It Takes a Community to Build a Business

If you have a good relationship with your customer, the business process flows that much more smoothly. - Richard Pratt

Many business owners begin as sole proprietors. They work long hours, handling every detail of their business. They quickly become overwhelmed, as the weight of providing the best possible service increases on a daily basis.
What these business owners fail to realize is that even if they are their only employee, the business cannot succeed in a vacuum. Your friends, associates, and customers will all play an important part in your success. The more connections you make with these people, the more your business will grow.
One way to make these connections is by sending out cards to everyone in your address book. These cards can celebrate your grand opening, and invite everyone to explore your new business venture. When your business is just beginning, seeing friendly faces that you have known for years will make the process that much smoother.
You need not limit yourself to your own celebrations. Communities have their own special occasions where cards may be appropriate. Fairs, graduations, and back-to-school time are all ideal times to send your congratulatory cards. The successes of the community can become your successes, when you show your customers that you care about what is going on in their lives.
Even if you are unsure of which people celebrate which occasions, you can still send them a card. For example, when it is graduation time, send a card to thank everyone for their support of the local school system. This way, your customers understand that you care about them, and that you are an active part of your community.
Building these kinds of relationships will greatly improve your business. Customers will remember your involvement in their lives for years to come.