Creating Opportunities
Creating opportunities is a large part of what a Main Street manager does every day. Reaching out, attending meetings, taking training opportunities, writing reports — those are all opportunities to tell the story of Main Street and make it personally relatable to potential partners.
It is important to talk about the benefits of the Main Street Program, but it is more important to share how Main Street can benefit partners. Practice talking to people about how historic preservation improves the community as a whole by attracting new investment. Also think about each program and its relation to a specific partner. How would that Main Street program help the chamber of commerce? The local hospital?
The school district? Why would that partner support (or not support) Main Street?
Keep in mind that it is about what they want to invest in, not what you can offer. Invite partners to accomplish their goals by making downtown a better place. Keep it real with heart-warming stories about people, and how this partnership can help them.
For example, many communities want to attract a wide range of ages to downtown, yet many younger residents feel as if there is nothing for them there. If Main Street is contemplating gathering spaces (a small park or an improved area downtown with benches and lighting), tell that story: “Our teenagers have no welcoming and safe place to gather after school and talk with their friends. Our dream is to build a gathering spot, with four benches, trees for shade, and a planter for beauty and safety. When we are done, the younger generation will feel like they are part of this community. We need your help to purchase a bench — would you consider donating $500?” If you have designs or photos, and a short brochure to leave behind, you have told a compelling story, shown the benefits, and engaged your partners on an emotional level.
There is no need for a formal event or a special reason to build partnerships — you are creating relationships every day. Think about what makes you smile and turn that into an opportunity to tell your Main Street story. Sometimes there is discomfort, even dread, at the idea of reaching out and asking for support. So make it easy and fun. You don’t have to cold call and door knock to build a partnership! Ask people you know and make it comfortable for you and for them. Invite them to an event or out for coffee, or take them on a walking tour of your project. The key is simply to enjoy yourself while making sure your partners enjoy themselves, too.