How the presidential campaign can help small business advertising

Some small businesses on the 2012 presidential campaign trail are relishing the attention while others are shying away from the spotlight, according to Fox Business.

Earlier this month, candidates swept into New Hampshire for the state's primary. Thomas Alexander, co-owner of lounge and restaurant Drynk, took advantage of the media presence by hosting an event for NBC at the Manchester nightspot. Further south in Derry, MaryAnn's Diner opened its doors to presidential hopefuls Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, who all stopped in for a bite to eat.

"We have the option to refuse them, but we never have," Christina Andreoli, general manager of MaryAnn's, told the news source. "It brings in crowds, and we let the customers know about it."

Not every restaurateur is as enthusiastic, however. Jeremy Colby, who owns Colby's Breakfast & Lunch in Manchester, declared his establishment a politician-free zone to prevent the election coverage from interfering with business.

Enterprises that are visited by presidential candidates can include this information on their websites and in future business marketing materials. Displaying photographs of politicians and other famous figures patronizing an establishment can differentiate a company from its competitors.