Engaging residents directly in organizing community life and services themselves makes efforts to tackle many social problems at a local level more successful, an approach known as localism.
One view of this phenomenon, known as heterogenization, refers to barriers which block cultural exchange.
Businesses can be defined as local in various ways; whether selling directly to consumers in their immediate location, or providing goods and services within its geographical vicinity. What makes a business local, however, is selling to people within that geographical area.
Local businesses tend to develop closer ties with their customers. When customers encounter issues, they can usually reach the owner or representative directly – in addition, many reinvest profits back into the community by buying from other local firms.
Local businesses tend to have strong digital presences. This can take the form of social media posts, websites or listings; any business without such visibility risks being outcast from many potential customers.
National companies tend to target a wider market and concentrate on national advertisements; using TV, radio and small-town newspapers to reach their desired demographic. National companies will typically spend much more money than local ones when marketing their brands.
Local companies fill a special place in their community by offering products with unique twists. Their owners are easily reachable, and any issues are addressed quickly. Furthermore, these local businesses tend to offer more reasonable pricing compared to chain stores.
Investing in local companies is one way to support community growth. Doing so builds a stronger tax base that can fund essential public services such as schools, roads, and emergency response services. Studies indicate that when shopping at local small businesses instead of large chain stores, two to three times more of your dollar goes back into the community; creating jobs and greater economic sustainability that create vibrant town centers without sprawl, automobile use or habitat loss.
Many companies maintain factories and distribution centers in multiple nations to allow for global sales of their products; however, they still must adhere to principles of localization and global integration.
An organization that prioritizes localization would customize its products to the needs of each market, including changing payment methods, imagery or product choices/specifications to best meet those of each culture. They might even attempt to adapt and tolerate deep-seated beliefs held within each culture.
On the other hand, brands that prioritize global integration tend to offer similar products in all markets, trying to avoid cultural differences as much as possible – though this could become problematic since customers may no longer associate certain products with their country of origin. Expanding globally enables businesses to reduce dependence on any one market while simultaneously opening access to talent and technologies that can lower production or operational costs.
Local businesses provide products or services in a specific geographical area. Often small-sized with few employees, these businesses provide tailored customer service that large corporations cannot match. Local businesses may also participate in community events by contributing money or volunteering their time, helping the population.
Customers appreciate the personal connection they feel from local business owners. They know they care deeply for the community, investing in it through taxes, philanthropy and job opportunities for future generations.
Locally owned businesses tend to source their products more locally, which reduces congestion, habitat loss and pollution. Furthermore, these business owners tend to hire locally as they can evaluate potential employees against company culture criteria before selecting candidates that fit best – leading to improved customer service and productivity.