Relationship marketing and Small Town Rules are what make businesses stand out from the crowd, especially in these harsh economic times. I came across a good example of Small Town Rules in action when I visited NYC in June, 2012 for the BlogWorld & New Media Expo.
Can Big Brands Succeed Using Small Town Rules?
[caption id="attachment_2880" align="alignright" width="268"]
Small Town Rules Book - Autographed by authors Barry Moltz & Becky McCray[/caption]
There probably aren't many people that were not affected by the economic shift in 2008. My world was certainly turned upside down!
Three things happened: The economy continued to decline, technology advanced, and society...kept going. People and communities began to adopt different practices in order to get by.
I was reminded of those points in a session with Becky McCray (@BeckyMcCray) and Barry Moltz (@BarryMoltz) at BlogWorld & New Media Expo in New York City earlier in June, 2012.
Small Town Rules
Based on their book, "Small Town Rules - How Big Brands And Small Businesses Can Prosper In A Connected Economy."
Hmmm...
Big Brands + Small Businesses.
Prospering.
Connected Economy.
Well, I'm connected, I am a small business owner living in a small town, and I'd like to prosper. And, I wanted to meet Becky McCray, who I have been following on Twitter for a few years. This session was for me!
The Rules
[caption id="attachment_2865" align="alignleft" width="251"]
Becky McCray before the Small Town Rules session at BlogWorld & New Media Expo 2012[/caption]
Here are the main rules I walked away with:
- Plan for zero.
- Spend brain power before you spend $.
- Multiply your lines of income.
- Work anywhere, anywhen.
- Learn customer-driven communication.
- Be proud of being small.
- Be local.
- Understand how to do it yourself - even if hiring it out.
That's the nutshell version.
If you want more, you have to buy the book. I won my copy, and it is autographed by the authors. :)
How To Act Like A Small Town If You Want To Succeed
Here are characteristics Becky & Barry shared that comprise small communities:
- Be friendly.
- Eat together.
- Be honest.
- Watch out for each other.
- Play together.
- Contribute to causes - money, time & resources.
- Get involved in the center of the community.
- Celebrate together.
If you live in a small town, you know these points all too well!
Ironic, I was hearing this in "The Big Apple."
Bright Lights, Big City
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Da Marino Restaurant in New York City near Times Square[/caption]
When I first arrived in New York City for the conference, dinner was near my hotel in Times Square. That area is all about big, bright and loud! So, a girl on her own, after a long day, the hotel recommended something close where I could eat within walking distance, without loud noise, and where I could return safely on my own later in the evening.
I ended up at a lovely Italian restaurant, where the piano was playing, the atmosphere was charming, and the host sang to me during my meal. The special that day: Chocolate linguini with seafood and pink lobster sauce. Delicious!
Even better, they let me sip my wine and sit there as long as I wanted, and sent me home with a Tiramisu loaded with fresh fruit. Who would argue?
Sandwich In Some Learning
So, two days later, I attend the Small Town Rules session mentioned above, along with a handful of others on social media, podcasting, blogging, and mobile marketing.
That evening began with a conference-related party at a hip rooftop bar. The networking was good -- I met some smart people all working to improve their efforts with some form of online marketing. Then it rained!
Have you ever tried to get out of the rain at a busy rooftop bar? It's wet! Have you ever tried to hail a cab in New York City when it's.....pouring? Also not a dry doing. Lets just say fish would have been able to swim in my shoes once I finally found a ride.
The lesson: I'm not cool enough anymore to be hanging out at hip places. :D
A Girl's Gotta Eat
[caption id="attachment_2867" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Da Marino's Chocolate Linguini With Seafood & Lobster Sauce[/caption]
Once I dried off, I realized I hadn't eaten anything resembling dinner. A tad hungry, it was getting late. What's a girl to do?
After checking my iPhone and a few conversations with the hotel staff, I ended up at the same place I ate on my first evening in New York: Da Marino.
