Customer Loyalty

By Liz North, guest blogger and intern at Gold Medal

When you think about your local community and the businesses that are associated with it, what do you think of? Anyone from the Cincinnati area would instantly say Skyline or Graeters, but it’s different everywhere you go. A small town might reference the local drug store, whereas a larger city might refer to its most notable pizza place. Look at any virtually business’ history, and you’ll notice a sense of loyalty and community involvement. We all know that one place we always go to when we need to satisfy our sweet tooth. The intensity with which a community identifies itself with that particular business can be the difference between a town staple and just your average Hawaiian ice stand.

So how do you become that community staple?
1. Find a want in your community- the most successful products are items we don't need, but don’t even know we want!
2. Establish the competition.
3. Stand out from your competition! Take risks!
4. Keep them coming back for more.

If one day you find yourself in the position of entrepreneur, try to focus on building a business where you and your community have a co-dependent relationship. Find a niche, don’t play it safe and wow your audience into amazement. You may find yourself with the hottest place in town.