Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine Momentum May 2017 | Page 32

The League City Regional Chamber
of Commerce Partners with
By: George W. Bogle Jr.
TheLocalProject
TheLocalProject is a nationwide crowdsourcing
initiative to “Connect Communities”, at the local
level. The Internet works great globally, tremendous
nationally, but it hasn’t matured at the local level the
way it should be, could be or ultimately will be.
The Internet’s “national rise” has actually increased
competition for many local business with the real
impact being “lost community dollars”.
For every $100 residents spend locally, $48 stays in
the community long-term when we choose a locally
owned business, versus $14 when we buy from a
national chain and only $1 when we buy online. Even
service businesses like a car wash or a plumber benefit
when area residents buy locally; if for no other reason
than when the community has more dollars, we all do
better.
Local businesses face another vulnerability….the
world’s gone mobile but the local business community
hasn’t. In order to remain competitive and keep pace
with the millennial consumer (consumers 40yrs and
younger); local business has to learn to harness the
power of the cellphone.
We’ve all seen the change…people are hooked to
their mobile devices.
Mobile marketing facts are:
* Most people prefer to text over email or phone calls.
* Mobile devices are kept within reach at all times and
used more than desktop computers.
* 96% of mobile messages get read within 3 minutes
versus only 20% of marketing emails are read within
15 hours.
* 75% of consumers want offers sent to their mobile
device and redeem them 8 times more often.
TheLocalProject is addressing these challenges by
establishing what are called “Local Area Networks” in
communities across the country. Work has begun to
set up the Bay Area network.
TheLocalProject’s technology provides the platform
which runs on Apple, Android and the Cloud.
The Bay Area Network will do 3 things for the
community:
1. Aggregate comprehensive local information about the
community & local area businesses into one place.
2. Supports Local Commerce using today’s
technologies, providing an even playing field.
best
3. Equip local business with the technology needed to
connect with area consumers and compete in this digital
world.
TheLocalProject’s TrueCONNECT technology is the
primary difference over so called local directories.
TrueCONNECT give consumers the ability to “Connect”
with the businesses they choose. Users simply click the
“Connect Icon” to be instantly added to a company’s VIP
list with a direct connection being created between that
business and the Users mobile device.
Businesses are able to send in-app and SMS text
messages to the mobile device of members on their VIP
list. Messages can be broadcast to everyone on the list
or 1-to-1 customer service messages intended just for
that consumer. Businesses can opt-in for a dedicated SMS
number and receive inbound SMS text messages from any
phone anywhere in the country.
After the first phase of businesses are enrolled the network
will release the VIP Rewards program. A community
loyalty program that allows local businesses to set their
own reward level ranging from 2% to 20%. Consumers
earn rewards by shopping with network businesses with
the power being that they can redeem their rewards with
any other business in network.
WE WANT YOU IN THE NETWORK.
TheLocalProject will give your business a free listing which
includes a profile and promotion of up to 5 of your offers,
at no charge. Local Offers are one of the main attractions
that draw Users to TheLocalProject app. In one place they
can find specials on haircuts, lunches, dinners, oil changes
and more around town.
If you choose to upgrade your account as one of
the network’s Featured Businesses. You’ll receive
TheLocalProject’s TrueCONNECT technology plus get
priority placement in the network.