Whether it is my books or Margie’s bakery, we always appreciate the help we receive from both friends and strangers. Some of the most impactful things people can do is help us get the word out for the many things we do. If you have a friend who offers a local product or service, one of the best things you can do for them is promote them. In a world where there are a million different choices, it is often only the people with the largest amount of cash who can buy the greatest exposure. What you can’t buy is quality and joy that you bring to someone’s life. If you know of a local business that does that, please do one of the activities listed above or something else to assist. It is the only way that little guy can compete with large corporations!
This week try supporting one local business a day. Do that for an entire week or longer and watch your community and friendships grow and blossom. It does not have to cost you anything more than a little time and energy yet it can change your entire community.
I have a friend who will soon be launching his own business. I stopped by to see him the other morning and he explained all of the work he has put into getting this business off the ground with the best possibility of success. It sure seems like he has done a lot. He has invested a good amount of money, and an even greater amount of time, making sure everything will be ready to go on day one. As he spoke, I could see the excitement and passion for the project he had.
Then he began to tell me the reaction of some of his friends and family. His tone sank. They reminded him of how hard it was for a business to succeed. They even pointed out areas in which he hasn’t had personal success. This, although disappointing, did not deter my friend. Yet, I could not help but wonder why someone would be so eager to rain on his parade. Were they just concerned he might not succeed? After all, 96% of new businesses do fail. Maybe they were reflecting their inability to start their own business? Maybe they didn’t want to see somebody accomplish more than they could.
Regardless of the reason why, there was no reason not to wish the best for a friend. Words of encouragement laced with words of caution are one thing. However, these folks seemed determined to put down his ambitions and ideas. Has this ever happened to you? If so, do not take it personal. People can do so for the reasons outlined above, or for a million other reasons that have nothing to do with us. It is also important to remember to cheer for others. Whenever someone starts something new, business or otherwise, they have enough self-doubt to overcome without us adding to it. When I am writing a book, I know I appreciate all of the encouragement I can get.
In our own life, make sure we support all of our friends and family. Do not add to the doubt they have to overcome, but help them get over it. As for my friend and his business, I will keep you posted as they launch.
Who out there would like to support local businesses and artists? I would hope the majority of you are raising your hands. Feel free to put them down and read on. One of the toughest parts about supporting local business is that it can tend to be a bit more expensive. With money being tight all over, it can be hard to do. Supporting local business can be easier than you think and does not have to cost a thing. The picture above gives us many examples of simple steps we can take to make a big difference in the life of a small business without affecting our budget at all.
Let’s take a look at a few of them. Writing a review. This is a big one. When people purchase products or services, they generally look at the experience of others. Did they have a good experience? Were they satisfied with the product? Let people know! Many are quick to give negative reviews, but what about supportive and positive reviews? They will make a huge difference. Share their content. For me, this is a big one. We all have our own social circles and can reach people others can’t. Helping spread the world for someone working hard locally can extend that reach much better than they could on their own. Engage with their posts. I cannot tell you how much of a difference maker this can be. It can seem discouraging, especially for artists, to think their work is not only unappreciated, but not even noticed. To take just a few seconds to comment and engage with them can help them understand the message and effect they are having.
My favorite two are give them a shoutout and cheer them on. Recognition for the work they do can make all the difference to a local business. It can help them make it through the challenges often faced by local businesses. For some people, staying up until midnight, or as I have seem Margie do, not sleep at all, can keep them going. This is better for motivation than caffeine or an energy drink.
All of the above examples make a HUGE impact on local businesses, and they cost nothing except our time and a little bit of effort. 64% of all new jobs in the United States are created through small businesses. By helping them, we are not only helping the owners, but everyone they employ and their families. If you are interested in helping this future best-selling author, feel free to share this blog or click the link below to leave a review for, and if you like purchase, any of my books. Support local business. It doesn’t have to cost you anything, but it can be priceless to them.
SECRET 2 AN AMAZING LIFE 