People are always asking me “how is business”? It’s such a tough question. I have good days and bad days. Highs and lows. I usually just give the standard answer of “good” because I realize not everyone wants to hear the saga of being a small business owner.
Somedays, Most days, I would love to have a partner or magical elf that would help me do “all the things”. But, then I realize I would have to pay that person in something other than high-fives and unending thanks (although, maybe magical elves gets paid in cookies or something… but then I would have to bake, so forget the elf because I don’t even bake for my kids).
Anyway…
Small business Saturday is coming up in just a week. November 24, 2018. Although making a purchase is always welcome, I came up with a list of things that you can do from the comfort of your own home that would help all of the small businesses in your life. BONUS, none of the items on my list involve money in any way!
10 things you can do right now to help a small business that won’t cost you a penny
- Pin it!
Pinterest is one of the top ways smalls businesses gain new fans. Go to the small business website and pin away!
- Tell a friend!
Who do you trust moreā¦ Google or your best friend? Word of mouth and personal referrals are gold to small businesses. Even if you donāt actually own any items, just saying, āI really like this (fill in the blank)ā goes a long way.
- Share it!
Did you enjoy a post, blog, email from a small business? Share it on your Facebook page, forward the email to a friend who might like it or repost it. This helps the small business reach new people who might actually need what is being offered.
- Comment
Itās wonderful to see your likes on a social media post or a blog entry, but commenting helps boost the rating of that post and will get it in front of new eyes. Also, it lets the small business know that others are reading and liking their work. Bonus points if you tag a friend in your comment š
- Review!
If you are anything like me, I read the reviews on items before I buy. Sometimes itās hard to shop online when you canāt hold, touch, see items in real life. If you make a purchase from a small business leave a quick review (nothing fancy required) on the website itself and maybe even another post on facebook or other social media. If you havenāt purchased yet, even a āThis is beautiful, I need it in my lifeā or āThis would make a great giftā is helpful.
- Put it on your wishlist
We often put ourselves last when it comes to gifts or special items. People really want to give you something you will love. So if you find the perfect gift from a small business add it to your wishlist, or, send it to a friend for their wishlist!
- Be an Encourager
Small business owners are swimming against the current! There are a million and one tasks to do each day and many are doing it solo. Some are even working a full-time job, raising kids or running a household on top of building their own business. Let them know they arenāt alone. Just a quick message that says, āI believe in youā or āIām praying for you and your business todayā can be the bright spot in a rough season.
- Spread the word
Marketing is a full time job in itself. Ask for a stack of business cards or marketing materials that you can pass out or leave in different places.
- Give feedback
You would never be able to talk to a big company owner but small business owners love to hear from their fans. Have an idea for a new product? Share it! Have a problem that the small business might be able to solve? Let them know. Not sure about a certain product or service? Ask! Most small business owners love to serve, let them know what you are thinking, what you need or what you are looking for.
- Make connections or introductions
You are in places a small business might never come in contact with. Maybe your church is holding a craft show? Have a favorite local shop or art fair that needs new products? Do you belong to a group that is looking for speakers or needs help with an event? Sometimes thinking outside the box and making connections can be just the thing a small business needs in order to move forward.Ā
Have any more ideas? I would love to hear them! (Leave a comment. Hint. Hint. Wink. Wink.)
P.S. You don’t need to do these things just for Small Business Saturday. They are treasured and appreciated all year round!