There are countless businesses in your community, but how many of those would you refer to as a ‘community business?’ What is the difference between the two, and why should your business strive to add the status of 'community business' as part of your company’s identity? The following tips explain how your company can make the transition from being a generic business in the neighborhood, to becoming an integral part of the community.

Be there. Your first step should be to figure out what your city cares about. Make appearances at community events. Put a table up at local concerts. Offer free lemonade at local softball games with your logo in clear view. These are just a few examples; what's best for your business will be naturally revealed as you discover more about your community. By showing that you care, you are assimilating into the neighborhood and making a conscious effort to relate to potential customers. You will also build brand trust and recognition by being present and appearing active in the heart of the community.

Start a conversation. While doing business with your customer, ask questions to find out more about who they are. People like to feel known. It makes them feel liked, confident, and comfortable. These are three important emotions that you should want customers to experience when it comes to your business. In getting to know your client base as unique and valued individuals, your customers will quickly realize just how deeply you care about providing them with only the best services.

Connect Customers. As you discover more about your clients, think of others in your area who may be a beneficial contact for them. Ask if they know one another. If they do, they will recognize you as a member within their network, and thus as a business that aims to help and serve. Referrals are appreciated and will many times come back in the form of increased business for you by those you help. Plus, it could be considered a clever form of advertising when clients can say, “I met John through (insert your business).”

Go out of your way. Remember to do the “little things” for your customers. This makes you a friend, not merely a money-hungry business. Pay positive attention to the children and pets that will inevitably be brought into your office; offer customers a cup of coffee. How you choose to advance your customer service is not as important as it is that your delivery is ultimately genuine. Through outstanding service, customers will come to view your business as a beneficial part of the community; one they can rely on for more than simply the products or services they pay for.

Invite the neighborhood. People love to feel that they a part of something exclusive. Invite the people in your community to an event featuring special offers for locals and/or members. By occasionally limiting your best services to those who provide the most frequent business, it will make your neighborhood feel like VIP customers. Assuming your business' products and services are on par, people will return if they feel appreciated. Hold special events on a regular basis, as a recurring reminder that you consider community members important.

The way to break from being a ‘business in the community’ to a ‘community business,’ is through genuine effort. Get to get to know your customers and provide them with the best services, and assimilate into the neighborhood that your target market is proud to be a part of. If you truly care about who your business is servicing, customers will learn to trust your name. They will return to that feeling of care and trust, and thus, will return to your business time and time again.