Yes, I am a serious kick to help small business owners see the importance of growing their local brand. Too many times I hear how can I achieve such big feats with no accolades to back it up. Everyone wants to scale their business globally but so many people are missing the goldmine of growing their business locally.
One of my favorite things to do is sit down one on one with local entrepreneurs or host free workshops at my local libraries. Connecting with real people in real life gives me a level of energy that is truly hard to explain. However, this was the hardest thing for me to actually break into. See, I am very introvert and keep to myself. I am very passionate about certain subjects want to sing about them to mountain tops after someone else breaks the ice. Today, I want to share some tips on how you can grow your local client roster.
Town Size Doesn’t Matter
A plethora of my followers tend to say they live in small town and its hard to connect with like minded people. Hey, girl I am in the same boat as you. I live in a small town right outside of Austin that is more focused on MLM style businesses. No matter the size town you live in you can connect with others and branch out to new levels. One of the coolest things ever to happen is others mention how they have stopped in my town or even have family in surrounding areas. Don’t think you are some giant shark in a tiny pod. You are swimming in your own ocean of eco system of people where you reside. You can grow locally by even connecting with chamber of commerce or small business associates.
Speak Up
If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know my favorite phrase is “no one knows you”. You need to speak up and let people know you exist. If a client has a product based business I tell them to keep their products on them. They need know when they can land a sale by simply striking up a conversation. My client Vernita of Retired & Lovin It has landed customers in the beauty shop by wearing her shirts and carrying her bag. That simple tip of always having product on you has even helped her in the airport headed to action. Take time to talk to people around when you are in line. Talk to the cashier or sales associate when you are shopping. In the doctors office with other patients waiting, please connect with them. When someone sits next to me at a coffee shop, I always speak and ask them how their day is going.
Old School
In college, I use to hate when guys would pass me fliers about the latest college party happening that weekend. Now as a business owner I tell my clients to make custom first purchase cards. Yes, they are the same thing as a next purchase card that you send customers. However, these cards are designed to track new customers in your town. Go to the busiest malls or shopping centers passing out your cards. Get your squad of friends to help you. Your first purchase card will introduce your business to them and share a discount code for first purchase.
You can even make fliers and post them at local community colleges, Panera, or Starbucks. I am always checking out the community boards to see what people are posting.
Host Your Own Meetups
If you feel that your town is really lacking an entrepreneurial spirit that resonates with your industry, starting your own monthly club is perfect way to land new clients. This has actually been something I have thought about numerous times. To host a monthly coffee shop meet up for all the solopreneurs. Running your own business can be lonely and you want to connect with others. One of my clients actually started hosting monthly coffee meetups for fellow online business owners. She has landed customers in the process.
Create a solid game plan around growing your business locally. What would it look like for you to spend more time connecting with the community you already reside. Redirecting some of your social media content to those in your community.
Images by Hello Fashion + Chronicles of Frivolity
