If you’ve recently started up your own retail store then there are a couple of contacts that you need to nurture in order to run a successful business. Networking is an absolute must no matter what type of business you operate, but when it comes to running a local store, you’d be wise to stay in touch with a couple of local and national services to ensure that your business runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most important connections that you should be growing as a new store owner.
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Local suppliers that are physically close to you
If you run a store that purchases supplies from another nearby business, then it’s absolutely worth getting to know those store owners so that you can take advantage of wholesale pricing and local discounts. Businesses can thrive when they network with other local businesses, so it’s important to get to know your neighbours so that you can uplift and support each other, especially in times of need.
National suppliers
It’s also important to grow connections with national or overseas suppliers. This is generally more important for businesses that sell products in large quantities and take stock from warehouses and wholesale businesses across the country. This can include things such as fashion or electrics. By getting to know your suppliers, you’ll create a friendly atmosphere when dealing with them which can lead to discounts and a strong business relationship.
Emergency repair services
Nobody likes to experience issues with their commercial property, but there are times when factors outside of your control can damage your property or cause you to shut down your business temporarily. Make sure you know the phone number to your local emergency plumbing service or electrician so that you can deal with these issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Getting to know these local services and networking with them often provides a better service, hence why growing these relationships can provide a huge benefit.
Local law enforcement or security
Stores need to be protected at all costs, especially if you’re relying on it for your livelihood. This is why it’s important to get to know local law enforcement agents or private security firms to help protect your business. This is more common in smaller towns or remote locations, but it’s still important to build good working relationships with security and law enforcement in large cities.
The local community
Lastly, we can’t ignore the importance of connecting with your community as a store owner. Your customers are mostly going to be local which is why nurturing your relationship with them becomes extremely important. Make sure you smile when you see people, offer an outstanding service, take part in community events and leverage social media to help you grow your business among locals. It can be difficult to grow the popularity of your store, but if you focus on integrating with the local community, you’ll find a lot of success.
