How to cooperate and provide support with other companies in the community

Community support is essential for businesses to recover from the financial impact of the COVID-19 closure. For safe reopening, customers are welcome to come back, and To rebuild the local economy, business owners should work together. Below are some examples and suggestions for collaborating under the new normal.

“A sudden downturn in business will bring losses to business owners,” said Traci Bisson, owner and founder of the company. Need country pet care In New Hampshire. “After taking the time to adjust to the new environment, you realize that the previous way of doing business may no longer work.”

Bisson says that’s why it helps to “reach, sympathize, and discuss what happens next” with other professionals in your industry.

According to a Alignable survey in May 2020, Small business owners say the best recovery resource-beyond Financial support-Will discuss with business owners in their industries and communities.

It is invaluable to get other business owners’ opinions on how they will start business after COVID-19, Gabriella Braddock said, Vault Music Studio In New Jersey. “The thoughts and gems you can give up in this conversation may be the difference between you hesitate to open and feel capable, educated, and confident.”

Whether you reopened recently or are reopening making plans, It can be helpful to contact local and remote business owners. Here are five simple ways to cooperate with and support other companies.

1. Join industry organizations and groups

You can chat with business owners in your industry through online discussion forums, groups and professional organizations.

Bisson founded the NH Pet Industry Professionals Group, where members “share ideas, skills, strategies, dreams and goals to promote the development of the pet industry in New Hampshire and their own businesses.” Bisson said that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the organization has held Online meetings to build networks, discuss new agreements, and brainstorm ways to solve customer problems.

“Using Facebook Live and StreamYard is also a great way for us to keep in touch and provide expert advice to other team members,” she added.

If you are not yet a member of an industry organization, union or group, please consider joining one or creating your own organization.A space to discuss the future of your industry with other professionals (whether they are experienced or novices in the field) can provide you with the knowledge and motivation needed to transform your business model, or Upgrade your marketing plan When reopening.

2. Establish contact with local business owners

In addition to talking to people in your industry, it may be helpful to connect with business owners in your community. Braddock recommends creating a Facebook page for all businesses in your area. “Allow every merchant to add their social media channels, their website, special offers and promotions,” she said.

Braddock said that you can also use the page to host virtual events, coordinate Zoom meetings, post COVID-19 updates, and share suggestions for improving safety practices and increasing traffic.

How quickly your business will recover afterwards Reopen It depends on many factors, one of which is the ability of your community to come together to support small businesses. Braddock said that to reassure the community, local companies must first support each other and be transparent about their reopening procedures.

“Check each other and promote [each other] On social media, keep all communication channels open and hold weekly meetings to work together to ensure that every business is fully covered,” she said.

If you want to expand the scope of influence, please contact the business committee of your city to join the local Fraction Chapter, or look for the one closest to the Small Business Administration Small Business Development CenterThese organizations provide resources such as free business guidance, seminars, newsletters and social events.

3. Cooperate with companies to carry out promotions and activities

cooperate Cooperating with other companies can help you increase revenue and expand your customer base after reopening. “You get twice the brainpower and twice the network coverage,” Bisson said.

Contact other business owners in your area or industry to discuss the potential for cooperation. Bisson said that you can work with another company to promote each other’s services or content in blog posts or email communications. “This also provides key backlinks,” she said.

Cross-promotion is also very helpful. For example, if you own a flower shop, you can work with a boutique gift shop across the street to provide customers with a 15% discount code. Braddock said that the key to referrals and discounts is to “give your customer base motivated to follow up with other companies’ offers.”

Partnerships can also take the following forms event, Such as cooperating with other local companies to organize a farmer’s market or craftsman’s day once a month. If you have never worked with other companies before, now is a good time to consider cooperation.Thoughtful partnerships can have a short-term boost and The long-term interests of the two companies involved.

4. Participate in your community

As cities and communities begin to reopen, it is important to show your support. Participating in your community can help you bring in new business and re-establish relationships with previous customers.

To this end, Bisson founded the NH Dog Walking Club, a community outreach program dedicated to improving the lives of pets and pet owners in her area. “Every quarter, we work with a pet charity in New Hampshire to increase visibility and raise funds for their mission,” she said.

“We also hold on-site Q&A sessions where pet owners can ask questions and interact with dog trainers, veterinarians, dog experts, animal communicators, pet first aid/cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructors, sustainable pet care experts, etc.,” she said.

There are many ways to participate in the reopening and Grow. According to the needs of your community, you can consider donating a certain percentage of your profits to local charities, organizing community clean-up activities, or sponsoring community members who are doing valuable work in the area.

5. Accept outsourcing and referrals

Braddock said that supporting other companies should not be a short-term goal, but a lifetime commitment. “As long as there is an opportunity, we will outsource and recommend it to local small businesses.”

For example, if you run a construction company, you can use a local restaurant to dine for your team or outsource marketing to local freelance designers and writers.

This is also a good idea refer to Braddock said other businesses on social media platforms. “Use your story, if comfortable, your post to highlight [someone else’s] Business and promote how it applies to your customer base and fan base. ”

Taking the time to advance other businesses sets a good example for business owners everywhere and helps foster a culture of support and community.

Cooperating with other companies is not just a good gesture-it is a good way to rebuild operations after the COVID-19 closure. In addition to promoting other businesses, you should also focus on building meaningful partnerships and participating in community discussions.For more information about the reopening, please refer to our comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Disclaimer: Fundbox and its affiliates do not provide financial, legal or accounting advice. This content is for reference only and is not intended to provide and should not be used as a basis for financial, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your financial, legal or accounting advisers before making any transactions.