The Local Community and Your Business: A Network That Gives Back

The Local Community and Your Business: A Network That Gives Back

Being in a remote area of Australia, I know the importance of being an active member of the community our accommodation business is in. The people in our neck of the woods help to deliver a great experience to my clients. From the local cafes to the tour operators, we all rely on each other to ensure our businesses survive and thrive!

When we moved into the area and took over the park we manage now, we knew that we had to introduce ourselves around and build relationships with the locals to make sure they knew who we were, what we were planning and how we could help them. There are tons of ways we engage with our local community and drive a great network that our business and other businesses in the area benefit from.

Here are a few steps that you can take to engage with your community and reap the benefits from doing so.

Help Organise an Event
We have a large bit of land available. We opened it up (for a small token fee) and had a market on the grounds. This gave our clients something to do while giving our local community a place to sell items from crafts to food and a whole raft of other things. It was a great way to celebrate the town and gave us a excellent chance to interact with locals.

Sponsor an Event or Local Sports Team
Every year we donate money to an open-air cinema in town. This gives the locals something different to enjoy and allows us to engage with people who are at the heart and soul of the community. We also have a kid in town who’s a great swimmer, so we sponsor him to go to swim meets. Never underestimate the gift you can give to someone local. Small towns tend to be a close-knit community so offering help where you can will always pay back.

Never Underestimate the Power of a BBQ
When we first arrived in town, we sent out word for people to come to the park and enjoy a BBQ. People love a free feed, and the best way to engage with your local community is over a beer and a snag. It sets a casual pace for you to chat and get to know people in your community.

The community around you and the sites your park are near to can be a winning combination to help drive people to your accommodation business. At the end of the day, you’re all in it together. The more you support that network, the more it gives back.