As a small business owner, it’s really important to be connected with your community and build win/win relationships. You’ll not only make friends, but also position yourself top-of-mind so that when someone asks for help in your area of expertise, you will be the first person mentioned.
A few strategies I’ve used to build relationships are:
- Social Media – Twitter & LinkedIn primarily, have allowed me to connect to people I may not have met otherwise. I’ve found out about networking opportunities & been able to showcase my talents to people who can use my services.
- In-Person Networking – Meeting someone in person can add more depth to the relationship & make it easier to feel a potential connection with someone.
- Charity – Giving back is important. You’ll meet people who care about the same things you do, and most importantly help out a local cause. Give your brand a heartbeat!
- Hobbies – Meeting people on dog walks, while playing sports, yoga or a cooking class will introduce you to them in a more relaxed atmosphere and allow you to develop friendships. Friends are the first people I ask for help when I need it.
- Traditional Marketing – Traditional media still has a place within the marketing mix as well. Not everyone is on social media nor can you possibly meet everyone at a networking event. Print ads, radio, TV & email will all help to gain you exposure within your community.
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