If the act of “supporting” small business sounds like a chore, it’s because many of us have turned it into one. Small businesses are one of the few types of places people are often guilted into “supporting.”
And when we use rhetoric like that, it’s not only demeaning to the power of small business, but it spreads the notion that our “support” is the only thing keeping them going. And it’s not. That’s why I made the list down below.
The conversation
Imagine overhearing two people having this dialogue:
“Hey, whatcha doing today?”
“Well, I’m going to head across town and support my coffee shop, then support my local sports store, then go support my salon.”
It sounds ridiculous, because nobody actually talks like that. And if nobody talks like that, why do we mention it when referring to small businesses in general?
The reality
Remember, these are businesses, which means they have goods and services that people actually want and need in their lives. And on top of that, they are local to you – which means they are in closest proximity to you and your family, automatically.
With that in mind, what if we stopped “supporting” small businesses, and instead, did something far greater for them and ourselves?
The list
Here’s a list from A to Z with real ways you can engage with your local small businesses that isn’t just “supporting” them.
- Ask for a quote from your local auto shop
- Bring friends to a local theatre
- Crave a local pizza place
- Dive into a small bookstore
- Enjoy a local coffee shop
- Fall in love with a new sushi spot
- Get lost in a local art gallery
- Have fun at a local arcade
- Indulge in your favorite sweets shop
- Jam out in a karaoke bar
- Keep coming back to your favorite steakhouse
- Laugh at a comedy club
- Make something at a local pottery spot
- Negotiate a used car price at your local dealer
- One-up your personal record at a local gym
- Pour a new glass at your favorite wine spot
- Quench your thirst at a local juice bar
- Reunite with friends at a local sandwich shop
- Savor a new dish at a local seafood restaurant
- Test your trivia skills at a local brewery
- Unleash your creativity with friends at a local painting studio
- Vanquish alien enemies at a local VR gaming spot
- Wander through a local thrift shop for new finds
- Xerox photos and documents at a local print shop
- Yell and cheer at a local music concert
- Zip into a local salon for a new haircut and style
The results
Do you see how easy and inviting this way is?
I’m inviting everyone to try this alternative – and when implemented, small businesses will benefit more and you’ll enjoy yourself more.
MORE: Give your business the love it deserves on 229 Life Places
What do you think about this way of thinking (and speaking)? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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