If you grew up with a family business in rural America or are starting a business in a small town, don\u2019t let your location stop you from being a huge success. According to a recent survey by Everyday Law, \u201c63 percent of respondents said that small cities are better for small business.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s right. With supportive family and friends nearby, comfortable and cost-effective surroundings, and the latest technology, you have many advantages over \u201cBig City\u201d entrepreneurs. Plus, you can provide unique products and special, hometown customer-service unavailable anywhere else.<\/p>\n
And once you start your business, it\u2019s essential to think about future growth. According to the SBA Office of Advocacy\u2019s most recent statistics, \u201cabout half of all new establishments survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more.\u201d If you want to be one of the successful, new businesses that is around for a decade or more, here are five tips to grow a small town business.<\/p>\n
1 Be a part of the community.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the advantages to starting a business in a small town is the close-knit community. Your friends, family, and neighbors will probably support you in your efforts. In return, contribute to community events, and donate to good causes in your local area.<\/p>\n Purchase Girl Scout Cookies, and sponsor high-school yearbooks, football teams, car washes, performances, charity fundraisers, and more. Let the community know how important they are to you and your business by showing a true interest in what\u2019s important to them.<\/p>\n As you grow your business, it\u2019s important to help other, local businesses grow, too. Even if you think they are competitors,\u00a0it\u2019s essential to help each other and grow together as part of the community. Purchase as many of your business supplies and products as possible from local stores and retailers.<\/p>\n 3 Treat people as family.<\/strong><\/p>\n Small communities are like a family in both good and not-so-good ways. Plus, news can travel very fast. With this in mind, treat everyone with dignity and respect. Whether they are employees, associates, neighbors, or friends, try to be friendly and positive whenever possible.<\/p>\n If you do someone wrong in a way that someone feels is not right, then others in their sphere of influence will look at you and your company in a negative light. This can make it more difficult to obtain the caliber of workers you need to grow in your local area. Plus, one negative comment on the Internet or in a small community can go a long way to significantly hurt your business sales and reputation.<\/p>\n 4 Never do anything expecting a “thank you.”<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes down to the basics in business, it\u2019s important to remember you are providing a solution via your products and services. Keep this in mind. \u201cThe more credit you give away, the more will come back to you,\u201d states Brian Tracy, a leader in self-development. \u201cThe more you help others, the more they will want to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n Help people because it\u2019s the right thing to do, not because you want something from them or your name in the press. Provide honest, high-quality products made the right way, and you\u2019ll be surprised at how fast your business grows. It\u2019s the word-of-mouth regarding the good that you do that helps your business build a good reputation and positive buzz\u2014locally and on a worldwide level.<\/p>\n 5 Don’t be known as the “salesperson” in your community.<\/strong><\/p>\n If possible, focus on selling your products outside of your close-knit community. Of course, you want to let your local network know what you offer, why it\u2019s unique, and where it\u2019s available, but avoid giving a sales\u00a0pitch. Instead, do everything possible to promote the name of the town where you\u2019re located when selling outside of your community and on the Internet. This makes your products and services unique and helps you stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n And once you launch your business, never stop learning to keep your competitive, \u201csmall town\u201d edge. Continue to offer new products and services to meet the changing needs of your customers. As Andy Walsh, author of \u201cBusiness start-ups? You are never prepared for how much hard work it is.\u201d in The Guardian, writes: \u201cPlaces like this always start off with good intentions, but before too long you become just like everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Successful, Business Growth Comes Down to Simple Basics.<\/strong><\/p>\n It can be overwhelming to start a new business, especially if you are in a small town and afraid of the competition in larger cities. But instead of looking at the negative, focus on all of the advantages available to you in your supportive community. Treat others with respect, focus on selling quality products that provide solutions to others, and give back to your community.<\/p>\n With these simple steps, you\u2019ll start to build positive word-of-mouth for your unique business in a small community. And that\u2019s priceless marketing that the \u201cBig City\u201d businesses can\u2019t touch!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"