Networking Strategies for a Small Rural Community

Building a network in a small rural community can seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you are a student, a local business owner, or a resident looking to make connections, there are several effective strategies to consider. In this article, we explore how to effectively meet and engage with new friends and build a meaningful personal network in your rural town.

Engaging Actively in Community Activities

One of the primary ways to meet new friends and establish a local presence is by participating in activities that align with your interests. Joining a community college, attending church, and showing up for local events can significantly increase your opportunities for meeting new people. Additionally, being proactive in your workplace and showing your friendliness can also lead to valuable connections.

For example, a friendly gesture such as inviting someone over for drinks or to your house can be a simple yet effective way to break the ice and build a stronger relationship. As Pete Machalek wisely pointed out, these interactions can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

Getting to Know Your Community

Your first goal as you work towards building a network in a smaller town is to get people to know you. In a small community, this can often require a more proactive approach. Similar to the way politicians might engage with constituents, you should aim to meet people face-to-face and introduce yourself.

The 3-Foot Rule, proposed by David Sandler, encourages you to reach out to anyone within 3 feet and introduce yourself. This technique can be surprisingly effective and get easier with practice. The key is consistency and authenticity in your approach.

Your first goal is to get people to know you. Be aware of you. In a small town, I highly recommend acting like a politician and ‘pressing the flesh’. Many financial advisors, for example, are required to meet people in their town face-to-face for six months before calling them. Why? Because they want to build personal connections and establish themselves in the community.

Positioning Yourself for Success

Your second goal is to help people understand what you do and why you are different from others in your field. This can be effectively accomplished as you meet new people. Share your experiences and how you can help others in your community.

The WHO/WHAT Approach: Identify your target audience (WHO) and the benefits they can gain (WHAT) from working with you. For instance, a coach might say, "I help trial lawyers win more cases than their competition," or a consultant might state, "I help other coaches and advisors get more clients and earn more money." Clearly defining your unique value proposition will help you stand out in your community.

Building Trust through Competence and Follow-Up

To become a trusted and preferred member of your community, you need to demonstrate your competence and follow up on your interactions. Highlighting your success stories and how your expertise has helped others can build trust. Consistent communication, both in relevance and respect, is key.

People like to talk about two kinds of people: screw-ups and successes. You want to be in the success category. This means you must be approachable and follow up with people to remind them of situations where your expertise has been helpful.

A follow-up campaign can be a powerful tool to keep in touch with the people in your community. Regular, relevant communication can turn acquaintances into trusted allies and potential clients. As the saying goes, 'people talk about the people they know, like, and trust.'

Conclusion

Building a network in a small rural community requires effort, but the benefits are immense. By engaging in community activities, introducing yourself to new people, positioning yourself clearly, and consistently following up, you can establish a strong personal network. When you become a trusted and respected member of your community, life will indeed be sweeter.