Community Based Marketing Strategies

As small businesses we have an opportunity and an obligation to help keep our communities strong. As small business people we have an awesome distribution system, reaching hundreds of people every day who come into our stores. If we are a mobile service business we see hundreds per day on our route. If you volunteer to deliver flyers to all your customers for an upcoming club event, you can develop incredible rapport with these groups. The word of mouth referrals will be great. Consider the fact that these service clubs contain the grass roots movers and shakers of the town. You can put up flyers for events on your counters or post a flyer in the window, this does tremendous advertising for positive events.

Many times these clubs need volunteers. The bigger the club, the easier it is to do large projects. By volunteering, you help the club with strength and in achieving their goals. When working with clubs and community groups, you will notice that many people will volunteer and not follow through. This creates very negative feelings in the minds of other members, so remember to follow through.

Not everyone is able to remember names well, but it is imperative for you to learn everyone's name that you meet in a service club. They will no doubt mention you or praise you in their conversations. People will approach you and say "Oh, you know Fred Wilson, don't you?" "Ah, ah, ah, I don't know" you say. Wrong answer. You should have remembered their name. You should keep a Data Bases Of Service Clubs and names in a Microsoft Excel file called Service Clubs Data Base. This database should contain a list of all the service clubs in your area and surrounding cities. Use this information to coordinate community projects and to help open communications with other groups.

This is yet another opportunity to spread your name through the network of community groups and the multitude of members involved. By being involved with these groups, you can be part of everything that makes your town what it is. You will be a positive element. You will be part of the solution not the problem. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs