Opening a new business? Please do this!

When I was considering opening a vintage store I asked so many other business owners for suggestions, ideas, input, thoughts…..and not one of those suggestions was to get involved with the city your business is located.

So, nine years ago I opened my business in a vacuum. Sure I got to know my neighbors and developed friendships with them, but not many of them were involved with the city either. My landlord, however, was very involved and kept encouraging me to get involved. You know though…life is busy and so I kept telling him one day. Well, as it goes, one day arrived and he asked if I would submit an application to serve on the Main Street. Board.

(Main Street is a national organization with a goal to maintain downtowns and ensure that cities don’t have empty storefronts)

At the same time I joined a Recruit and Retention Committee (which belongs to the Main Street Board) and I really enjoyed the people and everything I was learning. I loved getting a better understanding of how the city worked and the people who were employed by the city.

And because on that one day when my landlord asked for my application :) the current mayor stopped by and asked if I was interested in serving on the board. Yes. And so I was appointed to serve on the board. We are four years later and I have just been reappointed for another four years. Over the past four years I served as the secretary, and I am in my second year as board chair.

Overall, it has been a learning curve, a lot of hours, a few issues and the hiring of a new executive director. And I’m really thankful to have gotten involved. It has helped me better understand how my business fits with the city, the things I can/cannot do. My immediate neighborhood meetings monthly and city staff and officials attend and help us achieve what we want to achieve.

Getting involved also is a great way to meet other business owners, who you can share and learn from, and I’ve made several really great friends in the process. I’ve had the opportunity to really get to know our city council members, the mayor and the city staff. I also was asked to serve on the interview team for the new police chief.

Working with the city you have a business in IS important. Don’t underestimate this choice.

I would also tell you being part of a Main Street organization is a gift to your city. (https://www.miplace.org/programs/michigan-main-street/)

In closing ….if you open a business my advice is to get involved with that city. :)