Small businesses in your area have probably suffered a lot due to the coronavirus crisis. It might be because people are staying home and saving up money for survival. If your small business is still operational, lucky you. But with these other businesses shutting down, your venture will also eventually close. Why?
A healthy economy is about people constantly trading goods and services. That’s why it’s best to spend money especially when you have extras and a stable financial resource. It’s also good to give others a reason to spend so that businesses can keep on operating.
When people keep on spending, businesses keep on operating, money is circulated, the government doesn’t need to make money, and inflations are averted. Localities recover from an economic crisis and the prices of all goods remain unchanged.
The best part of all of these? As you support local businesses, you’ll be able to advertise your services and open a lot of business growth. Here’s how to do it.
1. Decorate your workplace
Your office may need a little redesign. Check your local art shops, gardens, furniture shops, or office supplies and buy something for your workspace. If you do get the chance to speak with the owner or someone who engages in a friendly conversation with you, introduce yourself and your business. Then, hand out a calling card.
2. Order takeout for your team
Don’t just buy decorative goods. Buy food as well. Treat your employees for lunch by ordering takeout from one of your local restaurants. This way, you’ll be able to build good relationships with your coworkers.
On the business to business (B2B) side, the restaurant staff and owner will know what your business is and would come to you first if ever they need your services.
3. Shop online
If your local area is still under strict lockdown and visiting shops isn’t an option, see to it if whatever store you’re buying from has an online presence. Search the shop’s name on Google, social media, or in a Yellow Pages book.
Sure, Amazon does offer a lot of choices but the point here is to help local businesses including yourself thrive. Introduce your business or be a partner here as well.
4. Buy a gift card or membership
I’m pretty sure that the pandemic won’t last for long especially with vaccines already in distribution. I’m also sure that when it’s over, people will go on a shopping spree in their favorite stores. That’s why I highly suggest you buy gift cards for relatives, friends, or colleagues.
This will help the store remain operational and would make the card recipients very happy. You can also give gift cards to customers to drive loyalty. But remember, don’t buy gift cards from shops that are on the verge of closing.
5. Buy from farmers
Large businesses such as Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Walgreens, and Home Depot will have no problem surviving lockdowns. They have the resources to operate for years even during a pandemic. It’s the small ventures such as farmers that are hit badly by COVID-19.
Instead of buying overpriced produce from malls, consider buying from your local farmer’s markets first. Use this guide. You can guarantee what they sell is always fresh and safe. It’s because they use fewer pesticides than bigger organic companies.
Always be friendly. As much as possible, open up a friendly conversation and ease the person you’re talking to into supporting your venture.
So many ideas to share yet so little blog page to fill. There will be a part 2 of this list. Stay tuned for it. As of now, never forget to support local first. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
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