Connecting with Businesses & their Customers
Local Business Engagement
In this course, we will be covering local business engagement. This includes how to connect with local businesses, what types of businesses to look for, and how you can introduce your business. So let’s dive in!
Connecting With Businesses
In this section, we will go over how to connect with businesses whose clients need a delivery. Let’s go over the different sorts of businesses to look out for within your area such as:
Boutique shops, such as a skin care shop or clothing
Bakeries or restaurants
Mom & pop stores, such as family-owned pet stores or international food stores
Farmers' markets or Produce stand
Butchers or meat markets
When thinking about the different businesses in your area, it can be best to stay away from stores currently partnered with another gig app such as Instacart or Shipt. These stores may have contracts with these gigs and may be unable to utilize other delivery services while in that contract.
Introducing yourself to these potential businesses can be a challenge when you don’t know where to begin. Practicing and knowing your pitch can make it easier when the time comes, take a look at the Summary for more information on our course ‘Promote Your Business’.
Details to Remember
Businesses often care deeply about the experience their customers receive and are often supportive of locally-owned small businesses. Try not to overcomplicate it when talking about your business. Explain your pricing and service in a simple way for people to understand. Such as:
Clients will get the same shopper every time, who will learn their preferences.
Clients will pay in-store pricing and always get the receipt.
No extra fees for the restaurants or stores, as they may get with other delivery options
When speaking to a local business, you should always try to prioritize face-to-face conversations whenever possible. This can help build trust and a relationship with those at the business.
Know that becoming a delivery option for these businesses isn’t the only way they can work with you. They may be willing to post about your business within their social media (and you can do the same for them on your social media pages) or they can hang flyers or keep business cards at checkout.
Connecting with Businesses and their Delivery Needs
Local Business Engagement
Within this section, we’ll dive into the different types of businesses that may need items delivered to them and how to introduce your business.
Connecting with Businesses and their Delivery Needs
Think about the different businesses within your area such as:
Daycares may need milk and snacks or even diaper wipes delivered
Dental/Medical Offices may want their lunches delivered or donuts for the office
School district buildings may be involved with seasonal events, such as harvest festivals, or need office supplies.
Coffee stands may need bulk cups or milk.
Bakeries may need supplies for their baking such as bulk flour or sugar from a restaurant supply or wholesale store.
Non-profit organizations often have budgets that they need to spend in order to get funding the following year.
It’s important to start where you are comfortable. Maybe you have a kid who is in daycare, this may help you know how to anticipate the business's needs in advance. If you aren’t comfortable doing large bulk orders, then delivering to a coffee shop or bakery may not be right for your business.
Details to Remember
When introducing your business, make sure to let them know what exactly your business can offer them. Such as:
You’re able to do multiple errands at multiple stores, such as local farms or food artisans. This is a huge time saver for a busy restaurant.
No membership card is needed on their end.
You can also offer to help them with events they may have going on if that is something you are interested in.
It is always best to prioritize face-to-face conversations whenever possible but letters can be ok as well.
Wrapping it up
Now that you have learned how to connect with businesses whose customers need delivery as well as connecting with businesses who may need items delivered, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and apply it to your business.
Know what sets your business apart from others, and focus on showcasing that to businesses you would like to work with.
Start to think of a few businesses you are wanting to reach out to and set a goal to reach out to at least one of them in the next week.
Continue to set goals within your business, whether small or big, to help you stay on track and move forward!
It can be hard when you take the time to reach out to businesses and they aren’t interested but don’t give up and remember, for every ‘no’ you’re one step closer to that ‘yes’! Keep reaching out to other businesses in your area. Continue building on the relationships that you’ve already started with businesses as their clientele base can be a huge source of trust and referrals for your business.