With the corporatization of America absolutely exploding right now, we small, endearing businesses need as much support as ever before.
There is so much you can do to help and support local and small businesses, and most of it is free!
1. Partner with small businesses for events and promotions. Hosting a baby shower or fundraiser? Consider using a local restaurant or meeting site.
2. Shop local and include small businesses in your supply chain. We all know Amazon is convenient, and I am still guilty of it some days, but making an effort to shop small, or at a local store, will often result in community connection and an even better product, a win-win for everyone.
3. Like and share content with your social accounts. Got a chuckle out a meme that was posted by a local business? See a new product that looks enticing or an event that could be fun? Like it, share it, comment on it!
4. Tell others about a great experience you had or a local product you love. This can be via word of mouth or on social media or, even phone a friend to tell them about it.
5. Buy gifts cards. Not buying now, but see them struggling and want to support? Plan ahead and buy a gift card. This puts the money in their pocket now, not at a later date.
6. Tip well. Enough said.
7. Tag a friend to tell them about something that may interest them or peak their interest.
8. Post a pic while at your favorite local spots. Are the peaches amazing and beautiful at your local fresh market? Having fun at a local, small toy store? Find something nostalgic at a local candy shop? Mind blown by your cookie at the local bakery? Take a picture and post it in all it’s glory!
9. Simply, say thank you. A little pick me up, act of kindness, or uplifting message can really put some pep in the step of a burnt out small business owner.
10. Be loyal. Have a product you adore? Know that you get quality services every time? Stay loyal and local rather than going for the discounted versions of what you already know works.
11. Offer your expertise to a small business that may need a little help. Know how to patch a screen door or fix an appliance that suddenly stopped working? When you see an opportunity, don’t be shy about jumping right in to offer a (free or discounted) helping hand.
12. Practice kindness. Waiting longer than normal? Phone not being answered? Everyone is struggling now. Trust me, they want your business and are doing the absolute best they can.
13. Reschedule instead of canceling. Take it from me, having an owned a business that relied on attendance at scheduled appointments, this can really hit you where it hurts. When you have a full schedule, but then a storm or something happens and knocks out the whole day, a reschedule can go a long way.
14. Write reviews online. Positive ones. Personal ones.
15. Sign up for newsletters at your favorite local spots (and actually read them) so you can support them at their advertised events, with new products, etc.
16. Volunteer. Join their efforts and their team in a meaningful act of support.
17. Have a suggestion? Tell them constructively, kindly and quietly.
18. Contribute to crowd funding campaigns that may be set up to support struggling businesses or a new business idea in your area.
19. When traveling, get adventurous. Don’t stick to the chain names that you are familiar with, ask the locals where the best spots are for dinner, drinks or a fun, local activity.
20. And if you just aren’t sure how to help your favorite local spot, the spot you never, ever want to see “go away” one day… ask them!
Be sure to keep an eye on the HATCHED BLOG for local, small business success stories!