In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of celebrity endorsements and the convenience of major corporations. These entities invest heavily to ensure we are captivated by their offerings. But what if we thought before we bought, and redirected some of our dollars towards small businesses run by the people we know and love? It’s often said on social media that you should never rely on friends and family to support your business, but I see nothing wrong with doing so.
Take Meredith, for example, she always had a passion for skincare, spending countless hours researching natural ingredients and formulating her own products in her kitchen. What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a small business venture. Friends and family were her first customers, and their support motivated her to expand her line. Today, Meredith's skincare products are highly popular and renowned for their quality and natural ingredients. Imagine if she had listened to social media advice that says not to ask friends and family for support.
Supporting small businesses isn't just about buying a product; it's about pouring into someone with the guts to turn an idea into reality. There are so many people in fear of failure or waiting for the stars to align just right before they take a chance. And don’t get me wrong, it’s critical to the success of your business to prepare but the fact is, most people get stuck in the dream and never take real action to make it happen. So, cheers to those who do and here are some ideas you can use to support:
Keep money in your community by buying from local businesses. I live in a primarily African American neighborhood there are studies that show the dollar circulates within the black community for only about six hours. This is a stark contrast to other communities, where the dollar can stay in circulation for up to 30 days before leaving. While everyone has their own reasons for choosing where to shop, I personally make a concerted effort to support my local restaurants, stores, and events and I encourage you to do the same in your own. I truly believe that community is what makes America great. The more we support each other, the greater we will become.
If you don’t want to support with a financial transaction there are other ways to show your support as well, here's a few: spread the word, by telling someone else about your own positive experience; online reviews can make a big difference; visiting local markets, fairs and events; sign up for the email list to the businesses you support; engage on social media, like, comment and share their posts; offer your skills, the gig economy opens itself to plenty of opportunity for you to sell your expertise; consider a purchase as a gift for someone else. For example, Shero Coffee is not for all people, but everyone knows someone who drinks coffee, small products make for thoughtful and unique gifts.
Supporting a small business is really about believing in the person behind the product. I challenge you to get to know and support small businesses where you live because when you support a small business, you’re supporting a dream and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that’s helping to sustain the very fabric of your community.
I loved the buying local article and it is so true about the positive impacts on keeping your money in the local economy! In our little town we emphasize the buy local mantra and it evokes a heart-felt sense of hope to see local merchants thrive. A final thought that I want to share, is my joy that in our town, we support local businesses no matter “who” owns the business; gender, orientation, race, religion, or national origin plays no part and I can’t help but smile when I see our citizens spread business across the whole community!