Becoming an expert in your niche locally isn’t much different from becoming known as an expert online. The only difference is that you will need to connect personally with people more often so they can build trust in you. The best way to start attracting local business owners is to choose the right topic.
* Get to Know Your Audience – Your local audience won’t be much different from your international audience. However, they may not be as savvy with online information, though this is gradually changing as more people become tech-savvy.
* Find Out Who Is Popular in Your Local Area – Identify local competitors and understand who is doing what you want to do. Even if they aren’t direct competition, knowing who is popular locally and what services they provide is beneficial.
* Get Involved with Small Business Initiatives – Volunteer with local organizations like SCORE or your Chamber of Commerce. Many focus on larger businesses, so your expertise in small business can fill a significant gap.
* Find Events to Attend and Sponsor – Attend and sponsor local small business events to increase your visibility. Even if you can’t attend in person, having your name mentioned can build community recognition.
* Fit Your Expertise with What’s Needed – As you engage in local events, identify areas where your expertise aligns with local needs. This helps you position yourself effectively without clashing with competitors.
* Develop a Signature Talk – Create a signature talk to deliver impromptu speeches or planned presentations. This can lead to speaking opportunities in your community.
* Go to Lunch – Invite people you meet at events to lunch. Building one-on-one relationships can lead to mutual referrals and collaboration.
* Host Your Own Events – Once you’re established, consider hosting your own events based on the topics you’ve identified. These can be workshops or seminars, paid or free, tailored to local needs.
Once you reach the point of hosting your own workshops, you’ll have found your ideal topic. Often, the topics you cover online will resonate well with your local audience. Don’t reinvent the wheel; the strategies you use online can successfully attract your local audience too.
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