Networking Is "EZ" in A Community Like Ours!
This week, EZ Roofing Systems had the honor of participating in the Epcar Luau Trade Show at the Legoland Beach Retreat. This event was a great time for business owners in our area to network with one another, and with local realtors, which is always great for boosting your business (and your morale)! The trade show was a huge success, and it had us thinking about the importance of building relationships in your community, and how to make that happen, no matter where you live! Here are some ways we like to network in and around Winter Haven (our town) and ideas for implementing it where you are too!
Watch the News! While local events don't often make it onto prime time television (unless you live in a big city!) your local news outlets like newspapers, magazines, and online resources are a great place to find out what's going on in your area. Expos, trade shows, fairs, farmer's markets...there are plenty of great ways to connect with locals and other business owners at these types of events. Sometimes they have a specific focus (i.e., they are only open to business owners from a certain industry) but others are open to everyone! The trade show we attended this week was focused on realtors as guests, but was open to vendors/businesses from a wide variety of industries, from Spas and AC techs, to our very own Bob the Roofer.
Know Where the Locals Go. Local residents of your area are the best way to build a community around your business. They will begin to see you as more of a neighbor or friend, and that means they're more likely to use and recommend your business when a need arises. Learn which hangouts are favorites of the locals and make that a focus. Go in frequently to enjoy a meal, grab a drink or just relax and chat. These connections go a long way as you build your brand within your immediate area and beyond.
Join A Club for Business Owners! Finding a group of fellow business owners isn't always easy, but there are clubs and networking groups to simplify the process. Local chapters of networking groups (like BNI are a wonderful way to quickly meet and socialize with lots of other professionals at one time, while also building a base of referrals and contacts. We are proud to be a part of our local BNI chapter, and encourage small business owners to be a part of one in their own area. It's a great investment in your business!
EZ Roofing Systems loves being part of the Winter Haven community and it's a pleasure to serve clients that we consider neighbors. We believe in running our business with honesty and integrity, and are proud to carry that reputation in our town. Call us for ALL of your roofing needs!