Most people receive a local paper, some people get more than one paper each week! There is a temptation to simply toss it in the recycling bin, however your local paper can be a valuable resource to help you grow your business.
This weeks Friday Five has five reasons why you should read your local paper:
- Local events – most local papers have a list of local events that are on the next week and beyond. These could be anything from markets to business networking events to public speaking workshops to just about anything that is on in your local area. These can open up opportunities for promotion, networking and growing your skills.
- Profiles - local papers often include profiles of businesses run by Mums, especially if there is an interesting story behind the business. This is a great way for you to find out about other business mums in your area. You can then contact them to get to know them, and also support their business by buying from them.
- Opportunities - by reading the articles and other parts of the paper, you never know what opportunities may present themselves for your business. For example, a few weeks ago I read about a new op shop that was opening up that wanted to support community groups. I was able to let a community group I’m involved with about this. While this isn’t directly business related, it is an opportunity that would have been missed if I hadn’t read my local paper.
- Promotion - as well as possible markets to sell your products at (see events), you may also find other opportunities for promotion. This could be writing a letter to the editor or responding to articles or opportunities that may be advertised in the paper. And don’t forget about the contact details for the editor to send in your own media releases!
- Research - if you have a business that is based in and targets your local area, your local newspaper can provide you with some valuable research, especially finding out what is happening in your local area. This could be anything from council decisions to activities at the local primary school to new businesses opening up (including potential competitors or alliance partners) and more.
I hope this will give you a new appreciation for your local paper. You may not have time to read the paper cover to cover, but it is well worth making the time to flick through the paper to see what stands out. You never know what opportunities may come your way.
