Framework

Framework for Finding Hidden Gems in Your Community

Who You Are Looking For

Where to Find Them

Pinterest – this is a search engine.
YouTube
Podcasts
Google – google your town, the towns around you, people’s names
TikTok / Reels – search your town, the towns around you, your state
Facebook – FB has really good searching options – use your laptop/desktop, not your phone and really take advantage of their search options.
Ask around. Ask, younger generations. “Do you know anyone local who has a podcast, YouTube channel, is an influencer on TikTok, or makes a product and sells it online?” Your kids are following totally different people than you are.

Understanding their needs

Creating content takes time and energy. Respect the process.
Constantly coming up with new ideas to … make people laugh, teach people a craft, tell a story, etc., is hard work that people think is easy.
They need more space to work. Think about co-working spaces, ways to get them out of their house, inexpensive office space.
Video editors
Website creators or advisors (SEO, etc)
Graphic designers
Business advice on how to scale and monetize their audience.
Understand they bring value even if you don’t understand their audience or marketplace.
Encouragement! The internet is full of haters! Be their cheerleader.

Ways to Help

Include them in the business community.
Include them in leadership training opportunities.
Use them as speakers for Lions Club, Rotary, Chamber luncheons, etc.
Give them a place to share their story, products, opportunities.
If they need financing or will need it in the future, make introductions to the local banker and help the banker understand the business model.
Connect them with other resources like SBA, someone to help them write a business plan, an accountant.
Share their stuff online like you would any new business or restaurant you discover.

Products

Who is making something and selling it online? (Jewelry, leather goods, purses, t-shirts, hats, etc.)
Talk to them. See what their needs are. See what their following is. Ask them what their long-term plans or goals are. Let them know you are a resource.
Are they ready for a permanent space? Could they go into a shared space? Could they distribute their products inside local stores?
- Example – the local boutique might sell the handmade earrings of another person if you make the introduction. It’s a win-win. The online person drives people to the boutique to buy her earrings locally. The boutique can send people to her online space to buy other items.
Would their online followers visit them in a brick-and-mortar space?
Could you help them grow their online presence if they aren’t quite ready for a brick and mortar?

Coaching Them

You might have to plant the ideas for growth.
You might have to be the one to explain to them how they could better monetize their following.
You may have to coach your board/community on why this is a low-risk project. They already have an audience. There are lower barriers to entry than traditional businesses.
Listen to their dream and the direction they want to go. Then, find ways to build your community around those ideas. If they don’t want a brick-and-mortar space, there are still opportunities to increase jobs in your community.
If they partner with you and they know they have the support of the community, they might begin to deliberately mention your town to their followers or name drop local businesses.
You will have to plant those seeds because they are busy creating content.

One last hidden weapon

There are many people working in the “gig” economy and making a full time living. They offer tech services like graphic design, social media management, website building and so much more.
These people would also like to be included in your business community. They would love to have their services promoted.
They could also need office space and help with networking to grow their business.
Don’t over look them!