Buy Local and truly make a difference in your community. By Martin Brossman and Christine Alexander
There is something new in the air…have you noticed it?
Collectively people are beginning to wake up and realize that their own personal success can be impacted by others’ success, good or bad. What happens to those around us eventually impacts us.
When a company closes down in a community, far more people are affected than just those employees and families. Many other businesses in that community will also be hurt because the buying power and habits of those laid-off individuals change, and less is sold.
The good news is that this awareness has caused people to start seeing the value in helping others succeed. We have come to a paradigm shift from focusing on just our own lives—to realizing that our life success is directly connected to how others are succeeding around us, and in our community.
We are seeing more and more business owners working together with companies they once would have considered competition and community citizens going out of their way to promote local businesses they like and trust.
This is so encouraging. But let it not stop here. Each and every person has a part in bringing collective success back to our communities and now is the perfect time.
SHOP LOCAL
- Before you head out for Black Friday Shopping, think about the gifts you can buy from small local stores. Not only will they be unique, but you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped build your community- one gift at a time.
- Get your kids involved and teach them the great things they are doing by shopping local – make it an opportunity to help them become focused on others around them, teaching them the power they have in how and wherethey spend their money.
- We can’t think of a better way to have a family day than to have the whole family be part of enjoying the many shops around town.
Here are a few shopping local ideas:
Hair Salon Gift Certificate
Nail Salon Gift Certificate
Spa, Massage, Pamper Gift Certificate
Restaurant/ Coffee Shop Gift Certificate
Art Classes, Sports Camps, Dance Classes
Certificate for Oil Changes/Tune-up
Local Gym Membership
Yoga Classes/Zumba Classes
Local Artist Gifts
And there are many more. Think outside-the-box!
SPREAD THE WORD
Social Media has become a powerhouse for spreading the word about a good cause, and it is so easy to do.
When you’re out shopping, make it your priority to shout-out about any local companies you’re around. You can do this by posting a “check-in” when you are at the business. If you are using Facebook, FourSquare, Yelp or Google+ to name a few, you can simply add a comment that you are buying or shopping at a local-owned business.
If you are using Twitter, make sure to add the hashtag #buylocal as a way to make your check-in stand out.
For example: “Stopping in to buy a gift certificate at Sola Café #BuyLocal“
Beyond checking-in, make sure to take a picture of the local business or your friends in the local business and share on-line by posting on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
If you are a business owner, you may want to let the store know what you are doing. For example: “Just want to let you know I am sharing on social media that I am buying this gift certificate and up to a few hundred people may see it.”
START YOUR OWN MOVEMENT
The availability of Facebook has made it as easy as 1-2-3 to start your own “Shop Local” community! You do not need permission to do it, just do it. Start your group and connect with other business owners and invite them to participate in the movement. You’ll be shocked at how excited they get and how you will suddenly build close relationships with other business owners.
If you want to see an example of a Facebook page encouraging local business, see:
https://www.facebook.com/HollySpringsShopLocal
Isn’t it exciting to know that you can truly make a difference in your own community? You have the power to Transform Your Community One Purchase at a Time!
Share with us how you are supporting your local businesses. Post below in the comment area–we would love to hear!
Happy Holidays,
Martin Brossman and Christine Alexander
