Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Supporting Small Business!!!


Wouldn't you support this future Entrepreneur??  Absolutely!  But what about when he grows up and continues to pursue his dreams to be his own boss....would you still support him, or would you take the "easy" way, and take your business to one of the more convenient "giants" who have taken over this country?



Every single day we lose "Mom & Pop" business to the corporate giants that have invaded every neighborhood in every city in every state in the country.  While I realize the convenience and often-times cheaper prices of shopping at these conglomerates, it is important to remember the "little guy" who depends on our business in order to stay in business.

I know that many of us, myself included, are involved in small businesses.  Many of us, myself included again, work from  home and the internet, and we depend on the loyalty of my customers to keep us going.  Do we carry exceptional products?  Absolutely!  Is it worth the extra dollar that it costs compared to say Walmart brand?  Beyond Absolutely!  Is it a little less convenient because you have to order directly from a person or website?  Absolutely!  BUT.....is it worth it to help keep each other in business?  Again, I say "Absolutely!" 

How do you, as a customer, benefit from shopping and doing business with small business owners? 
:
For Starters:
  • You are doing business with someone who truly appreciates you and wants to keep you as a customer and a referral.  This means that you will generally receive more personal attention and an attitude of "the customer is always right."  Try to find that in Wal-Mart!
  • You are doing business with someone who understands how important it is to support other small businesses, and are generally more apt to become your customer in return, or at least refer others to your business.

  • You are helping the U.S. economy because as long as people are able to make a living in their small business, they are not out looking for a job elsewhere.  This leaves a potential job open to someone else. 
This is clearly a short list, but definitely something to think about.  Some industries that are easy to find small business owners are pest control, house-cleaning, yard maintenance, computer work, pool maintenance, pet supplies & care, dry-cleaners, coffee shops, etc....the list is limitless.

A great way to find local businesses is in your newspaper, Craigslist.com, MerchantCircle.com, or just plain ole' word-of-mouth.

Of course, I have to put a shout-out to a stay-at-home mom that I found on a blog-site who creates custom blog designs and is working on mine right now.  She has been amazing!!  No matter how many questions I have asked and how many emails I've sent, she assures me that she does not "hate me."  I know because I ask her all the time!!  Not only am I getting an awesome new blog, but I have made a new friend.  This is the beauty of supporting the small business owner!!  So, if you are looking for a blog design, check out Lindsay at


Happy Housewife Designs

and be sure to tell her I sent you!!!

As I move further along into the blogging world, I will be featuring small business owners on my site!! 

If you would like to be featured, send me an email or leave me a comment with your site name/url, a description of your business, and a quick note about why supporting small business is important to you.  I will get back to you for more information and do what I can to get your business listed on my site!!!
So, to all those who frequent small businesses, I say THANK YOU!!!  And to anyone who will at least look into switching some of your regular services/goods to a small business, I say THANK YOU!!!  

YOU are the reason small business exists!!

10 comments:

Debbie's L'Bri said...

This is a great article... I am going to link to you from my L'Bri blog... http://debbiellbriskincare.blogspot.com/

Yes, I believe we should all help each other.
http://www.debbieh.lbrionline.com

Tina J. Wright said...

Hi! My name is Tina and I found your site through MBC. What an incredible and ingenius idea to have a featured website every week! I think that is incredible and if possible, I would love to be included on the list of websites to be featured. My website is called Savings Corner. The URL is: http://www.savingscorner.org. My website is designed to share incredible deals and coupon matchups for for major retail stores. Also, I provide links to printable coupons, E-coupons, Freebies, Samples and more. Also, I provide valuable money saving tips that any family can apply to their everyday life. I agree that all small businesses should rally together and support each other. Just think if 100 of us did that .. that would be an additional 100 followers and faithful supporters for each of our sites. Koodos to you! You may contact me via e-mail: savingscorner@gmail.com. I am now following you and look forward to reading more of your blog! Come visit my site! Thanks!

Tina Wright said...

Hello again. I'm Tina and just posted a comment (or I thought I did ... hmmm) anyway, thought I better try again. My website is Savings Corner; a site designed to promote coupon and sales matchups for major retail stores. I also provide links to printable coupons, e-coupons, freebies, samples and more. I love to share ways that families can save money buying the necessities in life. You had a wonderful idea to support each other. My URL: www.savingscorner.org. I'm following you now and look forward to reading more! Come visit me!

Genny said...

What a great idea and post!

Stopping by to follow from MBC!

Unknown said...

Hi! This is Tina "The Book Lady" (not the same Tina above LOL)

My passion is introducing families to the Books Kids Love to Read and sharing fun activities and books that encourage family togetherness and relationships.

I'd love to have you follow me when you get a chance at: http://www.familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Literacy-You/123496677688261?v=info#!/pages/Family-Literacy-You/123496677688261?v=wall
TW: http://www.twitter.com/familyliteracy

Sorry for the long link - I just started this fanpage & need members to get a smaller one. Please join if interested.

Thanks! Tina "The Book Lady"
www.MyUsborneBooks.com

Emily said...

Great post and I couldn't agree more! I would love to be part of your listings of websites for work at home moms. My website is www.mommysecretsonline.com and my blog is http://mommymadegreen.blogspot.com. My company exists to support and educate moms on more natrual aspects of mothering from cloth diapers all the way to nutrition and reducing toxins in the home.

Scarlet of Moms Wear Your Tees said...

I would love to be part of your series. I actually am doing a similar thing on my site because I think that entrepreneurs have to support each other because it is tough getting started!
Moms Wear Your Tees Social Media Marketing
http://momswearyourtees.com
Promoting your business through social media.

Lisa said...

Hey Lisa - great article and a cool blog in general. Thanks for posting the list. Every single one of us small, home-based business owners has those bad days, or an encounter with a "less than fun" client and it makes us begin to doubt our purpose - your list is going to get printed and I'll look at it daily as a reminder of why I am home, in my PJs! Thanks!

Jessica said...

Great post! And, thanks for following my blog! I am now following you back! I look forward to reading more from you!

http://mommyhoodnextright.blogspot.com
-Jessica a.k.a Nya's mom

Unknown said...

Hello,

I wanted to let you know that I am following you from Moms Blogger Club, "The Blog Following Network" group. I am hoping when you get a chance you can follow me back at http://www.britneysbeautyblog.com and http://www.britneysbeautymark.com. Also, I would love to place a link to your site on my blog if you want to do the same with my blog on yours. Please let me know by sending me an email regarding this and it has been nice meeting you via the web.

Thanks, Tracey

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