Is this our time to shine?

There is no denying that the Corona Virus has changed our world and turned life upside down. When so many small businesses have been forced to close, how do we ensure that our towns survive? How do we sift through the noise and find ways to rise? The truth is, nobody has the exact answer. We are all in new territory. Most of us are figuring it out as we go and riding emotional waves along the way. What is emerging is an incredible response of care, compassion and connection - all principles upon which small towns were built. Somewhere along the way, we may have drifted, trying to keep up with the fast pace of modern life. We may have shifted our focus to numbers and sales and keeping up with the big boxes. Yet our strengths and the way we rise again, lies in ‘community’. This is the reason people live in small towns. We are witnessing some wonderful, community building initiatives from towns of all sizes.

We hope you find inspiration and opportunities for your small business and your town to connect with your community in some of these examples.

Let your customers know you miss them:

We are all seeking connection. A powerful and emotional way to connect is by expressing to your customers just how much they are missed. Video is a great way to convey this message and Instagram live is an effective platform. You can even record a live message from your home, in a simple and heartfelt way.

Customized, Personal Service:

Remind your customers that you are there to help. Consider ways to be flexible and provide personal service. Toy Store Example: ‘Spring has Sprung – Play Kits’: Customers choose an age group and a kit with a toy / game / craft. Several price points can be offered as well as options to personalize the items in the kit. (This concept can be adapted for a variety of businesses)

A hand-written note:

If your business is doing door to door delivery, adding a hand- written note is such a wonderful way to reach out and show that you care. In this age of digital messaging, it is incredibly moving to receive a note! When was the last time any of us received a letter written by hand? It’s such a treat and means so much in this time of social distancing.

Partnerships:

We are seeing wonderful cooperation between shops and businesses in order to support each other during this crisis. Can you work with another shop to coordinate delivery service? If you need to grab a meal on the go, can you pick up something for your business neighbour too? Can you partner with another business for a special offer? (Example a gift store or bookstore and a local florist offering a ‘Mother’s Day’ special).

Community Fundraising:

Businesses and individuals are finding creative ways to help a community cause! From house music concerts to raising funds by shaving a long beard, we are seeing creative ways to support local charities. Can you brainstorm a way for your business (or a few small businesses) to support a need in your community?

Facebook Groups:

Social media can provide ways to connect with like- minded people! Do you have ideas for how your downtown can shine? Do you see value in getting to know your business neighbours better? Do you want to connect with others who may have skills, insight or information that you seek? Consider forming a Facebook group, to use as a discussion and brainstorming platform and to connect the doers!

Bring Dreams to Life:

Can you see opportunity in this time of upheaval? Maybe it lies in bringing dreams closer to reality. With more time available to us, we can take steps towards achieving the dreams we have for our town. Is it a colourful mural on a blank wall you envision? Find out if there are artists in town who have experience with mural painting. Connect with the partners, determine any costs and time frames and begin collaborating! Does your town need more bike racks? Seating? Planters? There are designers, builders and makers in your community that would love to help. We have an opportunity to create the type of communities we want to live in.

We look forward to seeing and hearing about the dreams you bring to life.

#YourTownRising