As I have been talking with companies to schedule Business After Hours or Rise n’ Shine networking sessions in 2025, it is gratifying to hear how many businesses are interested in sharing their stories at these events.
Telling your story is an important element of success for a business. Granted, for most businesses, the people who show up at a networking event may not be your direct customers, but as they share what they learn about your business with others, your message gets to many potential customers. Building familiarity and awareness of your business and story is positive, no matter who hears it, because people tend to share stories.
Even attending a networking event is a chance to tell your story, admittedly on a smaller scale. As you greet people, you have a chance to tell or refresh your story about who you are, what your business does, and ‘why’ you are in business. I know of several local businesspeople who, armed with a stack of business cards and a good pithy story of who they are, have managed to raise the profile of their business.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact me here or at the Partnership offices. There are still months available to host a Rise n’ Shine or a Business After Hours, but they are filling up quickly.
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Stephenson County Business Climate Survey
In another way to tell your story, there is still a chance to fill out our 2024 Business Climate Survey. The survey will close on Thursday, October 31. If you haven’t done so yet please take a few minutes to fill out the survey today! You can find the survey here. A summary of the results will be shared in a future newsletter.
Bill Clow is the Business Engagement Director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. He can be reached at bclow@greaterfreeport.com or 815-233-1353.
