In our video series, Advertising for Success, we’re only just beginning to tell you all that we’ve learned about the social world of advertising. Last week, Ali told us a little about the business boom that can be created just by being a presence in your own community.

This week, as promised, he tells us about what happened with a friend of his. I invite you to watch this week’s video for story time with my good friend, Ali Reda.

Ali humbly shares with us another story of advertising success, and tells us about the best pizza in Detroit. Fredi is busy, and his business stays that way. Thanks to that city’s Instagram page, Fredi sells out of his pizza EVERY DAY! That’s what we all want, right? 

We need to be creative in our advertising methods, and luckily the network is getting wider and wider. Ali tells us that keeping advertising local is a powerful business booster. On social media and in real life, you want to be putting yourself out there for your community to know and trust. You want to be a presence, and to do that all you have to do is be yourself.

So, what can we do to grow our apple tree? 

Community is all around us. It starts in your own backyard and its reach is long. Communicate with the world just by being in it. It really is that easy. 

• Community Centers - Write a Facebook post, and call out your community center for the good work they’re doing. Be part of their mission! Volunteer, play basketball, be a tutor, a big brother or sister, and tag the other volunteers in the post.
• Local Sporting Events - Help out with fundraising, pass out Gatorade, donate to uniforms and gear. Share that epic video of the winning touchdown you got on Instagram. Cheer them on, and help your community cheer for them too!
• Charity Events - Haven’t found your charity yet? Your dealer has. Pick any of the many charities that your dealer is part of, and just show up! It means so much to people when you care for their cause. Then go to that local city page, and share your experience.
• Life Events (Weddings, Baby Showers, Funerals, Graduations, etc.) - Showing up to these life events is a tribute to these people, to their meaning, their accomplishments, to their happiness, and their grief. Leave comments of gratitude when they share their story on social media. Tell them how honored you felt to be part of it all. Showing up for them here is where it really counts.
• Inside of Your Very Own Dealership - You have a community of connection at your fingertips! Be a friend to everyone! Say hello in person and on your social media platforms to every salesperson, manager, mechanic, and assistant. This is your network - make sure you don’t leave anyone out!
• Inside of the Machine - Reach out to all of your contacts. Comment on the good things that happen for people. Share your support for the tough moments too. Like, share, and follow all the local businesses you care about. Invite them into your life just by posting a quick update here and there. People care about you, and in this time of navigating distance - you may want to remind people that you are out there. Ask about their lives, and tell them what you’re up to. What are you excited about? Share it with your people.
• For more about Presence, Connection, and Relationships  - Refer to Chapter 5 & 6 of Keep It Simple Selling. Treat all of your people like royalty, like they are your best friend. Take care of everyone the same way - very well!

Oh, right! And don’t forget about all the other places you go - your dry cleaners, gas station, your kid’s school/s, their plays, your spiritual community, or even where you pick up your coffee in the morning. Everywhere that you already go, be there. Make sure you're involved in OUR community too. Follow me so you don’t miss a thing!

Anything that you have a connection to, be involved! There are no limits. Become a member of anything that excites you! What are you doing to connect in your community? Tell us in the comments below!