The Mistakes You Make When You Start a Business - Do NOT neglect your local audience !

When I first started my business, I had a grand vision. With all the connections I’ve made across the globe, I thought to myself, "The world is my oyster!" I was confident that offering my services internationally would be a breeze. I had the mindset that bigger was always better. However, after a while, I came to an important realization: I was focusing so much on the global audience that I was neglecting the very people around me—my local community.

So, I made a bold decision: I decided to close my app and website (MyShiftUp) and shift my focus to what truly makes me thrive: my local community, retreats and packaged holidays and Solar Alegria. And here’s the pleasant surprise: not only am I doing incredibly well, but I’ve also built a strong, loyal client base. Even better, I am spending less on marketing, and I have little to no competition!

You might be thinking, "The countryside? Meh!" But here's the thing—my clients here are incredibly loyal. They attend classes two to three times a week, actively engage, and share their experiences with others. This has led to a steady influx of new attendees each week. In fact, my yoga room is getting too small, and my massage spots are becoming increasingly rare. The word-of-mouth marketing is real, and it’s incredibly powerful.

The Power of Local Communities

In the past, I believed that focusing on distant audiences would open doors to more opportunities. However, I’ve learned that there’s something special about your local community. They’re the ones who can become your most dedicated supporters. They’re not just clients; they’re the lifeblood of your business. When you nurture that local connection and offer personalized, high-quality services, word spreads, and growth happens naturally.

Retreats and Collaborations

One of the most exciting developments at Solar Alegria this year is the addition of incredible retreats. And guess what? 30% of these retreats are hosted by amazing Portuguese practitioners, just like me, who are also growing their international presence. What I’ve learned is that collaborating with like-minded individuals, especially locally, is a true win-win. It’s not just about expanding your reach; it’s about creating partnerships that benefit both parties.

Working with these talented practitioners has not only strengthened our community at Solar Alegria, but it’s also made the process of growing our business less isolating. The collaboration is thriving, and the results are showing.

The Lesson

Yes, you may have a global mindset and you′re growing internationally, but sometimes the best place to grow your audience is right where you are. The focus should be on doing what you do best and nurturing the relationships with the people around you. The growth you seek may not always be across oceans (even if this happening nicely but requires a lot more efforts)—it might be right around the corner.

I’m not saying to abandon international ambitions again as we have international retreats and soon a massive photography holiday planned with an incredible International photographer and lots of partnerships. But it’s important to strike a balance and remember that local connections are just as valuable, if not more. By focusing on where you truly thrive and offering exceptional services to those closest to you, you’ll create a foundation for long-term success.

Conclusion: Focus, Grow, and Thrive Locally

If you’re looking to revitalize your business, remember: growing locally can lead to greater, more authentic success. It’s a powerful lesson I’ve learned and one that I wish I had embraced earlier. So, whether you're thinking of starting a business or reevaluating your current one, take the time to nurture your local community. They’ll support you, trust you, and help you build a thriving business with real, long-lasting connections.

Check out our retreats and activities at Solar Alegria If you're looking for a peaceful getaway, come visit us for a holiday or retreat. Relax, connect with nature, and our dedicated team will take care of the rest. You can find more information on our website: www.solaralegria.com.