I’ve been seeing several posts from small business owners- telling people in their community to support small business.
Yes, absolutely- support small businesses in your community- 100%. I believe the healing of any economy happens in our own community, because we can’t control things where we don’t reside.
As a small business owner going on 18 years... I get it, owning a small business is hands down one of the hardest things I have ever done, and will ever do. It's spiritual, physical, and emotional- but this is a path you choose- it's not for everyone, but you chose it.
Small business owners have to take responsibility, and do a better job if they want to win more business- that is getting exported online, to the closest metropolitan area, or the next town or state over.
4 Areas Every Small Business Owner can improve on:
1. Providing jobs, and being world class leaders in their communities.
>>>Stop saying nobody wants to work, the fact is, nobody may want to work for you. Plenty of people are tirelessly looking for jobs- and are eager to work for a someone with a vision, a mission, a purpose, a plan, and willing to pay a livable wage.
2. Marketing
>>>You may have a fancy sign on Main Street, that people who drive by may never actually see... so there are still more people in your community who don’t know you exist, let alone that your business provides a service or products they have yet to fall in love with.
>>> If you can market are social media- are you? Do you donate to local charities, support local teams, and events? Hosting special sales and events? Promoting all your products, services, new and old? Are you utilizing at least 3 streams of leads? Growing an email list or text list?
3. Do better business
>>> if you can’t beat pricing - you have to win in service with a smile, face and name recognition, honesty, kindness, and followup. The customer isn’t always right, but neither are you. Relationships, experience and service will always win.
4. Spruce up the joint
>>> Small businesses, need to update and improve their stores, facilities and ways of doing business to keep up with the times, even in small towns. It’s respect to your business, your customers, and your community. People want to do business where there is an experience every time they walk in the door. If your business stinks, is messy, or hasn’t been updated since the 80’s don’t be surprised if it’s hard to demand higher prices, or attract new customers.
I see you busting your tails, spinning your wheels and feeling frustrated, and at times hopeless- the posts that tell people to support your local small business- reek of desperation (which begging people to do business with you is a strategy- but not a good one.)
It’s easier to focus on - what can I improve or update in my business today?
I am offering 3 brick and mortar businesses a 45 min audit of their systems, marketing, and experience of their business- so that this time next year your business more profitable, fun, and fulfilling.
You will leave this audit with a strategic plan, that doesn’t involve guilting people to do business with you, but instead attracts and invites more people to do business with you. Click here to book a time to connect.
