Prepare to be Googled

I had a conversation a few days ago with an economic development professional about using technology to promote our communities and to help our businesses connect to customers.  She reminded me of an important point — it is not so important to chase the latest, hottest application as it is to pick one or two or three proven social media/technology platforms and commit to doing them well.  I always suggest the one for a business to look at first is Google.  Google literally puts small businesses on the map and helps them to include accurate information relevant to their customers.  Businesses can go to www.gybo.com to find ways to get their information on the Internet using Google and connect, communicate and do business with their community and customers.

For example, when I first came to work for Cheatham County Economic Development, the Google street view for the office was focused on a spot 30 feet down the street from our front door.  I was able to get that edited and instead of a view looking down an alley appearing on a search for us, our attractive front door is our first impression to anyone that ‘googles’ us.

So, don’t worry if you don’t know that ‘swiping right’ is a good thing, just go get your Google going great and your customers will ‘Like’ you.

About Daryl Phillips, CEcD

I am a professional economic developer. I presently work for communities and companies in developing and implementing workforce and economic development solutions as CEO of Phillips Economic Development Solutions (Phi EDS). Prior to September 2017, I was the economic development professional who served a community team of elected officials, business people, community leaders and dedicated stakeholders for economic development in Cheatham County, Tennessee (pop. 39,880) and its four towns. During my five-year tenure, I served the team as Cheatham County grew over 1,700 jobs, turned around population declines at the start of this decade into healthy population growth, increased tourism expenditures 20.3% and local tax revenue from tourism 25.4%, grew sales tax revenue 36%, focused on developing the local workforce and was recognized by SmartAsset as having the 9th highest Incoming Investment Index of all the 95 counties in Tennessee. I am a member of International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Council and International Council of Shopping Centers. I have earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from National Development Council and hold a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University.
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