Briisi Africa’s Post

Given our collective efforts to strengthen downtown, we want to emphasize the reasons why your involvement with the DBA is crucial. Join us and be part of the momentum! Together, we can achieve more for our downtown community. Joining the Downtown Business Association is a crucial step toward cultivating a more robust and dynamic downtown community. Here are several key benefits that businesses can gain by becoming members: ◾ Networking Opportunities: Membership provides ample chances to connect with local businesses, potential customers, and community stakeholders. These connections often lead to collaborations, partnerships, and increased visibility. ◾ Advocacy and Representation: Through collective action, the association can advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit downtown businesses. Members gain a stronger voice in addressing issues like infrastructure improvements, safety concerns, and regulatory changes. ◾ Marketing and Promotion: The association organizes events, campaigns, and activities to drive foot traffic downtown. Members can leverage these initiatives to enhance visibility and attract more customers. ◾ Professional Development: Many associations offer workshops, seminars, and training sessions to help members improve skills and stay current with industry trends. This ongoing development is crucial for business growth and sustainability. ◾ Community Engagement: Membership facilitates active engagement with the local community, fostering goodwill and providing insights into customer needs and preferences. ◾ Collaborative Opportunities: Collaboration among members can lead to innovative projects, shared resources, and mutually beneficial partnerships. Businesses working together can achieve more than they could individually. In conclusion, joining the Downtown Business Association is a strategic decision that offers numerous advantages for businesses seeking success in a downtown environment. From networking and advocacy to marketing support and professional development, association membership plays a pivotal role in enhancing individual business outcomes and the overall vitality of the downtown area.

In the rush to perfect content and logistics, it’s easy to overlook community building. But when attendees leave your event feeling connected, they’re more likely to engage, spread the word, and return. Here are common missed opportunities—and tips to turn them into wins: ➞ Skipping Over New Attendees First-timers often feel like outsiders. A simple mixer or pairing them with “event ambassadors” can break the ice. 💡 Tip: Host a “First Timers’ Breakfast” so they can meet others in the same situation. ➞ Overlooking Peer-to-Peer Learning Attendees want to learn from each other, not just speakers. Create spaces on the expo floor for discussions and roundtables. 💡 Tip: Add “Learning Hubs” for small group sharing around specific topics. ➞ Neglecting Small Group Networking Large networking events can feel overwhelming, especially for introverts. 💡 Tip: Offer small-group meetups, like speed networking or “coffee chats,” to create more intimate connections. ➞ Dismissing Off-Hour Opportunities Engagement doesn’t have to stop at 5pm. Many connections happen during casual, off-hour moments. 💡 Tip: Plan informal evening activities like walking tours or trivia nights to spark deeper connections for those who don’t want to network at happy hours. ➞ Ignoring Local Culture Attendees often want a sense of place, but events sometimes fail to reflect the local area. 💡 Tip: Incorporate local food, art, or entertainment to make the event more memorable and culturally connected. Community building isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s at the core of what in-person events are about. Conference organizers, check out this post from friend and collaborator Denise Cannon to see her take on missed opportunities. https://lnkd.in/g889w9hn

🔦𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘: 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 A Facebook Group is an online community within Facebook where people with shared interests or goals come together to communicate, share content, and interact. Here are some insights into how they work and their potential: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 1. Privacy Options: Public: Anyone can see the group, its members, and posts. Private (Visible): Non-members can see the group name and description but not the posts. Private (Hidden): Only members know the group exists. 2. Engagement Tools: Polls, events, live videos, and multimedia posts encourage participation. Admins can pin announcements, moderate discussions, and schedule posts. 3. Customization: Group topics, tags, rules, and description help define its purpose. Group badges highlight member roles (e.g., Admin, New Member, Top Contributor). 4. Analytics: Admins can access "Group Insights" to track growth, engagement, and member activity. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 1. Community Building: Groups foster a sense of belonging and facilitate meaningful interactions. 2. Targeted Reach: They attract specific audiences based on shared interests. 3. Enhanced Engagement: Discussions in groups often feel more personal, leading to higher interaction rates than pages. 4. Content Sharing: A space to share niche content, exclusive offers, or resources. 5. Networking Opportunities: Members can collaborate, connect, or find business opportunities. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 1. Brand Loyalty: Create a group for loyal customers to offer support, collect feedback, and share updates. 2. Lead Generation: Use the group to establish expertise and attract potential customers. 3. Community Support: Offer value by helping members solve problems or discuss relevant topics. 4. Promotions: Share promotions or events exclusively with group members. 5. Market Research: Observe conversations to identify trends and customer needs.

