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Business History is Family History
Business and History -- Forging a New Relationship
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3 Ways Your Business Can Benefit from Supporting Local History
 

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I usually think about networking in the present, but in fact "networking with the past" -- doing the research -- allows us to do just that!

 

Researching the family history of the founder of one client's business has revealed all kinds of opportunities for them to network with potential new clients. How well do you know your founder's story?

 

And networking within the historical community itself has led me to many of my recent "finds" -- hence the article below on how businesses and repositories of information in the historical community really can and must forge strategic partnerships to benefit both sides.

 

One of my favorite places to do business, family, or any other kind of research is Historic New England's Otis House in Boston, where their library and archive is located. It's always a pleasure, always productive, and they set a very high standard.

 

Back to more research and networking!


Here's to successful networking for you -- past and present!

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Bonnie Hurd Smith
Business History is Family History
by Bonnie Hurd Smith                                                                 
Leon Leonwood Bean
Leon Leonwood Bean founded LL Bean in 1912

Someone founded your business. How much do you know about that person? Your business is not just about products and services. There was a human being behind it who was motivated and inspired to start the business.

 

Chances are, the founder's family was also involved. They were certainly impacted by the founder's dedication, hard work, and long hours. There were probably social gatherings, celebrations, and many times when "work" and "home" intersected.

 

Please find out about your founder and all of the succeeding CEOs of your business! The information you find can inform your public relations, marketing, and community outreach work.

 

For example:

 

· Where did your founder grow up? Is this a community your business has lost touch with and now you have an excuse to reconnect?... Continued


Business and History--Forging a

New Relationship that Benefits Both

Otis House, Boston
Historic New England's Otis House in Boston houses an incredible archive
by Bonnie Hurd Smith

I'm going to say something quite radical.

I think it's time for small historical societies and museums to end the impasse with the business sector.

And I think it's time for businesses to reach out to their local historical community for the benefit of "both sides of the aisle" AND their bottom line.

To be sure, plenty of business people serve on nonprofit boards. They are members, patrons, and perhaps pro bono service providers. Conversely, nonprofit folks often patronize the businesses that support their organization.

Indeed, some level of interaction does go on.

But I am suggesting something deeper -- more of a strategic partnership or joint business venture that values and incorporates what each sector has to offer the other.

In the case of businesses -- especially those located in historical communities -- you would do well to incorporate history into your branding and marketing! Chances are, you located your business in a historical community because of the quality of life provided by local history. You also know that the people who are drawn to such places tend to be well educated and well off -- residents and visitors alike.

If you are NOT taking advantage of history, you are missing out on a powerful marketing tool -- and a whole lot of fun....Continued


History Smiths helps service-oriented businesses attract customers, achieve customer loyalty, and secure high status
in the communities they serve by incorporating history into their branding, marketing, and community outreach.