As a small business owner, you have a great opportunity to team up with businesses around you to help boost each others’ sales. Small business owners are in a unique position to work together in their communities instead of competing for business, and there are five things you can do right now to collaborate with other owners in your neighborhood:
- Introduce yourself. Do the businesses around you know what you do? If not, make sure they do! Networking is important for everyone, especially small business owners.
- “Like” other businesses on Facebook. Social Media is a powerful tool that you should be utilizing. By liking other businesses and asking them to do so in return, you will create a larger network and everyone who likes their business will see yours as well.
- Swap business cards and coupons. Allow other owners to keep their cards on your checkout counter and ask if you can do the same. It is an excellent way to market what you do while creating good will with other businesses.
- Organize a monthly event to showcase small businesses. Use the summertime weather to your advantage by hosting a sidewalk event once a month, such as the fourth Friday or the first Saturday. Create an event that will become a staple in your chamber and people will be more likely to attend. You can collaborate with other businesses and bring your community together.
- Start a professional small business group just for the small business owners in your community or join your local chamber or merchant association. Joining or creating a group just for your area will help further facilitate collaboration. Meet once a month to share best practices, challenges, and triumphs. Who knows business in your community better than the people actually conducting business?
Implementing even one or two of these ideas will create lasting partnerships among your fellow entrepreneurs. Use these suggestions to build teamwork and grow your network, all while supporting your community.
