When we think of ‘grassroots support,’ we tend to think of support for initiatives that come from the bottom-up. For instance, something as simple as residents of a community taking it upon themselves to care for the local environment by picking up litter or building trails through a local park.
Grassroots activity is defined by everyday people supporting initiatives they believe in.
As a business looking to harness this energy, where could you fit? Would you fit at all? Well, as we’ve seen from local startups, sustainable businesses, and firms that grow out of a need to serve a local area, sometimes generating grassroots support for your business is one of the most worthwhile measures you have ever considered.
Here are some ideas to get started serving your community from a grassroots level – which may end up creating a community that also supports your business.
Serve A Community Need
It’s hard to get support from a community without serving a community need. This can be as simple as providing a kind of authentic cuisine that may not be available in a local region, or it might mean having a policy of only using local businesses to stock and store your retail enterprise.
Championing the local community will also make a huge difference – attending their market fairs, sponsoring their local sports teams, and being present at the largest events of the year will make a massive difference in your business’ visibility. Giving something back, such as by donating to the local charity drive, can make a tremendous difference.
It’s also important that your efforts are genuine. A business that serves its community gets the benefits of both local support and strong roots in the community – impacting everything in a positive way.
Attend & Support Local Events
Events can serve as the culmination of education, networking, and revealing the future steps of your business. They ensure the scene remains active and worthwhile, and may even help you collaborate with other businesses in the local area.
On top of that, learning to market at tradeshows can help you grow your approach and help others see the profound value you bring to the table.
Over time, this is certain to inspire your place in the community, particularly if you bring up local issues such as how to better use the retail space, how to contribute to the rejuvenation of the local economy, and how your services will directly serve those in your local area.
For example, you may encourage smaller businesses to attend your trade show and offer discounts on your marketing services for those who do.
This is a win-win, your trade show will be a success, and future rollouts of your new service will have a stable base to get started, one that also helps you contribute to the local economy.
Retain Best Standards & Practices
Sustainability, accountability, and transparency, all of these define the business of the modern era. Often, these have very real consequences for how the general public interfaces with your business and how they can help shape it over time.
Let’s say you’re a local realtor, working with students that come into the area each year based on their school calendar.
Retaining the best standards and practices, such as ensuring all rental properties are properly cleaned and inspected and ready for a safe living experience, can make a big difference for your clients.
Champion A Cause
It’s easier to support a cause than a general entity. For example, if you’re dedicated to sustainability, you might use reclaimed wood in all of your storefront decorations.
The causes you champion will be evident in the system approach to your business management. You may aim to be an entirely sustainable cafe space, for example, or offer co-working room to local young professionals looking for a space to sit in peace and operate using secure Wi-Fi.
With this advice, you’re certain to generate grassroots support for your business. Even if these ideas don’t immediately result in increased sales, being a genuine part of the community you work in will
