Introduction to the Connect Locally Series

Many businesses are using social media tools such as Facebook to promote their business and connect with potential customers. Perhaps you are one of those businesses.  In your goal of taking your business to the next level (worldwide and beyond), don’t forget to connect and support your local businesses and community organizations.   This is important for a number of reasons, including the following:

1. To Identify potential partnerships with local organizations.
2. To Share information and resources relevant to members of your community.
3. To Support your community businesses and organizations.  According to the SBA Office of Advocacy, Small local businesses are the largest employers in the U.S. and employ just over half of U.S. workers.  
4. To Gain more local exposure by becoming an active member of your business community.  You can be one of a million businesses selling widgets nationwide or one in ten well known Widget sellers in your community.
5. To Learn of local events and potential sponsorship opportunities for your business.

There are many other reasons, from both a consumer and business standpoint, to ensure that you’re connecting online with your local businesses.   Periodically, I will highlight my favorite local (Richmond, VA) Facebook and Twitter pages.  I encourage you to do the same for your area either on your own site(s) or in the comments area. Feel free to share your list of Favorite Local businesses on Facebook for your area. Even if you’re not located in the Richmond, VA area, study the following pages for tips & ideas on using social media to engage your community.

FEATURING … Five Facebook Business Pages that Richmonders Should Know About

1. MEDIA - RVA Magazine

RVA Magazine offers a unique perspective on life in Richmond, VA. You won’t find run-of-the-mill content here. The bio states that they are “a local, independent publication in Richmond, VA. Our humble little rag puts out 5,000 copies a month with a 100% pickup rate, usually within the first seven days.”
URL: http://www.facebook.com/RVAMAG

2. FOR THE CONNOISSEUR -  Wine and Beer Westpark

If you’re a fan of beer and wine, you definitely want to follow Wine and Beer Westpark. They keep it simple. It’s all about beer and wine. I love the fact that they seem to have a loyal local following and very engaged readership on Facebook. They are also very active in terms of events hosted at their location. They’ve incorporated the use of media, specifically photos, very well on their Facebook page.
URL: http://www.facebook.com/WineandBeerWestpark

3. THE ARTS - Richmond Center Stage

Everyone is excited about the opening of Richmond CenterStage, the region’s new performing arts complex located in the heart of downtown Richmond. Find some downtime and visit the center. This is important in ensuring that the Richmond CenterStage can continue to bring the best talent to the area, as well as for ongoing economic development in the downtown area. The CenterStage’s Facebook page includes awesome photos of the venue, as well as updated information on upcoming activities.
URL: http://www.facebook.com/richmondcenterstage

4.  COMMUNITY PAGE –  Downtown Shortpump

OK, as a resident of this community, perhaps I’m a bit biased. But this page lives up to its mission which states “We are the number one source for news, events, and more in the Far West End of Richmond, Virginia.” Trevor Dickerson, Founder & Managing Editor, has done a stellar job in creating a community Facebook page that serves its members. The content is focused. They’ve included the use of media well, specifically video and photos. This is the page where I obtain news about my community that doesn’t make the local television news. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are clearly stated on the information tab. If you’re not a community resident, take a note of how you can create tightly focused content for your audience.
URL: http://www.facebook.com/downtownshortpump

5.  SMALL/FAMILY BUSINESS - Pino’s Pizza Italian Family Restaurant

Everything from the page profile picture to the messages on the wall demonstrates why this establishment has been open in Richmond since 1984. Even if you don’t like pizza, you can learn from a bit from their Facebook page. If you have customers, this is how you want your page to look. The wall is filled with testimonials of satisfied customers, new & old.
URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Richmond/Pinos-Pizza-Italian-Family-Restaurant-Richmond-VA/177966967952?v=wall&ref=search