Maine’s business culture seems to center around the small businesses - individuals, partners and families that have chosen to work for themselves. Maine has some amazing and unique businesses. It is truly wonderful to walk into a local shop or hire a local contractor and see that they have built a niche market for themselves that reflects their personality and talents.
These same local businesses are special and have distinct advantages over the larger companies. The small business owner can use their community knowledge to market on a very level localized level. Knowing their target customer and offering great customer service these businesses can generate strong customer loyalty. And Mainers talk… you satisfy one customer - you can almost be certain that their friends and family will know about it.
I had the pleasure of spending some time at a clients’ business yesterday. I watched as customer and vendor alike came into the business and were addressed by name and engaged in conversation. I was certain that each of these individuals left with a certain sense of belonging and satisfaction. The owner made a good comment. She indicated that all her employees where proud of the business and that it belonged to them as well. It was evident that she and her staff had a strong community roots.
Maine can be a small “world”. Taking advantage of the relationships you have and your community knowledge can give you a very distinct advantage over the larger companies.
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