When we think of essential tools for business growth, what comes to mind? Clever branding or solid marketing strategy. But there’s one tool that’s quietly working behind the scenes - and it might just be the most powerful of them all: community.
At Thebestofnorthwest, we’ve seen time and time again that when businesses connect, collaborate, and support each other, everyone benefits. Yet, many business owners overlook community as a serious strategy for growth. Let’s unpack why community is so useful and how you can start engaging with your local community.
It’s Not Just Networking, It’s Belonging
Traditional networking can sometimes feel transactional. You turn up, swap business cards, make small talk and hope something comes from it. But when you're part of a community, it’s deeper than that.
In a true business community, you're not just there to sell. You're there to learn, to support, to share experiences, and to grow alongside others who genuinely care about helping you succeed. That’s the culture we’ve built at Thebestofnorthwest, and it’s why our members stick around.
When you feel like you belong somewhere, you’re more likely to show up, more likely to contribute, and more likely to get real results.
Trust Is Built Faster Within a Community
We all know that people buy from people they know, like and trust. But in today’s saturated digital world, building trust with strangers is tough. Community accelerates this process.
When you’re part of a trusted network (like ours) your reputation is backed by association. The introductions feel warmer. The recommendations carry more weight. You’re not just a business; you’re their business. Part of their network.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, a solicitor, a hairdresser, or an accountant, if someone in the community rates you, others are far more likely to follow.
Shared Resources, Shared Wins
Another underrated part of being in a business community? The access to shared resources and advice.
Let’s say you’re a small business owner stuck on a marketing decision, or you’re unsure how to handle a tricky client. Instead of Googling and hoping for the best, imagine being able to ask a room full of other business owners who’ve been there. That’s what happens in our Seat of Solution networking format, where one person shares a challenge and the room offers advice and ideas. It’s practical, supportive, and powerful.
From collaborations and joint ventures to mentoring and cross-promotion, the opportunities to learn and grow from each other are endless.
Visibility Comes Naturally
Trying to get seen in a noisy world can be exhausting. But inside a community, your visibility doesn’t rely solely on your own efforts. Other members will naturally talk about you, recommend you, and share your posts - especially when you do the same.
We see it every day in Thebestofnorthwest: a plumber recommends a local cafe to their customers. A web designer tags a photographer they met at networking. A solicitor shares another member’s blog in their newsletter. It’s organic. It’s consistent. And it works.
Community = Resilience
Perhaps most importantly, community offers something every business needs: resilience.
When times are tough, whether it’s a quiet month, economic uncertainty, or personal burnout, it’s easy to feel isolated. But being surrounded by people who understand, who offer encouragement or simply say “you’ve got this”...that’s priceless.
The businesses that weather the storm are the ones that don’t do it alone.
Business Growth Starts with Connections
At Thebestofnorthwest, we believe in growing together. That’s why we offer more than just promotion; we offer connection. Whether it’s through our monthly Breakfast Clubs, our member-hosted afternoon events, our problem-solving Seat of Solution sessions, or our big annual expos and awards, every interaction is designed to help local businesses thrive.
If you’ve been going it alone, now’s the time to change that. The tool you’ve been missing might not be another app, strategy or service, it might just be a community.
