Building a successful business isn’t all about money, investments, and marketing. A lot of your success as a small business owner will also be based on community engagement and the reputation you wind up building in your city. 91% of entrepreneurs cite that it’s important to engage with people and organizations outside of their business responsibilities, reports Entrepreneur Magazine. Let’s look at what that community engagement should look like for your small business.
What Is Community Engagement for Business?
This is an intentionally focused effort to build relationships with people and organizations that surround your business. Communities and businesses are intertwined. When those relationships are nurtured through intentional efforts, everyone benefits.
Why Is This Important?
Fostering a connection with the community is important because many of your organization’s ventures have an impact or involve the folks you share time and space with. Strong relationships ensure that you can connect and work together when needed. As a result of making more community-focused efforts, others will recognize this as a part of your brand’s identity. Let’s look at ways you can accomplish this.
Live Events
Live events are often used as a way to really get out into the community and physically connect. If you want to plan a live event, you need to keep several things in mind. Have a clear intention of why you’re hosting the event. You should also have a good idea of who you’re intended audience is and make sure to cater to and accommodate them. You also need ton consider how you’ll pull this off logistically. There are a lot of steps involved in planning and executing a live event.
Traditions
Another powerful way to engage with your town is through practicing or taking part in your area’s traditions. Types of traditions could include annual meetings, weekly roundups, monthly newsletters, yearly sales events, and more.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are also an impactful way to support the people and organizations around you. A few examples include sponsoring a booth at a local fair, a local youth sports team, or a Girl Scout troupe. You can also offer sponsorship to non-profits that are doing important work.
If you’re a business owner in or near Detroit looking to bring your community-based projects to life, then turn to Activate Detroit. We pride ourselves on being advocates for our clients and their communities.c