How well do you know your community? As business owners it is essential that we know our communities intimately. Have you ever made the effort to learn more about your town; Do you even know where to look. Lets discuss some ways to gather intel for your community based marketing efforts.

First you need to put on a fresh perspective. You need to think like a person who knows nothing about your town to be able to see it from a totally unbiased perspective. Think of yourself a scout. Here are some of the first areas the scout will hit:

Chamber Of Commerce

City Hall

Public or County Library

The Chamber of Commerce is a great source of information. In their directory of membership you will find lists of board members and directors. Usually these people are the movers and shakers of the town. The Chamber of Commerce will also give you information with regard to civic organizations such as:

Rotary Club

Kiwanis Club

Soroptimists Club

Optimists Club

Elks Club

Lions Club

Boys And Girls Clubs

AYSO

Little League

Boy Scouts

Roller Hockey

High School ASB Clubs

These clubs and groups consist of most all the people who care and love their city. You can come to club meetings as a guest and perhaps a door prize. Maybe donate a coupon for a wash and wax as a raffle prize. This promotes good will for your small business. Youth clubs are great for public relations. When approaching a Chamber of Commerce of a given city, we should remember to offer assistance to help them with membership, public relations or advertising. You as a business also have the personal contacts a chamber needs to succeed and potentially new members for them as well.

You need to be thinking here as you develop a community based marketing strategy. It must be a win/win for you and your community. Community based marketing is important because it means more dollars are spent within the community maintaining the flow and circulation. It also helps customers and potential customer know you care. This invites more referrals and more loyalty to your small business. Think about it.