You scratch my back. I’ll scratch yours.
There are two sides to every story. Just like there are “two sides to every coin”. With a coin, it refers to the fact an issue might look different depending on your perspective (one side vs the other)… same item. A story, well, you won’t always be able to see both sides.
There has been a huge push over the last few years to support local and shop local. Our small businesses have been through extremely tough times (to say the least). The health shut-downs, the restrictions, and now we have product and staff shortages and inflation. Several businesses have closed. For most, the uphill battle continues, and hopefully a flat plateau will appear to give them a bit of relief. But, realistically, the only way local businesses will continue to survive and serve our communities is through our support.
I have been working on the promotion of Your Local Buzz; out with my flyers, meeting business owners and talking to people. What I’ve noticed is this phrase is quite relevant when looking at these 2 questions that are on my mind:
- How can we support our local business?
- How can our local businesses support our community?
I’ve compiled a list for each of these questions. But when you read them over, most go hand in hand and are fitting to both. As you read them, put yourself in the position of a local resident and as a local business owner; two sides to every story.
How can we support our local business?
- Shop local.
- Support their promotions.
- Like and share their social media postings.
- Recommend them to our friends.
- Show our appreciation for their support of local groups and events; a thank-you goes a long way.
- Attend networking events in the community (like trade shows) to show support; encouraging them to attend these type of events.
- Be selective about the fundraising initiatives we approach them with.
How can our local businesses support our community?
- Keep prices competitive.
- Offer a variety of products.
- Advertise specials and promotions.
- Help out local groups with sponsorship or events.
- Keep hours of operation that encourage local shopping.
- Participate in local incentives.
- Take an ad out in a local directory.
- Promote their business on social media to share their presence.
- Local businesses can shop locally for themselves and their families.
- Local businesses can try to source some of the products they sell locally.
Maybe by reading this, you will see a different perspective. I know that my initial goal to help our local non-profits has broadened to include helping our local businesses; big or small.
So how is Your Local Buzz supporting our local businesses? We want to give our businesses and home businesses another option for promotion and advertising.
- The basic directory listing is free.
- There are sections for flyers (special promotions of all kinds), coupons and menus at no cost.
- We have separated out our home businesses from the business directory. Why you ask? The intent is to easier for our local shoppers to find the unique creators, services, food makers and those interesting products only available from direct sellers. An additional way to highlight these little businesses.
- Promoting local businesses by offering very affordable advertising through our “featured ads”.
- Offering additional services at good rates for helping with promotions or advertising a little or a lot.
Here are a few sayings to make you think:
- Every small purchase makes a big difference.
- The best compliment you can give a business is a referral.
- Put your money where your backyard is. Support the local economy.
- Remember that the local businesses step up and support our clubs, schools, organizations, and events.
- By shopping local, you are helping to create jobs.
- When you shop local, more of your money stays in the community.
- If you are a business owner…please read all the above. They apply to you too.
