Making Your Mark in the Community: Leveraging Events for Business Growth

Small businesses often overlook the potential of local events as a powerful platform for growth. Whether it’s a larger-scale industry conference or a neighborhood block party, these gatherings offer unique opportunities to connect with your target audience and build brand awareness.

Pre-Event Engagement:

Strategic Event Selection: Identify events that align with your target market and business goals. Consider factors like attendee demographics, event size, and overall atmosphere. Want to know what’s coming up in town? The staff at the Chamber can help! Stop in and talk to the Visitor Center staff, take a look at posters on our walls, and check the online events calendar.
Social Media Blitz: Leverage platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram to create buzz around the event using relevant hashtags. Share valuable content related to the conference or event theme, positioning your business as an industry expert. Consider joining some community groups and sharing your posts there.
Targeted Advertising: Use online advertising platforms to reach potential attendees based on their interests and demographics. Highlight your unique value and offer exclusive pre-event deals. A Facebook ad can reach a huge number of people in the Cody area for as little as $25.

Maximizing Your Event Presence:

On-Site Interaction: While a physical booth may not be feasible, aim for face-to-face interactions. Attend sessions, network with attendees, and distribute informative materials.
Volunteer and Participate: Get involved in activities to demonstrate your commitment to the event and build relationship. People like to do business with people they know.
Host a Satellite Event: Organize a small, exclusive event or workshop related to the conference or event theme. Invite attendees and leverage the opportunity to showcase your expertise and build relationships.
Leverage Local Media: Pitch a story to local media about your business and its connection to the conference or event. This can generate additional exposure and attract attendees to your business.
Post-Event Follow-up: Nurture relationships built at events through email campaigns, social media engagement, and personalized outreach. Everyone loves to be remembered!

Auctioneers from Black & Associates take bids on "Cry Havoc #2," an oil painting by Julie Chapman

Leveraging Local Community Events:

Sponsor Local Events: Consider sponsoring local events to increase brand visibility and community goodwill. Think of creative sponsorships in addition to cash donations.
Partner with Other Businesses: Collaborate with complementary businesses to create joint promotions and cross-promote each other’s services. Team work makes the dream work!
Volunteer: Many community events require a team of volunteers to succeed. Do you, or a member of your staff, have a skill you could contribute? The Chamber can help you connect with the organizers of an event to see if you can volunteer. This is a great way to learn about the events and make new business connections.

To identify suitable events and maximize your participation, reach out to the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce to see what’s coming in the next month, quarter, or year. The Chamber staff can give you valuable insights into the local business landscape and can help you identify events that align with your target audience. The Chamber can also connect you with other business with the same interests so you can collaborate on your event involvement.

Cody Country is full of rich, wonderful events. So get informed, plan ahead, and start harnessing the power of local events for your business!