It is always good to have a list of online experts to tap when you need help with your business. It is extra special when you find out they are your next door neighbors.

Getting to know the local community takes some extra work, but it can be fun. Like anything else, know your goals or you’ll get pulled in many different directions.

1. Turn the Promotion of Your Book or Product into a MeetUp

Karen Clark got local and online exposure when she created a Meetup group around the topics in the guidebook Direct Selling Power. As a Co-author, she is a natural draw. With 20 chapters in the book she has most of her monthly topics lined up. Add a few local experts, testimonies, get togethers, and the Meetup calendar is mapped out for the whole year.

2. Get Together to Work

There’s a group in my area that meets once a month at a local restaurant. They have lunch and bring their laptops so they can work on their own projects. You have a group of people that you can chat with, ask a question, or review your ideas. It’s good for the group and it’s good for the restaurant. It is a power lunch!

Another variation of this is Karen Clark’s  Websites and Wine. You bring a laptop and work on your online presence with the help of the host. The host is on hand to answer questions and give advice.

Yes, there is wine. If you bring wine and a dish to share you get $10 off the work shop fee. I’d bring some bruschetta and a bottle of Chardonnay. Sounds like fun.

3. Partner with Local Groups

Partner with the local chamber (or other local groups) and offer a summer speaker series. Pick a general topic and invite local business people to share their expertise. Offer it once a week for six – eight weeks.

Promote the event in Chamber newsletters, online on Facebook, LinkedIn, and definitely tweet about it before, during, and after. Use a recording of the series to sell online after the event.

There are many creative ways to get the word out about you and your business. Do you have any favorites to share?