The Creation of ShareSmallBiz.com

A Platform for Small Business Success

The idea for ShareSmallBiz.com was born from the successful partnership between Jonathan Roper and Mark Hazleton in building WichitaSewer.com, a digital presence for Jonathan’s sewer and drain service company. This experience highlighted the power of collaboration, strategic digital marketing, and the importance of small businesses supporting each other to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Recognizing the Need for a Shared Platform

After launching WichitaSewer.com, Jonathan and Mark saw firsthand how a well-executed online strategy could transform a business. However, they also recognized a gap: many small businesses struggle to gain visibility, attract customers, and compete against larger corporations.

They asked themselves:

• What if small business owners worked together to amplify their marketing efforts?
• What if they shared knowledge, cross-promoted each other, and pooled resources to reach a larger audience?
• Could a dedicated platform be the solution to breaking through the barriers that small businesses face?

From these questions, ShareSmallBiz.com was born—a community-driven social media platform designed to connect, empower, and grow small businesses through collaboration and shared marketing.

The State of Small Business Marketing

In today's competitive business landscape, small businesses face unique challenges that require innovative solutions and robust support systems. ShareSmallBiz.com steps in as a catalyst, providing a platform that encourages small businesses to not only exist but thrive through collaboration and shared resources.

As the backbone of our economies, small businesses contribute significantly to community vitality and economic diversity. ShareSmallBiz.com harnesses this power by fostering an environment where businesses can collaborate on projects, share insights, and overcome challenges collectively.

This online community is more than just a networking site; it's a launchpad for sustainable growth, enabling businesses to expand their reach and impact through strategic partnerships and shared marketing efforts. Explore how ShareSmallBiz.com is transforming the way small businesses operate and succeed.

The Power of Collaboration in Small Business

Collaboration is not merely a buzzword for the modern entrepreneur; it is an essential strategy for survival and growth. ShareSmallBiz.com realizes this by offering a platform where small business owners can engage in collaboration at various levels, from informal support networks to structured joint ventures, proving that working together can yield substantial returns.

Learn more about the strategic importance of collaboration

The collective knowledge and diverse expertise found within a community like ShareSmallBiz.com can significantly shorten the learning curve for new entrepreneurs. By engaging with experienced business owners, newcomers can gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls, all while contributing their fresh perspectives to the collective wisdom of the group.

Moreover, collaboration on ShareSmallBiz.com extends to joint promotional efforts, where businesses can pool resources to reach wider audiences more effectively. This cooperative approach not only saves on costs but enhances the marketing impact while building a solid community reputation that benefits all members involved.

Resources and Networking Opportunities

ShareSmallBiz.com provides an arsenal of resources tailored to the evolving needs of small businesses. From comprehensive how-to guides to advanced business analytics tools, the platform offers solutions that cater to businesses at every stage of growth. This wealth of resources ensures that entrepreneurs can make informed decisions that drive their operations forward.

Networking within the ShareSmallBiz community is a cornerstone feature that positions businesses for growth and innovation. By connecting with peers who share similar goals and challenges, members can leverage each other's strengths, forming enduring partnerships that foster mutual success. The platform's structure promotes both formal and informal networking opportunities, ensuring that every interaction can potentially lead to new opportunities.

Furthermore, the community organizes events such as the CDC Small Business Engagement Summit, where members can engage with key industry leaders and explore matchmaking sessions that facilitate long-term business relationships. These initiatives are instrumental in keeping businesses informed and connected to the latest trends and opportunities in their industries.

Participate in industry-specific events

Long-Term Growth and Sustainability

Long-term growth requires strategic planning and sustained effort, and ShareSmallBiz.com offers a robust support system to achieve this. By providing continuous learning opportunities and a supportive network, the platform helps businesses not only envision their growth but also realize it effectively.

The integration of automation tools and enterprise solutions allows businesses to streamline their operations, reduce overheads, and focus more on innovation and customer engagement. Shopify's advanced features, for example, enable businesses to manage inventory, track sales, and gain insights that inform strategic decisions.

Explore Shopify's contributions

Finally, ShareSmallBiz.com encourages sustainable business practices through initiatives that prioritize long-term viability over short-term gains. By focusing on creating a balanced ecosystem, the community supports practices that enhance both profitability and social responsibility, ensuring that businesses not only thrive but contribute positively to the communities they serve.

As we move into a future where collaboration and community support define the success of small businesses, platforms like ShareSmallBiz.com are essential. They offer the tools, networks, and opportunities required for growth while fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among entrepreneurs.

The platform's commitment to empowering small businesses through collaboration and resource sharing not only strengthens individual businesses but also enriches the entire business ecosystem. By focusing on shared success and comprehensive support, ShareSmallBiz.com creates a thriving environment that invites innovation and resilience.

In conclusion, whether you are looking to start your entrepreneurial journey or seeking ways to enhance your existing business operations, ShareSmallBiz.com stands ready to partner with you. Together, we can unravel the potential of small businesses and create a lasting impact in our communities.

Building ShareSmallBiz.com

With the vision in place, Jonathan and Mark set out to create a platform where business owners could network, exchange ideas, and cross-promote each other’s businesses. Leveraging Mark’s experience in web development and Jonathan’s entrepreneurial insights, they structured the site around key goals:

Collaboration Over Competition

• ShareSmallBiz.com encourages businesses to support one another, instead of competing in isolation.
• Business owners can cross-promote services, pooling their audiences for greater exposure.

Expanding Reach Without Paid Ads

• Instead of relying solely on expensive paid advertising, small businesses can leverage organic growth by sharing each other's content.
• By engaging in shared marketing efforts, each business increases its audience reach exponentially.

Creating a Network of Trusted Entrepreneurs

• A place where small business owners can ask questions, share experiences, and find solutions together.
• Members can partner on projects, refer clients, and build strategic relationships.

A Marketplace for Small Businesses (Future Expansion)

• The platform is designed to showcase products and services, allowing members to discover and support each other’s businesses.
• A potential drop-shipping model and service-based marketplace are planned for future releases.

From Idea to Reality

The platform is currently in its beta phase, with a growing community of early adopters. Entrepreneurs are sharing ideas, promoting each other’s businesses, and collaborating in ways that weren’t previously possible. The project has already begun attracting investment, with opportunities for founders and backers to be part of the movement.

A Movement for Small Business Success

Mark and Jonathan firmly believe that small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. By creating ShareSmallBiz.com, they aim to redefine how small businesses interact, support, and grow together—proving that when business owners work together, everyone wins.

The journey from WichitaSewer.com to ShareSmallBiz.com is just beginning, but the potential for a new wave of community-driven business growth is undeniable.