Spark Ideas that Grow Your Business by Strolling Your Neighborhood

Clearing your mind of the day to day while taking in fresh air is always a good idea. But you might be surprised how many valuable business ideas you’ll pick up on—whether you’re a solopreneur or heading the division of a multi-national corporation—just by looking beyond your own proverbial backyard.

Gathering Cues

Granted, the Oakland neighborhood where I live and work in the San Francisco Bay Area is fairly unique. Yet, no matter where you are located, almost every community contains lessons that keen eyes kept wide open will reveal. Paying close attention while taking a walk nearby can inspire your business in ways which might surprise you.

My recent adventure started with a jaunt around Lake Merritt. Amid the joggers, dog walkers, egrets, and pelicans all attracted to this Oakland gem's brackish waters is another not-all-that-uncommon species these days: entrepreneurs—some who have freely chosen this direction, and others who were forced into operating a small business as a sideline or to replace former income they lost as a result of the pandemic. Folding tables displaying merchants’ wares dot the main pathway around the lake in clusters, where they can attract the best foot traffic.

On my way around the 3.2-mile perimeter loop, I see a glint reflecting the sunlight overhead. It emanates from the tables of a woman, dressed in a dashiki, presenting healing crystals neatly arranged on a white lace tablecloth.

As I approach, she is engaged in conversation with a customer, advising her of the healing attributes of different semi-precious stones. I stop for a moment to watch the interchange between businesswoman and customer. She is attentive and informative; describing the features of her various products and the unique properties they each imbue.

My eyes spot a hand-lettered chalkboard sign amid her display; it reads, "Good Energy 4 Sale."

As I walk away, I realize just how very true and universal the message this entrepreneur has scrolled really is. All of us in business are, first and foremost, involved in selling "good energy." No matter which market sector we cater to, customers demonstrate their preference for doing business with companies that pay them special attention, respect them, and offer products and services to solve their problems or improve their sense of wellbeing.

Taking Initiative

I leave the lake and begin making my way back home. Not three blocks from my house, I come upon a homemade sign posted eye-level by the sidewalk.

Skye, one of the neighborhood kids, has recognized the limitations Covid-19 presents her. (Perhaps doorbells aren't answered as freely as they once were.) She either is no longer comfortable with, or successful at, going door to door taking orders for Girl Scouts Cookies? in the midst of new pandemic variants.

Demonstrating a true sense of entrepreneurial spirit, this young scout has found another way to direct attention to her cause and further her chance of selling cookies—possibly even qualifying her to win big prizes. To her credit, our young neighbor has enlisted technology—in this case, QR codes—to bring prospects to her!

Being resourceful has enabled Skye to make the best of the situation. Her initiative demonstrates a willingness to recognize obstacles and thrive despite them, even in the face of change.

These are but two examples I've cited from what otherwise might have been a mundane neighborhood stroll. Both demonstrate important lessons of meeting customers right where they are—physically, psychologically, or both.

Beyond the obvious health benefits of walking, I'd encourage you to get in the habit of making your way around your neighborhood or office area on a regular basis. You never know what lessons you might stumble upon which provide new insight for propelling your venture forward on the right path. This small investment of time might just lead to big returns … for you and your business!

___________________________________________________________________

Moss Kardener heads OnStrategy Consultants, an Oakland-based firm specializing in strategy development, positioning, and brand marketing for small and mid-size product and service businesses. Reach him directly at +1 (510) 499-9697 or by email at [email protected].