Keeping the Dream Alive: 3 Ways to Support Small Businesses

I have always lived in small towns in the south. These small towns are packed with men and women with dreams. Like myself, they have dreams and ideas of providing services or products that fill a void in their community. These dreams have the massive potential to enhance and strengthen their community while simultaneously supporting themselves and their families. 

Here are 3 simple ways you can support your local small businesses and help your community thrive:

1. When you are searching for a product or service, start your search at your Chamber of Commerce.

Every Chamber of Commerce has a Member Directory with a search engine on their website. If you can't find a product or service provider you are looking for, don't hesitate to give them a quick phone call. Small businesses make an investment of their time and money when they join their Chamber of Commerce. When you see a business is a chamber of commerce member, it reflects their commitment to their dream of enhancing the community with their service or products. Part of the Chamber's mission is connecting the community with its members to encourage economic growth. 

2. Next time a new business moves in, appreciate the business' growing pains.

We know about that one new restaurant or other new small business that seems to be so energetic and enthusiastic about opening in the community and then the excitement wears off after a month or so. Maybe their food wasn't very tasty the first week they were open or there was still construction residue in the store's appearance that gave it a failing vibe. Whatever the reason is that turns you away from the place, give them time to sort it out. Starting a business is challenging! Show the dreamers some grace and give them a second chance. If the opportunity arises, kindly suggest to the owner what changes could be accomplished to create a more positive experience in their business. They can't fix the problem unless they know there is one.

3. Connect with local and small businesses online.

If you are like **many people, you are on some platform of social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Connect with your local small businesses online to learn more about them and simply show support. If you don't shop there or need their services, someone in your network might. Social media likes and shares or retweets act similarly to word of mouth. Spread the word and share away!


Now, I am all about pinching pennies where I can; nevertheless, I don't mind spending a few extra cents when I know the money is going straight to the small business owner and not a corporation. I'd rather buy a cute top from a local boutique in support of its local owner than shop online from a large chain store. That being said, Amazon's Kindle Library is the platform I chose to release my first publication, Their Inheritance, so don't get me wrong. Without Amazon you wouldn't have the easy access to my corner of the book world. ;) I definitely appreciate everyone shopping Amazon books! 

I challenge you to keep the dreamers dreaming and follow these 3 simple steps to show support of your local small businesses! Show some love to your local business today. Leave the name of your favorite local or small business in the comments. I'd love to check them out and give them a thumbs up!

Believe.

Caitlin Ayers, Proprietor & Publisher 

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com