Behrman Communications, founded by Nancy, is a successful PR company focused on beauty and lifestyle brands. Behrman started the business with one client, Kiehl’s Since 1851, and Nancy found initial success through dynamic promotion of the brand.
Nancy of Behrman Communications is a great example to female and male entrepreneurs alike. Building her company from the ground up with just the one client, her company showed great business expertise and a fresh take on public relations. The way in which Behrman Communications was founded by Nancy is a strategy that is open to any business, as long as they have a novel approach to their field.
How the Internet Fosters Startup Culture in Small Towns
Over the past several years, business trends have favored small towns. Now that broadband internet has reached most of the country, it is equally possible for a small company to achieve success when located in a small town as it is when placed in a larger city. The Internet evens the playing field for rural and urban companies, enabling companies based in small towns to compete with their counterparts far away.
Quality broadband service means that a startup business in a small town can run just as efficiently as a business located in a major city. This makes it possible for startup businesses to provide services and products to customers located around the globe.
Advantages of Locating in a Small Town
The primary advantage of locating a business in a small town is the dramatic cost difference in overhead and talent. Taxes are lower in small towns, and the founders and employees enjoy a lower cost of living than they would in a large metropolitan area. Employees can be paid less than they would be in the city, but they can have an equivalent quality of life.
Another advantage to starting up in a small community is the rich networking environment. Small towns frequently have active Chambers of Commerce and other networking organizations. The atmosphere for new business can be more supportive than it is in larger cities. Small startup companies can take a more active part in their local community, becoming involved in charitable projects to build goodwill.
Small towns frequently welcome the addition of small startup companies to their business landscape. Many of these small towns have experienced hardships when larger employers have closed or have been driven out of business by adverse market trends. This leaves a pool of talent which may be working outside their chosen field, but who can be trained to enter the tech workforce.
Startup companies can help communities retain their young workers, who frequently leave after college due to a lack of job opportunities in their hometowns. These talented young workers can bring vibrant energy and new ideas to a business.
Tips for Startup Businesses
If a startup company is just starting out in a small town, it pays to do a complete site study of the area. This can help target local customers, suppliers, and competitors. Fully understanding the community can help a small business thrive from the very beginning. Nancy of Behrman Communications understands this principle well and uses it in her business daily. It applies to companies of any size and in any location.
If your company depends on shipping, such as an ecommerce store, make sure that the local shippers are capable of handling the increased package load. It is an advantage to be close to a transportation hub such as a regional or international airport. Many regional airports are located in areas with a lower cost of living.
Startups and Small Towns
When a startup company is considering a new location, give serious consideration to locating in a small town. Broadband Internet service makes it easy to communicate with clients from around the world.
Small towns have a unique pool of talent and are often eager to welcome new businesses to the area to help them retain young workers. In a small town, your business will enjoy much lower overhead costs than in a major metropolitan area. This savings can increase your personal financial success.
