The ongoing feud between international superstars, Kendrick Lamar and Drake has had much of popular culture on their seats waiting to see who says what next. However, one person that is most definitely off his seat and up taking advantage of new incoming traffic is the owner of New Ho King, whose restaurant was most recently shouted out in Kendrick Lamar's song "Euphoria".
In this blog, we'll explore how a local business caught a stray bullet in an unexpected way and turned controversy into cash flow.
What we'll cover:
The Impact:
The owner of New Ho King reported a dramatic increase in business following Lamar’s mention: “I be at New Ho King eatin’ fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie.” Lines have been forming outside the restaurant, with patrons eager to try the dishes highlighted by the rapper. The owner remarked, "The chefs are going to be busy for a while," noting that many customers mentioned Kendrick sent them there. Capitalizing on the incoming customers, the owner even introduced a new menu item named after Kendrick, further leveraging the publicity.
Lessons for Small Businesses
1. Capitalize on the hype
When your business gets unexpected attention, it’s crucial to act quickly. New Ho King immediately embraced the influx of customers and leveraged it by creating a new menu item. Small businesses can similarly capitalize on any sudden surge in attention by offering special promotions or new products related to the source of the hype.
2. Partner with Local Venues
Collaboration with other local businesses or influencers can amplify your reach. By creating partnerships, businesses can tap into each other’s customer bases and enhance their visibility. For example, a small business could team up with local artists or venues to create unique, co-branded products or events.
3. Get Creative with Marketing
Even if a business doesn’t have a strong social media presence, joining a viral trend can significantly boost its profile. New Ho King’s response to the shoutout by Lamar shows the power of engaging with a trending topic. Small businesses should stay attuned to what’s happening in their community and broader culture to find opportunities for creative marketing.
Where does Capital Infusion come in?
The case of New Ho King exemplifies how small businesses can turn unexpected controversy or fame into a boon. By quickly capitalizing on the attention, forming strategic partnerships, and getting creative with marketing, small businesses can not only survive but thrive in the spotlight. In a world where viral trends can make or break a business overnight, staying agile and responsive is key.
For more insights on how to leverage unexpected publicity and other marketing strategies for your small business, visit Capital Infusion.
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