Collaborating in your community

November 4, 9:14 AMDenver Resort & Spa ExaminerEmily Talbot

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Small businesses, entrepreneurs, newbie managers, assistants and owners have a tremendous opportunity to collaborate within their community. Boot the franchises, cookie cutter businesses and corporately held companies to the curb.

I encourage each day spa to reach out. Think outside the box. Get to know your neighbors and be an active member within your community!

Here are a few tips to develop relationships, empower other entrepreneurs, engage your community and enhance your business.

Referral Programs: Develop a marketing program around referrals. Deliver a well-informed letter and cards to local businesses within your area. Exchange these items and create a referral program that offers “credits” or “preferred status” to active business participants. This will expand your marketing reach and will reward each of you from “word-of-mouth” marketing.

Trade: Establish trade programs with other local businesses. A Quid Pro Quo with local establishments develops supportive businesses networks. Offer discounts or services to local businesses and their employees in exchange for the same value. P.S. it’s not illegal.

Cross-collaboration: Events! Collaborate with others to host events, seminars and classes. Choose different, relevant topics. Tap into the talent and expertise that exists within your community.

Network: Don’t let an opportunity pass you by. Research local networking groups. If you’ve already made efforts on the advice above, your inbox should be filled with invitations. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and begin to broaden your network. You never know when you’ll meet someone who has the next connection or big idea to grow your business.

Volunteer: Give, donate, participate in your community and you will reap the rewards. There is no protocol for this. Expand your horizons and donate, give and participate to whatever rev’s your engine.

Get your staff on board: I suggest meeting one-on-one with each of your staff members. Discover their passion. Ask each of them how they’d  like to grow and driver their business? Where does their skill set lie?

Find their passion and market them individually. Empower your staff by providing free marketing materials and encourage them to reach out to you, providing you with names, numbers, addresses, and business locations. Do the favor and contact them on your behalf. This boosts employee morale, delivers effective marketing representing your staff as a professional and drives business.

Track your marketing efforts and analyze how your activity within the community is driving your business.

For more information and advice contact:
Emily.wynn.talbot@gmail.com