It’s no surprise that online relationships and virtual networking have become a staple in redefining collaborations for small business owners. While this is a great growth strategy, if you’re only leaning into online partnerships, you’re missing out on the power of hyper-local collaborations within your own community!
Building strong connections with fellow entrepreneurs and local brands not only fosters a sense of unity but can open doors to unique opportunities that transcend virtual online collaborations, as well. This month, I’m sharing how to explore hyper-local strategies to help cultivate newfound support, sales and a devoted local following regardless of whether you have a brick and mortar or online business.
Get Started: Identify Potential Collaborators
The very first thing you need to do in your business is take time to identify potential partners within your community. You want to look for businesses that complement rather than compete with your own. For example, a boutique owner may consider collaborating with a local jewelry designer or a nearby coffee shop for a joint event or promotion rather than another boutique. Take some time to get intentional and think about your customers, how you serve them with your offers and what they find valuable. What local service providers, artists, culinary businesses, nonprofits, etc. would make for excellent candidates for partnerships that can enrich both your business and the community? Think about which ones align well with your own customer base and offering.
Open Doors: Send a Personalized Invite
Once you’ve identified potential collaborators, the next step is initiating contact with them! Get excited to reach out personally, and make them feel like your outreach is truly a meaningful connection. If you want to take it a step further, make time to attend local networking events, workshops and community gatherings to meet potential collaborators in person. You never know when you might “click” instantly and can create a next step together right then and there. Alternatively, you can leverage social media platforms to express your interest in collaborating with specific businesses. Feel free to slide into their DMs with a warm, personalized message explaining who you are, why you’re reaching out, the potential mutual benefits and, of course, a next step such as a Zoom coffee date.
Move Forward: Find Aligned Goals
Truly successful collaborations hinge on aligning goals and values! The last thing you want to do is create a partnership that feels inauthentic to who you are and what beliefs your business is built upon. Before committing to collaborate for anything, think about both of your customer bases to see if there’s alignment. For example, if sustainability is a key value for both businesses, a collaborative event centered around eco-friendly practices could be a powerful way to connect with the community. Maybe you’re big on body positivity as a personal trainer and partner with a local clothing brand that’s all about promoting healthy living and supporting women at every size.
Make it Count: Create an Impact
When you think about hyper-local collaborations, one of the most effective ways to create a long lasting impact is through hosting events and creating memorable experiences. When you can get people in a room, the ability to create trust and connection can happen much faster than virtual experiences. Collaborative events with other local businesses can attract a diverse audience and generate buzz around your brand, offer or launch. Consider organizing something together like a workshop, pop-up shopping event or themed gathering that showcases the unique offerings of each collaborator. This not only fosters community engagement but also leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
Remember, building hyper-local collaborations can create authentic relationships in your business that can help fuel new customer relationships, build trust and connection, bring in increased sales and feel incredibly fulfilling.
Hustle & Heart Challenge
This month, get offline and reach out to a few local business owners in your community that feel right! Think about how you could envision partnering together and what would feel both exciting and lucrative. Send an invitation for a coffee date, Zoom meeting or whatever feels right to kickoff your collaboration!
