Entrepreneurs must focus attention on building the business in bad as well as good economic times. Just as the old saying goes "all politics is local" it is also true all business is local. (1) The savvy small business owner is involved in his/her community. Actually, one of women entrepreneurs' greatest strength is their long term involvement in their local community. Volunteer MOM brings valued relationships to her new role as a small business owner. As a matter of fact, a recent survey done by the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) demonstrated that during the recession nearly 39% of women business owners "increased their involvement in civic, social or school activities to increase exposure for their business."

(2) Think about it:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

If you guessed that these lyrics come from the "Cheers" TV show - you guessed correctly. And, if you take the time to build name recognition in your community than you are winning more than friends ---- you are growing customers!

Finally, (3) once a community knows your business and your name, it is important to encourage it to create a buzz for you and your business. I hate to call it gossip - but, this is exactly the point. The more people talk about you and the business the more business you will get. Get people talking!

Here is a list of things (products and/or services) nationally that people are talking about now:

Pinterest

Fifty Shades of Grey

Microsoft's Surface Tablet

What are people talking about in your community? What can you do to become part of the conversation? Perhaps, sponsor an event to raise funds for a local charity or community need? Name a product after a local celebrity or hero?

The list is endless once you begin the brainstorming.

Every small business has the opportunity to grow organically by getting involved in the local community, building name recognition and creating buzz among customers. It all starts with really caring about the people and place you work and making a difference-------giving is what community spirit is all about.