Photo of @nataliekovarik by @kassidymcconville

Written by Jan Johnson
Co-founder and Writer with Trailblazher Magazine

The past year has been filled with lots of unexpected changes for small businesses. If you’re a rural business you’ve likely been evaluating how you need to adapt your operation or offerings to move forward on solid footing. Let’s look at a few things you need to consider, as well as some actions you can take to grow forward with confidence, charting a path that keeps you profitable. 

Here are some key trends happening now:

• People are longing to get back to basics, to the land and to the traditions of days gone by – to add some comfort and normalcy back into their lives so they can feel grounded again.
• Rural tourism will grow as people will ‘staycation’ more and look for off-highway adventures within a few hours’ drive from their homes. 
• Rural entrepreneurs hold the opportunity right now to provide unique home-grown, hand-made, locally produced and sourced goods, services and experiences – both in-person and online.  

To help you grow and sustain your rural business, here is a TOP FIVE TIPS list:  

1. Be willing to help people in new ways beyond what you’ve always done or always supplied. This is not the time to dig your heels into the dirt. It’s time to change-up your offerings or evolve what they could become. 
2. Focus on what people need and want now – not what they used to need and want. What other add-ons could you deliver or how could you tweak your products, services or experiences that would provide a deeper value?
3. If you don’t have a strong online presence, it’s definitely time to take this step. Having a virtual business presence will help more people connect with you and give them insider information into what your business is about. 
4. Think about who your best clients are; make a list and reach out to them to find out if you can help them in some way right now. Listen well and be open to providing unexpected/new services for them. 
5. Ask yourself, what could you deliver virtually that is new, better or more streamlined? Something you have never considered possible before? Do you have some capability, knowledge or deliverable that you could provide on-line?

Change always brings new opportunities and often means letting go of your previous expectations. It means being willing to see where you can apply your creativity and knowledge in new ways. Remember, you were made for times like this… you’re a Trailblazher!

Written by Jan Johnson

Have you ever thought of joining a like-minded community of rural women in business? Our Trailblazher Business Membership is a dynamic, online community built by rural women, for rural women with the sole purpose of making lasting connections and experiencing accelerated personal and business growth – together! With so many great features like monthly Guest Expert Masterclasses, collective brainstorming sessions, personal wellbeing chats and more! We encourage you to take a minute to check it out, it could be the missing piece to your business success! More info HERE.