5 creative ways to get your business noticed
In a world where visibility is key, standing out doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag.
It's about taking a chance and embracing the opportunity to try something new and achieve the recognition your brand deserves. Taking chances in your promotion can open doors to opportunities both domestically and internationally.
In a jam-packed market, how do you set yourself apart and generate those coveted leads? We’ve chatted with your fellow business owners and associations to uncover 5 creative ways to get you noticed, and maybe have some fun along the way as well.
#1 Business awards and recognition — a powerful marketing tool
It’s true that the Aussie spirit thrives on celebrating victories, which raises an interesting question – could your business create its own buzz by applying or being nominated for an award?
Awards are a great way to position yourself as an industry leader and gain a competitive edge. They can elevate your brand and help instil trust with potential clients and partners, giving them that extra tick of approval before they commit.
Care Essentials, a medical device manufacturer in North Geelong, has been exporting Australian-made devices across the world for the last 20 years. Being proud of their achievements, they decided to seek recognition for their work.
In 2019, they won the Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) and most recently took out the 2023 Exporter of the Year gong.
‘Awards show employees that their work is meaningful and results in excellence within the industry,’ said General Manager, Upeka Samarakoon.
Not only did applying and winning bring them further recognition and opportunities, but they also benefited from updating their company’s export plan and operations as part of the process.
‘Awards also open doors - we have been approached by both state and federal departments to help with our export process. We use the awards as marketing with our international distributors, it provides them with added confidence in our capabilities,’ said Upeka.
For more on winning awards and how Care Essentials ‘Made this ‘their’ Moment’, visit the GOVEA website.
Keep an eye out for upcoming awards and celebrate what you do best by applying for an award in your industry. It might open doors for your business in ways that you hadn’t imagined.
#2 Competitions — you’ve got to be in it to win it
Image courtesy of Blak Brews.
From TV showdowns to industry-specific face-offs, competitions provide a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity and innovation. Competitions give you the chance to compete against your industry peers and push your skills.
While challenging, entering a competition can be an exhilarating journey. It can give you the chance to grow as an owner while increasing the visibility of your business.
Troy Benjamin of Blak Brews decided he was up to the challenge when he accepted the offer to compete in the first season of Food Stars Australia.
The prospect of showcasing his business to none other than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Boost Juice founder Janine Ellis was too thrilling to pass up.
An Indigenous entrepreneur from Djillong (Geelong) on Wadawurrung Country, Troy launched Blak Brews at the end of 2022. This Aussie tea start-up aims to ‘bring people, health, culture, and tastebuds together through a cup of the good stuff.'
Troy didn't enter expecting to win, but he held onto one bold belief: if he could get Gordon to taste his tea, he'd stand a chance: ‘Gordon is a big tea drinker, and I knew my tea was honest, and a good product,’ said Troy.
Troy applied and a week later found himself meeting with program producers. ‘The experience overall was super easy,’ said Troy. ‘There were two auditions where we had to pitch ourselves and our products. We went into price points, the wholesale market, how much it costs to make, how much it costs to sell and more about our business.’
The rest, as they say, is history. He was selected for Gordon’s team, brewed up a storm during the competition and won the cash prize and 12 months of mentoring from Gordon Ramsay, opening new opportunities for the brand.
‘Since the show, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Just the other day we had a packaging company call us wanting to co-brand on their packaging. Lots of people have been contacting us wanting to attach their brand to Blak Brews,’ said Troy.
Food Stars Australia was a unique opportunity and while they don’t come along every day, Troy's advice to fellow small business owners considering a similar venture is simple yet profound: ‘Just do it. Have a go and follow your instinct!’
To uncover potential TV competitions or local events, search online for industry awards and stay plugged into newsletter and social media groups, including casting pages, TV channels and news outlets. These platforms often announce upcoming opportunities, ensuring you're always in the loop for your next big break.
#3 Markets — tap into Aussie’s love of local and fresh
Image courtesy of the Victorian Farmers' Market Association.
It's Sunday morning, you're at a bustling local market, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and you're surrounded by the bright energy of early morning foodies.
Suddenly, your bag is full of meats, cheeses, veggies, hand-crafted goods, and other tantalising pieces.
If you're a producer, maker, or creator, it's the perfect place to showcase your goods. Local markets offer a unique opportunity for communities to gather, attracting eager shoppers seeking that personal connection and eager to buy local and direct.
