No matter what kind of business you run, it always helps to have the local community on your side – and that goes double for female entrepreneurs, who already face numerous obstacles in society. By establishing a network of nearby patrons, partners, and governmental organisations, though, you allow your business to thrive. Here are some of our tips for successfully introducing yourself as a valuable newcomer to the community.
Earn Trust
First impressions are important and it’s always advantageous to make them in person. It costs nothing to visit other shops and services, speak with owners and, to help promote your business, SmallBusiness.co.uk notes that it might even be worth offering free samples. Alternatively, you could look into local charities and offer to partner with their cause, therefore providing aid and getting more familiar with the community. At an early stage, any activities that put you in a room with local people are worth pursuing.
It’s also important to provide passive credibility through the representation of your business. If you haven’t already, consider registering as an Ltd. (Private Liability Company). As an Ltd., you’ll have reduced paperwork, tax advantages, limited liability, and improved credibility in the eyes of your patrons.
Trust also comes in how you handle your finances and remain above board with governing bodies. Establishing sound accounting practices is important in this regard. The right software to run accounting simplifies how you organise and store receipts so you can get the most deductions come tax time, while remaining compliant with the authorities. It’ll also give you insights on cash flow so you can run your business more smartly and efficiently.
Connect Online
Meeting in person should always come first but social media can be an essential tool as you try to connect with your local community. Depending on the nature of your business, as Anglotopia points out, some social media platforms will provide more utility than others; for example, culinary businesses tend to have better success posting photos on Instagram (usually of mouth-watering food). You can also do wonders for your business just through simple admin – listing your details on search engines, marking your company address, and carrying out some simple SEO housekeeping on your website.
Social media maintenance is important but to get to the heart of the issue, you’ll have to contact people directly. For many, there is some anxiety about reaching out and introducing yourself to others but you may find with the deluge of adverts, spam mail, recruiters, and scammers, business owners will be pleased to hear from a real person, looking to develop real connections (that might even benefit them). The best way to structure messages within this context is through the social media sites themselves — by avoiding email, you can keep things more informal and light-hearted.
Speaking of connecting online, pursuing a business degree through an online university isn’t just a flexible way to boost your potential in terms of career; the networking skills and resources will also help you connect with your local community, allowing you to give back – which, ironically, benefits your business by strengthening your reputation.
Provide a Utility
By far the most effective way of integrating your business into the local community is by providing a useful service. If your business doesn’t provide a clear, apparent or accessible use to those in your area – it may be worth adapting your model to better accommodate them. If you’re a B2B digitally-focused business, for example, maybe you could offer some slimmed down, less expensive options? Or even host some training classes so that they can better understand the nature of your business.
Just by virtue of being ‘successful’ as a small business, you will help draw in more business to your local area and that will be appreciated by the community. Although it may seem counterintuitive, that sometimes means shutting the world out, getting your head down, and focusing. For this reason, it can be worth investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. If it helps your productivity, a one-time purchase like this can pay for itself many times over.
It’s not always easy moving to a new area, but if you’re willing to be proactive, put in the legwork to meet people, and, most importantly, work hard, you can usually find an appreciated spot within the local business ecosystem.
