As holiday music plays in the background, I find myself reflecting on everything I have experienced since moving to Allentown Pennsylvania this past June. This post is personal but I could not resist putting on my marketing consultant hat to share insights for anyone building a business in a new state, especially here in the Lehigh Valley. (I asked ChatGPT to clean up this post that I wrote beforehand as I was battling a headache)

1. Thoroughness is a Way of Life

People and organizations in the Allentown and Lehigh Valley area pay attention to every detail. If you are Type A (type “awesome’), a planner, or appreciate precision, you will feel right at home. Even healthcare providers here focus on thorough testing and clear answers which has been comforting as a newcomer.

Business Tip:
Use the local culture of thoroughness to your advantage. Offer detailed proposals, clarify expectations early, and provide clean organized deliverables. Clients in this region appreciate specificity.

2. Community Involvement is Endless

Allentown Bethlehem and Easton are full of business events, nonprofit gatherings, networking groups, and civic activities. I could attend events all day long if I allowed myself. The community is incredibly active which makes it easy to build connections but also easy to forget to work on your actual business.

Business Tip:
Set boundaries. Choose events strategically based on your target clients and long term goals.

3. Starting a Business in Pennsylvania Has Many Steps

When I officially launched here I met with a specialist at the Kutztown University’s SBDC which is the Small Business Development Center. There were more steps involved in forming a business in Pennsylvania than I expected. It even required me to update my company name from Beyond Engagement to Beyond Engagement Social Media Solutions.

Business Tip:
Partner with your local SBDC. They understand the regional process and can save you valuable time.

4. Driving Is Part of the Lifestyle

Moving from the Tri Cities in Tennessee to the Lehigh Valley came with a surprise. Everything is between 20 and 30 minutes away. Most of my Junior League of the Lehigh Valley events take me to Bethlehem which means plenty of time on the road.

Business Tip:
Use drive time wisely. Listen to business podcasts, dictate content ideas, or mentally outline your next workshop.

5. Proximity Equals Possibility

Living in Allentown gives you quick access to major hubs.
New York City is two hours away
Philadelphia is one hour away
Washington DC is three hours away

This creates opportunities for collaborations, speaking engagements, client work, and foodie adventures. As a marketer and self proclaimed foodie this has been fun and also a little dangerous for my waistline.

Business Tip:
Market yourself regionally. Your potential clients are not limited to Allentown. They are in every city along this Northeast corridor.

6. Friendliness Comes in Different Forms

After spending most of my adult life in the South I wondered what hospitality would feel like in Pennsylvania. To my surprise the kindness here is strong. It simply shows up differently. Many people I have connected with relocated from New York and New Jersey and they have been incredibly helpful and resourceful.

Business Tip:
Build relationships intentionally. People in the Lehigh Valley value trust introductions and reliability. Your network becomes your advantage.

About Me

I help business owners experts and leaders grow their thought leadership on LinkedIn and Instagram without sounding salesy. Through one on one consultations and group workshops I teach clients how to show up confidently create authentic content and attract the right opportunities. Click here for pricing.

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Headshot by: Olivia Rungo

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