Creating Networks in Business.
Small businesses have a number of unique traits that make them integral to their local communities. They offer a more personal experience to area customers. They're locally minded, since the founders are usually native to the area themselves.
Small business participation in the community not only plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining an area's vibrancy and unique character, but also provides many benefits to the businesses themselves. Getting involved with the community is a great way to network, develop relationships with your neighbors, boost employee morale, learn new skills, receive honest feedback from your customers and boost the profile of your business as well as your area.
To increase the value of this mutually beneficial arrangement, there are a handful of strategies business owners can use to better engage in the local community and connect with more potential customers.
#1. Volunteer
As a small business owner, you might be saddled with a heavy workload, but you can always find time to volunteer for a local charity or organization. You can either volunteer by yourself or get your entire staff involved, asking your employees and team members to come out with you for a special event. Volunteering has a number of benefits. First and foremost, you'll be helping a good cause in your community, which is its own reward. Second, you'll get positive exposure. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people in the community.
#2. Sponsor a sports team
We guarantee that there's a junior sports team in your neighborhood who would appreciate your help. Your commitment doesn't have to be big; it could be anything from supplying the half-time fruit snack every Saturday through to bankrolling interstate competition trips. Sometimes this kind of sponsorship gives you the opportunity to advertise your business on uniforms and merch, but more significantly, it gives you the opportunity to connect with local families in a fun, friendly and pressure-free environment. Who knows? They may even choose to have their end season celebration at your venue.
#3. Host an event around your product or service
Hosting an event is a great way to introduce yourself in a different context, organized around enthusiasm for your product. Think of something like a listening party at a record shop or a wine tasting. You're giving away something for free in exchange for marketing in the form of shared excitement about your product. Guests will feel like they have an insider's view into what you do especially if you use the opportunity to share your expertise and teach them a little something about the business.
#4. Work together with other business owners
You don't need to volunteer or serve on a board to meet other business owners in your area. Depending on your location, you might be able to walk down the street and find some. Forging partnerships and deals with other business owners tends to yield positive results for all parties involved. For example, if you own and operate a small restaurant or café, you might find another small business that produces a specific food product and you might be able to work out consignment deal that gives your customers better food choices while making your business partners some extra money on the side.
#5. Join or start a trader's association
Traders association enable businesses in the local area to support one another, solve problems and come up with ways to foster community spirit. Starting an association is simple; just gather together a few interested traders in your strip and sit down as a group to discuss the challenges and opportunities you see in your area. You can start as a group that meets regularly and then decide to become a formal association later. Imagine the possibilities you could bring to your area!
Final Thoughts...
Engage with your community as a small business owner and you'll reap the rewards. It might mean more exposure, the ability to meet new clients, or the development of new partnerships that help drive your business forward. However you choose to engage with your community, you'll be taking your business to new levels of success and helping the community flourish at the same time.
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