Community building is no longer a luxury. It’s essential for the growth of your business. Does the process seem daunting? Overwhelming? The truth is that building a strong community for your business is simpler than you think. Avoid: ← Focusing only on selling and neglecting the customer experience. ← Trying to attract everyone instead of a specific group. ← Ignoring member feedback and failing to provide value. Instead: → Define your community’s purpose and dream outcome. → Engage with members regularly and create value. → Build a roadmap that guides members to success. → Create opportunities for meaningful interaction. Focus on these strategies for the first 1-3 months: 1. Identify your community’s purpose. ↳ Reflect on what outcome you want for your members and what value you provide them. 2. Create a clear onboarding process. ↳ Ensure members know what to expect from the beginning and have a clear path to follow. 3. Engage your members with valuable content. ↳ Offer guides, discussions, events, and opportunities for learning and growth. 4. Foster active community participation. ↳ Encourage feedback, create spaces for members to connect, and recognize achievements. 5. Provide consistent support and follow-ups. ↳ Regular check-ins, structured events, and a team member dedicated to client success will keep engagement high and churn low. P.S. Remember, community building is a journey, not a destination. Stay focused, provide value, and enjoy the process. P.P.S. If you don't want to deal with it yourself & are looking for a shortcut, feel free to DM me and see if I can help. 😊

In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, organizations often find themselves vying for memberships, resources, and influence. However, fostering social capital through strategic networking and collaboration can turn potential rivals into allies, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes. Business organizations like chambers of commerce and affinity groups play a crucial role in building this social capital, enhancing the resilience and growth of their members and the broader community. My own personal experience both participating on boards of my local chamber of commerce as well as an affinity group (women business owners) and as members of both and other organizations, gives me the unique perspective on both sides. Why a member joins and stays and what the organization can do to facilitate that!  As a marketing expert, it does get lost in the marketing shuffle for a business owner of why they should join groups and spend time networking and participating. The first thing I hear is "but the cost"! What is the cost of NOT joining is what these business owners should ask!  This article shows both sides..why organizations should align and not just compete and why business owners should participate....read the full blog:https://lnkd.in/ghCXQepP #goldenstatemarketing #marketing #marketingstrategy #socialcapital #businessnetworking

To which community do you belong? The Power of Community: A Game Changer in Every Sphere In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, the concept of community holds more significance than ever. Whether in personal endeavors or professional pursuits, being a part of a community can be a game changer in myriad ways. Let's delve into why being a community member is invaluable across all domains, including the dynamic realm of business. 1. Support and Collaboration One of the most profound benefits of community membership is the support and collaboration it fosters. Within a community, individuals bond to share knowledge, offer guidance, and lend a helping hand. This collaborative environment will accelerate personal growth and fuel innovation and problem-solving in the business landscape. 2. Networking Opportunities Communities serve as fertile grounds for networking, enabling individuals to connect with like-minded peers, industry experts, and potential collaborators or clients. Whether through online forums, professional associations, or local meetups, these connections can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and career advancement. 3. Learning and Skill Enhancement Engaging with a community provides access to resources, including workshops, seminars, and educational materials. Through shared experiences and knowledge exchange, members can enhance their skills, stay abreast of industry trends, and gain valuable insights that can drive success in both personal and professional endeavors. 4. Emotional Well-being Belonging to a community provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being. Whether celebrating successes, seeking advice during challenging times, or simply having a support system to lean on, the bonds formed within a community contribute to overall happiness and fulfillment. In conclusion, being a community member cannot be overstated. Whether it's for personal growth, professional advancement, or business success, the benefits of community membership are far-reaching. Creating and nurturing a thriving community, individuals and organizations can tap into a powerful network of support, collaboration, and opportunity. #CommunityMatters #Networking #Collaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessSuccess

In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, organizations often find themselves vying for memberships, resources, and influence. However, fostering social capital through strategic networking and collaboration can turn potential rivals into allies, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes. Business organizations like chambers of commerce and affinity groups play a crucial role in building this social capital, enhancing the resilience and growth of their members and the broader community. My own personal experience both participating on boards of my local chamber of commerce as well as an affinity group (women business owners) and as members of both and other organizations, gives me the unique perspective on both sides. Why a member joins and stays and what the organization can do to facilitate that!  As a marketing expert, it does get lost in the marketing shuffle for a business owner of why they should join groups and spend time networking and participating. The first thing I hear is "but the cost"! What is the cost of NOT joining is what these business owners should ask!  This article shows both sides..why organizations should align and not just compete and why business owners should participate....read the full blog:https://lnkd.in/g83X87Tg #goldenstatemarketing #marketing #marketingstrategy #socialcapital #businessnetworking

Joining a local directory that promotes independent businesses can be highly beneficial for both the small businesses themselves and the local community seeking reliable recommendations. Here’s a breakdown of how it serves both parties: Benefits for Small Businesses Increased Visibility Targeted Audience Community Trust SEO Boost Networking Opportunities Cost-Effective Marketing Reviews and Recommendations Advantages for Local People Trusted Recommendations: Residents looking for dependable services or unique shopping experiences can rely on the directory's curated list. The businesses included are often vetted or recommended by other community members, providing a higher level of trust. Supporting Local Economy: By using the directory, locals can more easily contribute to the local economy, keeping money within the community and fostering local development. Convenience: The directory serves as a one-stop resource, saving residents time and effort in searching for reliable local businesses. It can include everything from restaurants and shops to service providers like plumbers or pet groomers. Discovering Hidden Gems: A well-maintained directory can introduce locals to new or lesser-known businesses they may not have found otherwise, enriching their experience of their own community. Personalised Experiences: Independent businesses often offer more personalised, unique, and high-quality service compared to larger chains. Using a local directory helps residents discover businesses that align with their values and preferences. Community Engagement: The directory can also highlight community events, special offers and seasonal promotions from listed businesses, helping locals stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in their area. This means that for small businesses, joining a local directory provides a platform to gain exposure, credibility, and meaningful customer connections. Meanwhile, for residents, the directory serves as a trusted guide to discovering quality, local options while contributing positively to the local economy and culture. This symbiotic relationship enhances the vibrancy and resilience of the local community. https://lnkd.in/epjSJHVv