Again, they sat me in a comfortable chair at a very nice table. A few of their staff recognized me, and couldn't do enough to make me happy. When it was time to order, I let them know what I had on my previous visit, and while it wasn't on the menu, they asked if I wanted it again.
Oh, yummy - YES!
As I watched the wait staff, my glasses were kept filled - they were quite attentive. And they were treating others with the same excellent service. During my evening, the host made his way back to sing to me. And before the night was over, I clinked glasses with the owner who also sang to me.
There was an "Aha moment," and I watched as this busy restaurant in a big city was using "small town rules" as their way of doing business.
The Night In Review
While you're reading about my experience in short form, here are their "small town moves":
- They were friendly.
- The place is all about eating together.
- They watched out for each other, and for me.
- Played together - Piano, singers, and dining entertainment.
- We celebrated together - Even the owner.
Very similar to the list above, eh?
In my opinion, these principles are why people return to their location, and why they are successful in their business.
So there ya have it - How one "big city" business succeeds using small town rules.
Have you ever been somewhere that totally knocked you out with excellent service?
What do you think of using Small Town Rules in your business?
Please tell me your thoughts in the comments box below... :)
38 Replies
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It was interesting to read, thanks for sharing!
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Hi there, Always happy to share helpful and interesting information. Small towns rule, for sure! 🙂 Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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I am thankful to read all the good thoughts hope you will continue to share with us..
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Natalie, Thank you for reading, and for visiting my blog. It is my pleasure to share. Please return and feel free to ask questions or comment as you like. Thanks again, ~Keri
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You’re great.I’m very glad to read your article. Because i seems that I’m lucky for to share with your experience and thanks for your nice contribution for us.
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Felipe, Thank you for your compliment! It is my pleasure to share, and I welcome you back to ask any additional questions about social media marketing and/or content marketing in the future. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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I enjoyed the little history piece for u comment i follow as well. You have choose so useful ideas for improve business. I am proud of you.
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Yes, that homey feeling that you get even in such a big place is a winner in my book. I guess our need to always feel connected and that we belong can make a lot of difference.
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That is an outstanding article that is very well written. I enjoyed the little history piece for u comment i follow as well. You have choose so useful ideas for improve business. I am proud of you.
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Rozi, Thank you for your kind words – Glad you enjoyed this post! I still remember this visit, and am glad to have shared it with you. Hopefully this does provide some insight to other businesses, as you say. Good luck with your ventures. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂 ~Keri
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Amazing! I’m all for this small town rules, as I would prefer the same treatment, ambiance and of course, the food. Just like a small community, yes?
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Amy, Thank you for reading. Of course, we all want to be treated well when we go to a restaurant — Or when we try to give our business to a company. Small communities do have to work harder to attract business, which is why we often find “small town rules” effective. So…yes! Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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Awesome! I love this concept. I´m really thankful for this information post!
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Joan, Glad you liked the article, and are enthusiastic about the concepts! Please feel free to ask questions on this or any other post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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That book sounds awesome. I will have to get it and read it.
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Jean, You will enjoy the book — I really recommend you find it and read. Please keep me posted and let me know what you think. ~Keri
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Great planning Keri! I think the best part of the plan was ‘Spend brain power before you spend $’ I wish I can also do the same!
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Jeremiah, Glad you like the concepts outlined in the book, “Small Town Rules.” You have chosen a good one to strive for: Spending brain power before money. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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I want that book, like seriously!!! 🙂 The small rules are just awesome. Applying them will bring a huge difference to my life.
