Show Out for Small Businesses

It is no secret to those that know me best that I have been a long-time hater of monopolies and conglomerates. While I understand there is a time and place for these companies, particularly in rural areas, all too often these big companies kill the local economy by killing local culture, obliterating the local competition, and ultimately drive down wages and job opportunities in the long run. So when it makes sense and is reasonable, shop local and in-person whenever and wherever possible. What better way to get started than Small Business Saturday on November 29th? Here are some ways to support your community’s small businesses.

Shop small. Shop Local.

            Visit the small businesses in your community to buy gifts, items for yourself or home, and gift cards for others (if they have them).

Explore and enjoy local events and entertainment.

            You might be surprised how many musicians or comedians or small theaters or performances or events you have going on in your own backyard. In the San Francisco Bay Area, every community here is popping with events and activities so it is easy (and accessible) to spend time anywhere other than the city you live in. This coming weekend, I challenge you to stay where you’re at, get curious, and explore your town!

Think beyond retail.

            Retail is fun, varied, and important, but it’s not the only type of small business out there. Don’t forget your local restaurants, movie theaters, arcades, skating rinks, coffee shops, nail salons, hair salons, accountants (probably closed on Saturday, but you get the point!), cleaning services, caterers, bakers, gyms, markets/grocery stores, etc. Share the love with them too!

Make a day of it.

            Rope in your friends and family, and spend the day galivanting about your local community! The more the merrier and the better the memories.

Sharing is Caring.

            Share the love for the small businesses you would recommend on social media, and tag the small business if you are able to.

Leave a positive review.

            Leaving a positive review on their Google page, Yelp! page and/or website can be very helpful in the long run for your local small businesses. Notice I said POSITIVE review. If you don’t have a positive review, perhaps don't leave a review at all. If the experience was really that bad and you feel the need to warn others then I simply advise that you think about your intentions behind leaving a bad review. I have left negative reviews before (rare, but I have), and it was because I felt patrons needed to be warned of something like harassment or something of that nature. If possible, try to resolve the issue offline with the owner or manager first. Sometimes dialogue and the opportunity to rectify a situation is all that is needed. As always, if you’re going to leave a review – good or bad – be honest, specific, and kind.

            What are some ways that you show your support to the small businesses in your community?