Try something new today...

There's no business like showbusiness.

And let's face it, you should know. As one licensee said to me recently, pubs are just another part of the entertainment business - and if you're not ready to make your pub the place where your customers come to be entertained and enjoy themselves, particularly in the challenging times of 2008, you're in the wrong business.

Last week we came up with some ideas to interest the media during next month's Proud of Pubs Week (July 13-20).

Now what about something to interest your customers - and pull in some new ones?

As Lisa Nykorak, head of marketing at Proud of Pubs Week sponsor Gamestec, explains, the week is an ideal opportunity to try things out.

"Proud of Pubs Week offers a template of how your pub can benefit from promotion and marketing," she says. "Events can draw people in whether it is a quiz night, karaoke evening or a games tournament. Increasing trade on particular nights can also draw in trade on quiet nights while maintaining the atmosphere of a 'traditional' Friday or Saturday."

Moreover, adds Lisa, ideas and tournaments can last longer than just one night. Trying out something new in Proud of Pubs Week, from a 'Battle of the Bands' or a beer garden barbecue, could help you pinpoint an event that your community has been waiting for.

Gamestec is currently trialling a promotion with a pub company involving a range of traditional games, from shuffleboard to pool and skittles to darts, over a period of time, with prizes handed out for individual events and to an overall winner.

The company is also running digital games tournaments via its in-pub SWP machines, connecting pub teams across the country in real time.

Keep evolving​

Whatever you do - do something. With more bowling alleys, cinemas and restaurants all competing with pubs for the leisure pound, it's essential that pubs keep evolving and trying new things too.

The first Proud of Pubs Week saw licensees laying on entertainment ranging from 'Proud of Pubs Week green'-themed menus - at the Fox and Grapes in Hawarden, North Wales, to charity auctions raising money for the Licensed Trade Charity.

"Entertainment will help increase the spend each individual makes at the pub," says Gamestec's Lisa.

"Someone coming into a pub for a drink with a friend may just have a drink and leave. Offering entertainment might mean they stay longer in the bar, putting money in the machines and buying a second drink.

"Any event that helps people come together and interact is going to make them want to spend time in the pub."

Gamestec is spreading the Proud of Pubs Week message further by including the Proud of Pubs logo on every one of its digital terminals - increasing the visibility of the week among customers.

With a growing number of MPs agreeing to visit pubs under the campaign, and further events planned around Westminster, the excitement is growing.

What are you doing in Proud of Pubs Week?

Six big ideas for Proud of Pubs Week​

1. Lay on a local entertainer​

Live entertainment doesn't begin and end with music - have you thought about getting in alternative local entertainers such as magicians, comedians or even a hypnotist? You could even host a fun stop-smoking evening.

2. Go crazy about cask​

Plan ahead, lay on a range of unusual cask beers - why not get in third of a pint glasses and encourage customers to try them all? Provide a beer menu with tasting notes to really give it a professional edge.

3. Get away from it all ​

With the credit crunch meaning customers are reining back on their spending this year, many won't be going on holiday. Why not lay on your own tropical theme night in the pub? Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts, hula-hula music - and even a makeshift limbo competition?

4. Fun and games ​

Pub games needn't revolve around just darts and pool. Why not dust down the old shove ha'penny board, the table skittles or the cribbage set and show today's pub-goers exactly what they are missing.

5. Best of British Week ​

It's good enough for the Queen Vic in Eastenders! Proud of Pubs Week is a great time to get the bunting out and show your pride in your nation, as well as your pub. Why not lay on some good old British traditional dishes such as fish and chips, faggots and peas or spotted dick.

6. Cellar Tours​

You know how the pub works - but how many of your customers do? Giving them an insight into where their drinks come from will show just how much hard work goes into delivering your offer, day-in and day-out - and really reinforce your quality message.

Free marketing packs​

Join in - and get your Proud of Pubs Week marketing pack

Free Proud of Pubs Week packs featuring posters, window stickers and badges are available now.

To get your pack, email proudofpubs@thepublican.com or call 020 7955 3710.