THE RURBAN FRINGE » Marketing/Communications http://www.therurbanfringe.com Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 10 Tips To Promote Your Small Business Through Community Involvement http://www.therurbanfringe.com/10-tips-to-promote-your-small-business-through-community-involvement/ http://www.therurbanfringe.com/10-tips-to-promote-your-small-business-through-community-involvement/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 20:33:49 +0000 Jennifer http://www.therurbanfringe.com/?p=3547

Promoting a small business is tough. 

With owners often too busy handling the day-to-day business demands, many have neither the time nor the resources to plan for and follow-through on marketing activities.  Yet one thing I’ve noticed – in both long-standing successful businesses and strong start-ups – is a direct level of community involvement of the business/business owner. 

This marketing approach really only consists of two things:  a) being a public figure in your community and b) leveraging your business as a community benefactor.  In this age of limited funding, who doesn’t love a community sponsor?  Compare the cost and impact of viewing your business name on dozens of minor sports uniforms or at a community event as opposed to a quarter-page advertisement … it’s all about value.

Here’s 10 other tips and ways to get involved in marketing your small business to your community …

  1. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and attend networking events.  Don’t have one?  Create a local networking group!
  2. Sponsor a local festival or event and volunteer to work or chair a committee.
  3. Sponsor a local youth sports team or league.
  4. Join at least one civic or social organization.
  5. Participate or volunteer for a local Junior Achievement program.
  6. Purchase or volunteer for a segment of an “Adopt a Road” program or with a community beautification group.
  7. Underwrite or support local arts or cultural activities.
  8. Sponsor a team, or start your own, in a local road race.
  9. Get in the local parade with a float or other entry and throw really, really good candy to the crowds (if permitted).
  10. Offer in-kind services to charities, programs, etc. that capitalize on your skills, talents or business areas.

While running a small business is demanding, it’s critical to be active in some aspect of the community outside of business hours, whether it’s your kids’ schools, a local civic organization or in a place of worship.  When people see you ‘outside the shop,’ it’s another opportunity to build relationships and show that you’re more than your businesses’ bottom line. 

Please share any other ideas or activities in the comments section!

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]]> http://www.therurbanfringe.com/10-tips-to-promote-your-small-business-through-community-involvement/feed/ 2 2010 Canadian Blog Awards: Round 1 Voting http://www.therurbanfringe.com/2010-canadian-blog-awards-round-1-voting/ http://www.therurbanfringe.com/2010-canadian-blog-awards-round-1-voting/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:53:23 +0000 Jennifer http://www.therurbanfringe.com/?p=2809

Round 1 voting is now live for the 2010 Canadian Blog Awards! 

2010 NomineeThe ‘Fringe has been nominated in the ‘Professional’ category.  There are two voting rounds … the first round moves the top blogs through, the second round determines the best overall blogs in each category.  Take a moment to visit some of the other great Canadian blogs out there … round 1 voting will end on October 17 at 12:00 noon. 

Click here and scroll down to ‘Best Professional Life’ category to vote for The Rurban Fringe … and thanks!!

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]]> http://www.therurbanfringe.com/2010-canadian-blog-awards-round-1-voting/feed/ 1 Social Media for Small Communities: Municipal World, April 2010 http://www.therurbanfringe.com/social-media-for-small-communities-municipal-world-april-2010/ http://www.therurbanfringe.com/social-media-for-small-communities-municipal-world-april-2010/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:14:27 +0000 Jennifer http://www.therurbanfringe.com/?p=2244

Hooray!  After what seemed like a looooong waiting period, I’m excited to announce my article - ‘Social Media for Small Communities’ – is now in print in Canada’s national municipal magazine, Municipal World, for April 2010. 

An excerpt …

“Municipal government is, by its very nature, all about community.  About conversations.  And people are going to talk about your community whether you choose to engage in social media or not.  But wouldn’t your municipality be better managed if the skills were developed to navigate those conversations online, as well?”

The full article is only available in print.  Municipal World is available via subscription or at select retailers throughout Canada.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

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