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Tanya, Wow — Your enthusiasm is terrific! Small town rules really do make a difference. You’ll have to report back after you’ve read the book and had time to implement some strategy. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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Hi Keri, I love this concept! Thank you for reviewing it. I’m going to add the book to my list of must reads. I think any business owner can, and should, benefit from the principles outlined! Monyelle
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Monyelle, Thank you for your enthusiasm – I appreciate your words! The book is a good one, and I know you will be happy with your reading experience. Would be interested to hear your thoughts once you finish. Great to see your smile, ~Keri
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I am also a victim of 2008 recession, and didn’t know what business will I choose at that time since I don’t have experience handling business, but then I came across this networking and still struggling but I am very thankful for the informative posts I am reading like your’s.
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Mark, Thank you for sharing your situation. Social networks are always changing, so you should feel comfortable that there are others just like you with questions! 🙂 You seem to have put a nice website together, and are jumping in to network and make yourself visible. That, is something unaccomplished by a great many out there. Consider yourself on the right road! Please feel free to ask questions about anything you see on my website – I am most happy to answer and offer what help I can. Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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I live in a town of 1000 and the authors of the book got it right. Thank you for your insight too. We are thriving and there seems to be somewhat of a rebellion against traveling 4-5 hours to Denver / Lincoln / Omaha to shop or eat out now a days. Not only that but our unemployment rate in Nebraska runs below the national average. We have a work ethic and a sense of community that is rarely found in larger metro areas. Just a bit of a personal note: I have seen your posts on facebook and twitter for a while now. Today, your post got my attention so I clicked on the link. That lead me to follow you on Pinterest and pin your website to my “Favorite Blogs and Websites” board. Now to really peruse your website and glean from your wisdom.
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Rheda, I’m genuinely thrilled that you have found my words and materials helpful and inspiring — I’m honored to be part of your Favorite Blogs and Websites board!! 🙂 It is great to hear you have a community – region really – that has taken to the “buy local” concept. From what you are saying, this serves you ALL well. So appreciative that you can verify what is said in the book, and what it’s principles could bring! Thank you for clicking and pinning — And for sharing your thoughts!! Can’t wait to explore your site and Pinterest… ~Keri
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Hi Keri Networking has been on my mind of late and there’s much in the small town rules that could also be applied to effective networking – be friendly, honest, watch out for each other, play and celebrate together. What a contrast that would be to the type of networking that is rife – which is focussing on where the next referral is coming from? Mi
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Mi, Thank you for reading, and sharing your thoughts. I also appreciate your G+ share! 🙂 Networking is important – Yes, for referrals. But more important is the relationship and what can come long-term if we invest in it. I too am thinking about this, and hope to communicate with you online to see what we can figure out. Great to see your smile, ~Keri
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Great points. People who’re in the habit of taking everything granted would be landing in a turmoil. The economy has become more complex than it was some decades ago. These days, one should be vigilant before making a business decision that may involve lot of repercussions later.
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George, Thank you for discussing that we should not be taking anything for granted, and that our decisions should be made carefully. Thinking back on how things were 10 years ago — Yes, things are certainly different. Great bumping into you here – Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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I can’t help but smile as I was reading your post. Yes, that homey feeling that you get even in such a big place is a winner in my book. I guess our need to always feel connected and that we belong can make a lot of difference.
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Melonie, You have touched on some very good points. The feeling of connection and that we belong really does go a long way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Isn’t it great when you find a company that does it right? You’re happy, their staff are happy and the business prospers. That is indeed how to build a business the right way. Off to follow Becky McCray now! She sounds like a very sensible woman 🙂
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Kittie, You hit it right on the money — Everyone wins. All are happy. 🙂 You will like Becky – Bright, strong in her convictions, but pleasant and professional. Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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Keri, thank you so much for your kind words and for the way you adapted and applied our ideas!
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Becky, Thank you again for a great presentation with such timely, relevant information! Hope to run into you again with more to report… ~Keri
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Loved the example you wrote about. Sounds like Da Marino knows what they are doing.
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Scott, Thank you for reading, and for sharing your thoughts. Da Marino offered me a wonderful experience. From the looks of their website and social networks, it appears others feel the same. To finding more places that know what they’re doing… 🙂 ~Keri
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