Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The interest in companies that are based outside the cities has grown, and many of these companies have focused their activities around service. The countryside companies meet some difficulties in marketing and communication with other entrepreneurs. A network with service based companies in the countryside could help the individual companies to promote themselves and also give inspiration and new ideas to develop their business.

The aim of this study is to investigate how a countryside network can be organized but also what conditions is needed to make the network function. The theory is based on a literature study of the three major topics "countryside", "networking" and "marketing". The empirical study is made through a case study by the network Mälarlandet. Qualitative interviews where made with four companies and one contact person.

The study shows that networking can have a positive effect on the countryside companies. It can give social benefits and increased marketing. The conditions that are needed for a functioning network is a high degree of trust and an informal structure. The companies should be differentiated but also have common goals.