| | Name-Dropping
How Community Business Partners Can Help Each Other Through Name-Dropping
Mention the phrase "name-dropping" and for many people the reaction is negative.
Instantly there is an association with the habit some people have of gratuitously inserting well-known people's names into their everyday speech to illicit a response. Meant to impress people, that style of name-dropping simply turns many people off.
However, name-dropping can be used in other, much more positive ways in a community business partnership - and most importantly for business and community groups, it is: - Simple.
- Only requires a little thought and effort, and is.
- Painless.
Name-dropping in a constructive and appropriate way is a simple way to multiply how you give back to your community business partnership through spreading positive feelings between community and business partners.
Here are five quick ways to name-drop:
- Give credit by dropping the name of your community business partner when it is appropriate, or in an appropriate public forum.
Think about the best time you could give your partner a quick mention by name - just before or after a partnership event like a working bee or training seminar you have both organised is a good example, as is a mention in a speech or media interview.
Mentioning them again later on at a meeting of your business or community group held after the event is another way of showing your appreciation.
It is important that the name-dropping is done at an appropriate time and place, or it will sound contrived and too forced, losing its impact and turning people off.
- Think about including your community business partner's name in publications at your meetings.
When your business or group holds a meeting or AGM, it is an opportunity to ensure your partner's name and logo is given a mention in any agendas, publications or other material that can accompany these meetings.
Importantly, if the agenda or AGM includes some mention or discussion of the partnership, it is appropriate that you drop the name of your business or community group partner. The mention doesn't even have to be huge - just a note like "The project was completed with our partner ....." or "A big thank-you to our partner ..... for all their help."
- Including your community business partner's name on any appropriate pamphlets, newsletters, booklets or other general publications.
Again, written name-dropping in material is always a good move - it should be compulsory if the publication involved is compiled as a result or with the assistance of the community business partnership, but should be included in all group publications, newsletters etc.
Not only is it good for your partner, it is good for you. People like to support groups that other people support. Many see a decision by business to get involved with you as an endorsement that brings added credibility
- Referrals through name-dropping.
Don't be afraid to refer people - friends, family, etc. - to the goods or services that your community business partner provides.
Members of a community group partner can very easily mention their business partner's name if others are interested in them as customers or clients, and your business partner will value you more for doing so.
Business staff can also keep their community partner in mind if they are speaking to a customer or client who is after something that community partner provides. Again - your community partner will welcome the referral.
Be aware though that the onus of the recommendation will probably be placed onto you as an individual, not your community group or business. Therefore, you have to be comfortable providing that referral.
- Display your partner's name proudly.
Another way of name-dropping is to display your business or community partner's name (and logo) around your premises, maybe featuring it in statements like "We work in partnership with ........ to provide .......", or "We are proudly working with ....... on the ....... project".
This shows not only your pride in the partnership you are part of, but is also a useful tool in getting customers, clients or community members who visit your office to ask about the partnership - and possibly about how they can help.
