Together, 2019 Was Better Than Ever

As we enter the new decade of 2020, it's a great time to reflect on learnings from 2019. We decided to crunch some numbers to see what this powerful network of 4.5 million+ small businesses has achieved this year.

We were astounded. These Top Three Milestones prove how small businesses truly are stronger together.

1. 358+ MILLION Referrals Exchanged

In communities both big and small and across all industries from Accounting to Zumba, 2019 was a year filled with referrals. Over 358 million were exchanged in just this year alone. That number is just AMAZING, because of the power and potential of even one referral.

And it all starts with giving. As you give referrals and recommendations, that kicks off a cycle that can come right back to you and your business. That cycle is repeated on our network countless times daily.

Imagine how much business you all generated for each other via 358+ MILLION referrals! Truly astounding.

If you already know the power of referrals, then keep up the good work! And if you haven’t started exchanging referrals or recommendations yet, no worries. Get a headstart on next year and keep making referrals throughout 2020 to boost your relationships, help others with their business, and reap additional rewards. 

2. 26+ Million Relationships Formed

Those 7 a.m. rushes to local networking meetings don’t need to be a priority anymore.  This year, small business owners turned to Alignable to meet their community, introduce themselves to businesses both new and old, and form relationships at a higher rate than ever.  A whopping 26 million relationships were formed. 

These connections enabled referral partnerships, as well as sales and cooperative marketing opportunities.

Join in on the action. Find the next connection that’ll open the doors to your next big referral. 

3. 108+ Million Insights & Advice Shared

Across tens of thousands of questions nationwide, small business owners poured their hearts and years of experience into helping others with their sage advice. That advice was then shared over and over with friends and colleagues.

The Q&A Advice Forum is the secret weapon many longtime users of Alignable swear by to build their network and their business. Some members just love answering all types of questions across the network, because they want to assist as many small business owners as possible. It helps others, while also demonstrating their own expertise and personalities.

We’ve seen answers to tough challenges like this question about insuring for contractors to a hilarious (and sometimes horrific) discussion around what Real Estate Agents during home showings. And everything in between in 2019.

What questions do you have? With over 4.5 million businesses willing to help you get the job done, you can make 2020 the year you solve your toughest challenges. 

Additional 2019 Highlights

• We met 1.3 million new businesses this year from nearly 2,000 different industries.👋
• For the first time, we welcomed a Cartooning Museum, a Professional Gamer, and a specialist in Artistic Concrete. (Who knew that was a business? Fascinating!). 
• We launched Group Chat on Alignable and made it easy for you to take the conversations with your neighbors, clients, or friends to the next level. 
• We introduced a new home for Local Discussions to make it easier to stay in touch with your neighbors and businesses in your community. Ask for referrals, get advice, and talk local news all in one place.
• More than 1,100 small businesspeople shared their wonderful, inspirational, hilarious and sometimes “crazy” stories with us during our first annual WOW-Worthy SmallBiz Story Search. Stay tuned for the The Top 100 State & Provincial Winners coming in January!
• Our popular advice column, Dear Abel & Sofi, reached a major milestone this year, too -- 1.5 million+ Alignable members have read at least one of their very helpful and sometimes brow-raising columns. Thousands offered their own advice, as well. 

Our Favorite Stories From 2019

• 26 Experts Share The Best Ways To Reap Rewards On Alignable 
• My Favorite Marketing Tool Of The Year!
• How Alignable Helped Me Build A 3-Year Advertiser Pipeline
• How I'm Scheduling New Customer Appointments Every Day
• 5 Ways Your Restaurant Can Reach Customers On Alignable.
• How Important Is Your Ideal Customer To You?
• Even A Heart Attack Didn't Stop Jim! (Hometown Hero Story)
• Legally Blind Artist Falls Off Roof (Hometown Hero Story)
• How to Find Members You Most Want to Meet
• How to Use the Alignable Forum to Get New Clients
• Trust is “Highly Recommended”
• Eat Here Or We’ll Both Starve!

Thanks so much for reading! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!