“In America, Small Business is a Big Deal” – Bob Beauprez

At one point or another, all small business owners consider the idea of being small a negative aspect of their business. We can often believe that things would be better if we were bigger; bigger premises, bigger budget, more staff, more credit etc. However, when it comes to customers, there are still a large number who much prefer dealing with a small business.

There are many reasons for this ranging from better customer service to simply wanting to support the local community but the fact is that most small business owners fail to take advantage of these customers or actively promote themselves as “small” and “local”. While Bob Beauprez’s quote above was speaking about the general effect of small business in the whole country, the reality is that this can be applied to towns and communities too where small businesses make up a large proportion of their employment and overall wellbeing. So the question is, are you using your business size as a positive?

How to Take Advantage of Being a Small Business

As mentioned, a big attraction of small businesses for customers is customer service. To ensure you take advantage of this you need to ensure your customers are always looked after and feel appreciated. You can go to Starbucks every day and every day they will ask your name to put on the coffee cup. Make your business the “coffee shop” that knows your regulars’ names. To do this, you need to ensure all staff see getting to know your customers as a goal so be sure to explain this to them and emphasize the importance of it.

Supporting the local community is something that many people feel compelled to do so it is vital that you emphasize your place in the community. If you have been in the community for a number of years, put up a sign which states something like “Serving Denver since 2002”.

In addition, be a business that supports the local community – sponsor a little league team, volunteer in local charities, perhaps even set aside a day where your staff assist a local charity or institution. These things do not have to be expensive investments and instead can be a team-building exercise with your staff as you close your business and spend a day painting the local youth center or planting flowers in the local nursing home.

Take part in or even start your own “Shop Local” initiatives to encourage people to support local businesses. These need not be hugely extravagant affairs as simply engaging all of the local businesses to work together on the initiative will cause great awareness and remember that costs will be a fraction when shared between numerous businesses if you decide to promote “Shop Local” events. Organizing the initiative itself is also a great way to establish yourself as a community leader and can have hugely positive knock on effects for your business and community.

Get equipped for local promotion

At Colorado Canopies, we understand small and local business needs. With a wide range of marketing products and vast experience in various industries, we choose to be partners with our clients as they start up, grow and expand. We believe that business relationships don’t have to be cold relationships and we welcome businesses of all sizes and treat all with the same level of close personal service. Talk to us today to discuss how your small business can punch above its weight with the right marketing solutions.