Talentserve 🤝🌟 Building Bridges: Connecting with Our Community 🌐🚀 Hello, LinkedIn community! 👋 Today, we're diving into the heart of what makes this platform so special: community. Join us as we explore the power of connection, collaboration, and camaraderie in driving personal and professional growth. 🌟💼 🌍 Uniting Across Borders: One of the most remarkable aspects of LinkedIn is its ability to bring together professionals from all corners of the globe. Whether you're in New York or Nairobi, London or Lima, this platform serves as a virtual meeting place where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are shared, and friendships are formed. Let's celebrate the diversity of our community and embrace the richness of global collaboration. 🌏🤝 👥 Fostering Meaningful Connections: At its core, LinkedIn is a platform for building relationships—both online and offline. From connecting with industry peers to engaging with thought leaders and mentors, every interaction holds the potential to inspire, educate, and empower. Let's prioritize quality over quantity and foster genuine connections that add value to our professional lives. 💬❤️ 🚀 Empowering Each Other's Success: Success is rarely achieved in isolation. By supporting and uplifting one another, we amplify our collective impact and pave the way for mutual growth and prosperity. Whether it's sharing insights, offering mentorship, or championing each other's achievements, let's be catalysts for positive change within our community. 🌟💪 📣 Amplifying Diverse Voices: Our community is strongest when it reflects the rich tapestry of human experience. Let's actively seek out and amplify diverse voices, perspectives, and stories that might otherwise go unheard. By embracing inclusivity and fostering a culture of belonging, we create a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. 🌈✨ 🎓 Learning and Growing Together: Lifelong learning is at the core of our community ethos. Whether it's sharing industry insights, discussing emerging trends, or seeking advice on professional challenges, let's leverage the collective wisdom of our network to support each other's continuous growth and development. Together, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible. 📚🌱 🌟 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements: Every success—big or small—is worth celebrating. Whether it's landing a new job, launching a business, or hitting a career milestone, let's come together as a community to cheer each other on and share in each other's triumphs. Your success is our success, and together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. 🎉🥂 So, dear members of our LinkedIn community, let's continue to build bridges, foster connections, and create a supportive ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can achieve greatness. 🌟🤝 #CommunityConnections #LinkedInFamily #TogetherWeRise 🚀 #Talentserve

Do you prefer to connect or experience true connectedness?? Have you ever contemplated the difference? I hadn’t really thought about it until… Last Monday, during the solar eclipse… while caring for my Mother on her journey of transition. To be clear… Getting contact info from someone is not making a connection. True connection is having a  2-way conversation… Rooted in Relational Networking… To learn from and about someone to build lasting and authentic relationship. Even IF you have known someone your whole life… Like my Mom… There is always more to learn from and about them. Connections can be explained… But true connectedness can only be experienced Here’s what I mean… My husband and I have seen partial eclipses…. So we were expecting a similar experience this past Monday… Mistake #1: Prejudging My husband was kinda “meh” about it… As a caregiver, I know life is too short… We were in the path of totality, so I felt we needed to check it out… So we stepped outside my Mom’s house to witness the eclipse while she slept. Mistake #2: Not knowing what we were saying “No” to Luckily, we didn’t make this mistake because we did say yes to watching it… But it could have easily gone the other way! We sat outside and took the whole experience in… I say experience because this touched on ALL of our senses. Totality was BEYOND anything we could have imagined. At the point of totality… You could hear the gasps and cheers from every neighbor… You could smell the flowers that bloom at night… It was quiet… All birds had stopped flying and chirping… It was dark… It was significantly cooler… We could look at totality without glasses… AND It was magical… AND Spiritual! We allowed totality to “eclipse” anything and everything holding us back… To step into the future… To step into the light… As the sun started to shine again. THIS was an experience like no other… There are NO words to explain it. And that is the difference between connection and connectedness. Connectedness is an experience that starts with a connection All of us watching the eclipse were connected by this singular event… But only those who experienced totality experienced true connectedness. You can see a partial eclipse… But you experience totality! In that “ah-ha” moment, I realized why I struggle to find the right words… To explain our Down and Dirty Networking Conversations and Connections… I can’t... Because it is something you need to experience!! The funny thing is… The Eclipse glasses used were from a book I bought in August 2017. The book explains an eclipse, its history, and totality. I recall reading it and thinking this sounds neat… But now, AFTER experiencing totality… They NAILED it!! So…don’t Prejudge; say NO, and ROB yourself of an experience that could provide the joy of true connectedness. You'll be glad you did! Drop "me" in comments if you want to experience connectedness for yourself.