The Victorian Farmers’ Market Association (VFMA) is a not-for-profit organisation enabling farmers and small businesses to sell face-to-face at their accredited farmers' markets, for over 20 years.
Currently, over 550 businesses are selling at VFMA markets across Victoria. It’s an opportunity for businesses to tap into community goodwill, with smaller markets typically attracting 1,500 patrons and larger over 5,000 patrons.
The markets offer a great opportunity for businesses to sell directly to consumers, with some members, also selling from farm stalls and online shops as well as maintaining face-to-face connections with customers.
‘All businesses have overheads; however, these are significantly reduced for small businesses at farmers' markets. Our farmers and specialty makers have a low-cost entry point to selling their produce and products,’ said the VFMA.
Customers know their expenditure goes directly to the producer and business owner. When they purchase at a VFMA Accredited Market, funds also go directly into employment, business growth and the secondary suppliers supporting our urban, rural, and regional communities.
If you are a farmer, maker, creator or baker looking for opportunities to tap into local markets, find out how you can get involved by visiting the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association website.
Don’t forget to look for other great market opportunities in your local area and across the state.
Here’s an extra fact – did you know that 77% of consumers are willing to pay more for homegrown products? For more on buying local, read our article on Cheers to Aussie craftsmanship: Australian Made Week is back.
#4 Local partnerships — demonstrate your goals and values
Image courtesy of Studio 7 Dancewear.
As a business owner, tapping into the pulse of the local community isn't just savvy, it can be a great way to give back to those who've helped you thrive and help the neighbourhood.
Whether it's sponsoring local events, collaborating with nearby businesses, or volunteering for a worthy cause, engaging with the community offers a unique opportunity to show your customers that you're more than just a business.
Powered by a passion for the performing arts and the wellbeing of Australian dancers, Studio 7 Dancewear in Moorabbin and RISE in Port Melbourne found a shared goal in wanting to improve the industry. Their partnership embodies the spirit of community synergy, where small businesses come together to create something truly inspiring.
Over the last 2.5 years, Studio 7 Dancewear and RISE have been in sync, collaborating on several projects designed to uplift young performers. This unique partnership has not only boosted their businesses but also strengthened their ties with the dance community through joint promotion and engagement efforts.
‘Partnering with Studio 7 has been a game-changer for RISE. As an organisation focused on improving the mental health and well-being of young people in the performing arts, having the support of reputable brands like Studio 7 helps confirm the importance of our mission within the industry,’ said Founder and Director, Jackie Scott.
Victoria, owner of Studio 7 Dancewear agreed: ‘We partnered with RISE as a major sponsor because I firmly believe in the values and commitment RISE have shown to the improvement of the mental health and wellbeing of young performers.’
United by their shared love for dance and a spirit of collaboration, both Studio 7 Dancewear and RISE experienced a significant increase to their customer base through various events, insightful market exchanges, and strategic introductions to industry leaders.
Many organisations are eager to collaborate with other businesses, so don't hesitate to reach out and explore potential partnerships that align with your goals and values.
#5 Exhibitions and festivals — make an impression
If you are ready to step into the spotlight and let your business shine, you might want to consider the exciting world of Victoria’s expos and festivals.
From local showcases hosted by councils to industry affairs at exhibition centres, these events aren't just about browsing booths and swag bags — they're golden opportunities for your business to make an impression, connect with a willing audience and network with peers.
The Geelong Small Business Festival has been a game-changer for business owners in Victoria. Since its debut in 2011, this festival has provided a dynamic stage to celebrate innovation and collaboration.
‘This year the festival will welcome its 30,000th attendee. The connections and networking opportunities the festival brings are important. We have seen many business owners form friendships, create business opportunities and promote themselves and their business by attending the event,’ said the City of Greater Geelong.
‘We’ve also had some fantastic success stories where businesses attended festival events and have gone on to build highly successful businesses and come back, even years later, to host events and give back to the local business community.’
The 2024 Geelong Small Business Festival program is available from Monday 1 July 2024. To find out more, visit the Geelong Small Business Festival website.
For other local business events, refer to your local council’s website or Eventbrite and for industry-specific events check out the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre schedule.
Take a chance and get your business noticed
In the world of small business, challenges are the bread and butter of our journey. From unique marketing strategies to community collaborations, we thrive on the thrill of pushing boundaries.
When you are brainstorming about how to get your business noticed, remember: it's not just about the destination, but the exhilarating journey of creativity, innovation, and taking chances.