getting 9carrots started in your area

You really need a group on your side to do this so the first step is to find one and explain it to them. It's a really powerful scheme and exactly what they are looking for so they are sure to get excited. 

If you're not already a member of an environmental group, try looking at these pages to find one near to you:

• Transition Towns (bottom-up community based movement very similar to 9carrots)
• People and Planet (student group similar to Transition Towns in thinking)
• Friends Of the Earth local groups (bottom-up local group based)
• Greenpeace local groups (national top-down organisation)

Most groups start by approaching the businesses they know already - it's much easier to get chatting when the business owner already knows you.

Try to start with at least 4 businesses before advertising them to the community, e.g. 1 take-away, 1 restaurant, 1 bar and 1 grocery shop. The pilot study of 9carrots successfully got over 20 completely different business types to sign up including carpenters, opticians, bicycle shops, beauticians, clothing stores, furniture, bathroom designers, etc. etc. so there is no need to restrict yourself in the long run.

Don't be worried if you have to explain it a couple of times before it sinks in.  When it does, they always ask how they will recognise the extra custom. This is a good sign! See our explainations section for guidance and an example pitch.

• it's absolutely free (it's volunteer-driven and grant funded)
• you'll get more customers
• there's no risk: if you don't get more customers then you don't need to do anything
• you make an extra £1000 sales before you invest £100 in reducing your energy bills
• don't have to fix an exact target value now, we can just estimate
• you only have to commit to invest 10%
• energy prices are always going up, so it makes sense to protect yourself from that
• we know some good suppliers and installers who can organise the whole installation process for you
• the receipt book system means you don't even have to monitor or think about anything extra
• [x] businesses in this area have already signed up
• [Bill] next door has signed up

• too busy to talk at the moment
  • common point, they are running a shop after all. Don't be dis-heartened because many a business has signed up after saying this
• no time / head space for the extra administration
  
  • explain that they will have nothing to do. The receipt book system does all the administration for them and 9carrots can arrange the entire installation (via a 9carrots supplier)
• won't work / nothing will happen
  • tell them about previous examples of how it worked elsewhere
  • point out that, if nothing happens, then they have paid nothing and do nothing!

If they are sounding like they might sign up, show them the contract.  Don't be disappointed if they don't sign straight away - usually they'll want to give it some thought just so they're really sure there's no catch. You may have to pop back 4 or 5 times before they actually sign. Here are some follow emails that groups are using after the initial visit.

It's a good idea to ask them to tell their friends.  Business owners always talk to each other locally, so if they're keen, get them to spread the word.  Or do it for them: just ask who they know and go approach these businesses, mentioning the name of the business owner who sent you.

9carrots does have some money. See our revenue models. This can help you with events and adverts and stuff: just ask, its your organisation.

Start using the system yourself! This is actually really important so that other Transition group members can see your receipts and understand how it works from your examples.

Run some launch events: Events are the best way to kick start 9carrots in a community. Just get a pub / bar on board and throw a party with a purpose!

Tell your friends: This is the most important way. People like 9carrots, it's cool. Give them plenty of flyers so that they can tell their friends as well...

Contact Other Community Groups: Contact all the other groups in your area and talk with them about returning to community based shopping. All sorts of groups will help, including Friends Of roads and areas and parks, Greenpeace groups, Friends Of The Earth, etc.
It's useful to compile a calendar of meetings so anyone can go along and connect and work together.

Universities and colleges: 9carrots is working closely with People and Planet so the chances are that any Universities in your area are already working on this. They will be happy to help.

Community notice boards: There are some posters in the starter pack and you can print more from the marketing tab for your group on the website. If you do your own be sure to send them to us so we can put them up for others to use.

Facebook adverts: These cost virtually nothing and are really effective. You can limit them to a certain area and demographic. Contact us if you need guidance doing this.

Ask your Council to help: Councils are really useful. 1 has already started implementing 9carrots themselves. They are sending staff around knocking on doors to help spread the word. More info on this as it happens...!

Several local and national funding applications are in development for implementing 9carrots in local communities. Upload your application copy here so that others can put together their applications more easily.