For most local businesses, finding and utilizing beneficial resources may be a frustrating search. A weary local business owner may trouble himself with questions. Who supports small business? Who is willing to help a not-so-prominent business? What local resources are there at my disposal? All are great questions and have fairly simplistic answers.
The search for helpful resources for your local business can lead you right around the corner. All it takes is a little community outreach and basic knowledge of the local institutions that could provide assistance. The following are my top 3 most helpful resources for growing local businesses:1. Chamber of Commerce (COC’s)
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Image by Flickr user Official GDC
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The most helpful local resource is your Chamber of Commerce. COC’s are simply business networks formed by local businesses to further the interest of the area for the benefit of local revenue. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. On top of the occasional chamber networking night, there are plenty of benefits that the chamber offers for networking and local business development. Joining your local chamber will not only build awareness for your business, but also give the community, as well as other businesses, an extra incentive to lend a helping hand.
2. Other local businesses
One of the best resources you can find are other local businesses. The most helpful resource may be minutes down the street, or better yet, right next door. Although in the same community as you, other local businesses may have access to resources that you don’t have access to. Maybe they have the attention of an audience you’ve been trying to reach. Or maybe they’re good friends with the exact person you need to get in touch with in order to grow your business. Whatever the case or resource may be, the locality of other business may prove to be a convenient and highly beneficial tool for development.
3. Social Media
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| Image by flickr user University of Salford Press |
Last but not least, we have the almighty social media giant. With an ever-expanding audience base and market place, the utilization of social media and other online venues is proving to be vital in the outreach of small, local businesses. While the notion of local businesses always thriving off of word-of-mouth may be slightly valid, a more technological workplace is thrusting B2C interactions online. Not only does it put a face to your business (brand awareness), but it also allows you to actively engage with your audience in a virtual setting. The lack of an online presence may be the one thing standing between your business barely getting by, and it being on the verge of rapid expansion.
