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Post by meganlynch on Apr 29, 2014 21:49:41 GMT -6
Working with the local community can be a great boost for business. A perfect example would be the Downtown Development District in Hammond. All of the local vendors come together for different events. They do Starry November Nights, Hot August Nights and many other events where the community can come out to downtown Hammond and have a good time. These events are a great tool for getting the word about the local stores out. These events definitely improve business because it gets more people into the stores. Knowing the local people helps create regular customers and encourages a more permanent place in the community.
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Post by kaitlyncampbell on May 1, 2014 12:13:58 GMT -6
I agree completely with the video. Small business thrive and stay alive by the support of their community. I think it is very important for small businesses to embrace their neighborhood/community and become more like family and from there the business will thrive. Customers that trust you will continue to shop with you and therefore you will stay in business.
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Post by amandayoung3231 on May 2, 2014 9:09:50 GMT -6
I agree with her. If you do not know your customers or want to understand what they need, then your business will most likely fail. This makes a lot of since but I do not think a lot of businesses do this. You cannot guess what people will buy. You have to sell what they want to buy. I the easiest way is to ask your customers what they want and listen to them when they make suggestions.
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Post by lmoore on May 2, 2014 15:32:24 GMT -6
It is important for small businesses to become part of the neighborhood it is in. Small businesses must reach out to their customers and show that they are appreciated. The Wine Cellars re-zoned their building in order for customers to taste the wine before buying. The business went through many processes in order to make that happen. That showed they were willing to do anything for their customers in order to be successful in the community.
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Post by mwinner123 on May 2, 2014 17:58:21 GMT -6
I like how this owner understands that it is important to listen to her customers and be willing to make the changes necessary to meet their needs. If she hadn't listened to the needs of her community, she may have closed her doors and not had any more customers to help her. By staying interactive with your customers and the community around you, you create a sense of trust and value with your customers. Especially in a small business, your customers will feel as though they are part of the changes happening and part of the overall strategy of your business. Value creates loyalty.
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Post by robertnicholson on May 3, 2014 9:02:19 GMT -6
This use to be how small businesses had to operate. If they were not known an involved in the local community they would have no customer basis. Today though they have a second option. The internet.
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Post by racheleperes on May 3, 2014 12:11:42 GMT -6
Small businesses should be focused on what their customers are looking for. In the time of economic downfalls, it is especially important to listen to what your customers are saying. No matter what obstacles the company faces, they should overcome them to satisfy their customers.
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Post by kourtneyb on May 4, 2014 20:12:44 GMT -6
I think this is such a common sense thing that people overlook it. I watch a lot of restaurant impossible and kitchen nightmares. These are businesses that are failing because they fail to appeal to their customer base or offer better quality food to their clientele. Its important to take notice when all of a sudden you aren't attracting the crowds you one did. Many companies large and small don't notice this until it is too late and this ultimately leads to the fail of their business.
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Post by kelseywatson on May 5, 2014 10:45:06 GMT -6
Small business involves your local community. You have to work with your customers in order to keep them happy and make them come back shopping. It is all about making your customers wanting to keep coming back. You may want to be cautious when opening a wine store, because some cities have certain laws and restrictions to keep you from doing certain things. This small business got lucky because the community was willing to change their laws, but that isn't always guaranteed to happen.
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Post by allisonschex on May 5, 2014 13:47:58 GMT -6
I believe it is important for a business to be involved with their community to show their appreciation and have a strong relationship with their customers. Being involved is as easy as helping out with fundraisers or the school events. Doing so will also be a great way to advertise without spending a ton of money.
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Post by Jessica Aucoin on May 5, 2014 19:20:07 GMT -6
I really liked this video! I love small businesses and what they do for the community. When you are a small business, your community is your target audience. It’s important to get feedback from them and also know how to make your business better for them. I really like how this business owner had her community get involved with changing the law to sell wine by the glass. It shows that a small business really is a strong part of the community.
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Post by katelynjones on May 5, 2014 20:11:48 GMT -6
Small business is your neighborhood. It is very important to be a part of the community and it has made Wine Cellers successful. Reaching out is important and it lets the customers know they are appreciated. Determination will get you to where you want to be in business. Community is important.
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Post by wwerner on May 6, 2014 10:25:45 GMT -6
Always give back to your community if you want to survive as a small business. Have a customer appreciation day and have door prizes and small events to show your appreciation. Connect with your community and they will connect with you.
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Post by codylejeune on May 6, 2014 10:35:56 GMT -6
A small business should definitely focus on being close with their community, because they can have small clientele. If they stay close to the community, then they can know a lot quicker how to change their product or service to the needs of their customers.
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Post by csimo123 on May 6, 2014 18:25:37 GMT -6
This video warms my heart. Helping the community and them helping you is something i enjoy. I like how if you have a passion for something and share it and get the community involved then nothing can stop you. Just like in the video the community helped get The Wine Celler to serve wine by the glass. This is a perfect example of a perfect community small business
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