thread Re: How do you connect with the local community? in Community Corner

How do you connect with the local community?

Bronze_Palms — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:52:09 GMT

During slower seasons, I like to connect with other business owners and chat with them about business and their clients. Do you guys chat or collaborate with other business owners in your area?

Re: How do you connect with the local community?

maxpete — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:00:24 GMT

Ohh such a great idea @Bronze_Palms!

Tagging some members to hear more from their experience. @hay2go, @FittedStitches, @NaturesSol, and @Kelciethcla

Re: How do you connect with the local community?

NaturesSol — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:34:01 GMT

I've been attempting to figure that out myself. I was in the crafting environment many eons ago. I can actually remember when you needed a tax id for your business to purchase things for resale. Michael's and Hobby Lobby did not have the products they have now.

I was doing transcription at home to make some extra money since Social Security just doesn't cut it. Also, I was so bored. For a year, we traveled around in an RV. I loved going to other markets in other states. I enjoyed the sightseeing. I loved it all. When I crafted back then fellow crafters were not of the "let's share" ideas. They kept everything they did under wraps.

Since I've come back into this world, I'm amazed at how it's all changed. It's definitely changed for the better. I love hearing (or reading) about ideas and thoughts.

I was attempting to get back into markets for the Holiday Season. Goodness, I feel like a toddler in a skating rink. I was working in a marketplace here in Florida, where I learned a lot about what I shouldn't be doing. I'm going to have to go for some major surgery in the next few months. I decided to stop the market. Don't worry about holiday sales. Wait to see how the new economy changes prices in supplies for crafting.

After my surgery, I will definitely look into some networking prospects. From my old school experience, I had joined a Women's Business group, which had meetings quarterly. Also join the Chamber of Commerce in your area. I cannot say how they are, since I haven't followed my own advice yet.

I do belong to Facebook groups that address vendor issues at markets and fairs. I have learned a lot from these.

You kind of make me chuckle, @bronzepalms. I had a love of tanning beds back in the '80's. My daughter would sell memberships at a salon in Mansfield, TX. Memories.

I am horrible at marketing and would love to hear more about that part of business.

Re: How do you connect with the local community?

Traderandco — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:28:31 GMT

Here in Australia, most regions have a local business chamber, which are a great way to connect in with other business owners in your area. We have found this is a good starting point if you have that available in your area.

Re: How do you connect with the local community?

CareyJo — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:29:30 GMT

Chambers are huge for networking in the US too! At one point, our business was the member of 7 different ones. I did all of them for the first year, to see where we fit best, then dropped the rest. I'm currently down to 2. I'm always networking, if only in my mind, no matter where I am!

Re: How do you connect with the local community?

CareyJo — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:31:56 GMT

I'm actually a board member for my Chamber. I'm always networking, even if it's only mentally but always mindful of it when I'm out and about. I'm very busy in our communities and I'm in two national organizations, so I'm always looking to recruit members and share resources with them.

In our line of work, most people aren't collaborative, they're competitive, so I can't do much with other businesses like ours, but I do try to tell them about the resources I know and then network with other businesses that make good partners.