Collaboration in the Community

Rural communities have a lot to offer to their residents and to the many small businesses that can be found within their borders. I love the fact that when you walk by on the streets, people wave and say hi. They smile at you when you enter the stores, and ask how your day has been. They know your likes and dislikes and have your drink orders ready for you when you walk into the restaurants -- not having to wait til you place your orders. It's a small environment with a lot of people in close proximity. with close-knit social networks. Everyone knows everyone, everything is less anonymous. Does that sound about right?

I love living in a rural community! I love getting to know the people -- learning what they do, what they enjoy, how they spend their time. One of my favorite television shows recently has been "The Hart Of Dixie" and is all about small town life in the south. It deals with the everyday lives of the people in the community -- both their personal and their business lives. It is very enlightening!

Since this is a blog about business, I suppose there is a reason I'm talking about tv shows and small town life. And, of course, the answer is yes there is. Since everyone knows each other and since the community is close knit, when one is is considered an "outsider" (someone not born into the community), it can be difficult to become a part of that inner circle. And when you are offering something that might not be a commonplace type of business, then it becomes even more difficult. There is a lack of trust. The residents don't know you. They don't know WHO you are, what you stand for, can you be trusted with their money, their friendship, their lives. And they are fiercely protective of those items.

So, what do you do? You need to get involved. You need to become a part of the community yourself -- not just your business, but you. Let people know who you are and what you stand for. Does that mean going to church? Joining the civic organizations? Getting out and talking to people on the streets. Let them know you care about them as people -- not just as a source of income. Be part of the community in whatever what you can....And most importantly, you must be real about all this. Don't do it, just to get into the circle. Be legitimate. Show that you really want to be part of the social structure of the community.

A couple of ideas? Be part of the monthly FREEcycle Swap meet that is starting the last Saturday of the month at BSU. Its a way to help others in the town by providing items that you no longer need but others might. It also helps keep stuff out of the landfills. We need to be aware of the ever increasing trash around us. If we can eliminate even just a little, that's a good thing.

What about the whole "Buy Local" concept? If you can spend your money in the local community, isn't that better for us all than if you go to large town and give them your hard earn dollars? What can you do to help support (collaborate) in the community? I guarantee -- even if you're a life time member of the town -- you'll be and feel much better about yourself and where you live if you just try to be more aware of what happens right in your own back yard!