big day. Coach your staff in how to behave at the event and make sure each understands his or her responsibilities.