Michael Katz of Blue Penguin Development recently asked a roomful of folks a question that stopped me in my tracks.
What do your clients/prospects desperately need that only you are qualified to provide?
That got me thinking about this Chamber. What do members desperately need that only we are qualified to provide? I asked myself: “If I were an entrepreneur or small business owner what would I desperately need?”
For me above all else, what I would desperately need is a sense of connection with other business owners, a sense of community to the town and ways to let everyone know who I am and what my business has to offer. What would it be for you?
Would it be access to information and resources that could help you grow your business?
Would it be a place where you could get advice or have a sounding board, knowing what you said went no further?
Would it be a place to connect to other entrepreneurs so you wouldn’t feel so isolated?
Would it be an entrée via introductions to potential customers or partners?
Would it be opportunities to market your products or services to other businesses?
Would it be activities or programs that drive traffic into your store or business?
Would it be access to group health insurance rates?
Would it be someone who can help you launch your business?
Would it be a place that could help you navigate the town’s regulations for signs, for permits, for licenses?
Would it be a source of referrals to you?
Would it be a place where you would feel a sense of community with other business owners and to the community where you do business?
Would it be a place where you could socialize and relax from time to time with your peers?
Would it be events that give you the tools to move your business forward?
Would it be the first place you’d think of first for any or all of the above?
I’d like to think we’re on the right track for any or all of the above. But what really matters is what do you think?
As we look ahead to the new year, I'd really like to know. I’ll share your answers: the good, the bad and the ugly in an upcoming blog so let me know if you want to be anonymous or identified.
Now let me provoke you.
What is it that your customers or clients desperately need from you that you only are qualified to provide?
