Be Heard and Seen

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Another challenge for a small business owner is to become known in his own community. The following is a list of possibilities for you to think about:

• Prepare a 20 minute talk on your business. Not how great you are but how your business impacts the community. Talk about trends in your business,  give a history of your specific service or product; talk about a hobby or other special interest that you have. In every city and town there are service clubs and many other groups that meet on a weekly basis. The challenge for each of these groups is to find a speaker every week. Get a list of civic organizations (rotary, lions, etc) and offer to speak to their group; include a brief outline of your talk.
• Prepare a news release on something related to your business or an award you received, etc, etc…. Send it to your local newspaper , TV and radio stations. There is a lot of free help available on line as to how to write an effective news release.
• Join a civic organization, not to hand out business cards, but to help the organization in their charitable work.
• Get involved in your place of worship. There is always work to be done.
• Most charities need help, find one close to your heart and go volunteer your time.
• If you are afraid of public speaking, join a toastmaster club.
• If you have young children volunteer at their school
• If there is not an organization for your type of profession, start one; if one exists, get active and earn your way to the top by your work and actions.
• Join and get active in your local Chamber of Commerce.

These are but ways of getting known in a community.Like anything else worthwhile, it takes time and effort to earn recognition in a community, but if you do, you will not only feel good but others will respect and trust you and will look for your business.

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Witness is like perfume. If it’s really good, you won’t have to call attention to it.

Have a great day!