Issue Position: The Community

Issue Position

"If we could all learn to seek out 1 opportunity every day to help someone around us . . . with our knowledge,
experience or just a helping hand, as a community we would ultimately improve the quality of life for all."

Getting Through the Challenges of Tough Economic Times . . . Together

According to an article published by AccessPoint Group creating ALLIANCES is the best action any small business owners, organization or working woman can take that can drive great results in both good and challenging economic times. AccessPoint Group recommends these great steps towards improving the quality of life for you and those around you - right now within our communitities:

* Build community partnerships: reach out and sustain win-win affiliations with professional and recreational groups that cater to your primary customer segments -- baseball leagues for the casual segment; business associations/chambers for higher-end dining.

* Give to one charity: talk to your guests and staff to designate one local organization to support for at least one year. While no one likes to say no to the multiple "asks" received almost daily by operators, few will argue with a the good cause you are supporting. Be sure that the organization you support supports your local community by getting on a local affiliate Board.

* Lead: Lend your business expertise to a local nonprofit or chamber. Become not just a business leader, but a civic leader. Lead on local, regional, state and national levels. Don't just join organizations, help shape them.

* Showcase: Participate in food shows and community festivals. If you're a restaurant for example, concentrate on your one or two signature dishes -- ones you do better than anyone. Use your website to keep guests familiar with your signature dishes and activities

* Promote: List your alliances on the back of your brochures. Tell a little about your charity support and why the team thought it was worthy. Let the charity promote you as well. Better they tell your story than you do. Use your website and a blog to promote your products.

* Be seen: Get out of your business, create friendships with other business owners. Support and physically shop at local businesses. Show up for community events.

* Motivate the troops: Provide incentive's to your team to promote your signature creations. Get them out into the community as well. Reward them and keep them. . . . Promote a new service or product or how it is relevant today. Create news releases and, if possible, ask a marketing or public relations expert to help you generate some tactical and strategic news and buzz about your establishment. If needed, do a trade with a local magazine or newspaper for a one-time ad. Use your website and a blog as well.

* One last thing, don't be afraid to ask for help. We know there's a lot of pride and perhaps just a bit of an ego in all of us, but you can't be an expert at everything. Reach out to other operators, business owners, organization heads or specialty consultants for a quick review of operations or with specific questions. None of us can do it alone.

Hank Schroeder is Meeting with the Small Business Owners, Organizations and Women Throughout District 30 to Listen to their Concerns and Come Up with A Plan to Take to the State House this November

In the interim, while we're working on plans that would allow further job creation, affordable rental housing and tax breaks for businesses who supply affordable health benefits to their employees, here are some things that can be one right now to help make the dollar go further:

1. Contact your local chamber of commerce or county chamber of commerce and ask them to host a community night exchange where organizations, business owners and customers get to exchange ideas and discuss ways to improve and support local business - creating a win-win for all.

2. Make a list of organizations and businesses where you can add value by sharing experiences, expertise or knowledge and set up a lunch meeting to talk about how you can all support each other.

3. Seek out businesses and organizations who are offering barter, discounted or free services to help you advance your local community group, organization or small business. Maybe you're a single parent looking to pick up extra income . . . tap the resources around you and ask questions about being a contractor - many people are happy to help you get started!

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