Recently I have looked deeper into where I spend our money. Yes, this decision is due to our (seemingly) shaky economy. But it isn’t a matter of running to the cheapest place I can find to save some dollars.
My outlook is that small business is vital to the economic state of our country.
So, I have been making a very diligent effort to make my purchases at businesses that are as small as possible. Yes, it means I spend a few more dollars. But, think of about, if everyone stopped putting money in the hands of the big-big boys, and instead put their money in the hands of the individuals that own small businesses, what does that do for the economy, or even the local area? I see business owners (your neighbors and local folks) that could afford to buy fuel, food, Christmas gifts, repair their homes, and the list goes on. If I were to make all of my purchases at the big-name department stores who am I helping? How does that help the individual? I am not sure that it does.
In the wake of Small Business Saturday (one day a year), I would like to see Small Business Saturday every week. Or every day.
How can we go about doing this? We start small, of course. Baby steps. I pledge to begin #smallbizeveryday! Can we start a wave? Or, has the wave already started, and can we make it larger?
I pledge!
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Nice post. 🙂 It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? In some areas, it’s hard to find all you need from the small-scale businesses… they’ve already been run out by the big boys. Several of my family members owned small businesses in the past, and they also did what they could to support those who supported them. It was an I’ll scratch your back, you scratch my back kind of unspoken deal. But now, sadly, there aren’t many of those backs around to scratch. Thanks to the homestead, self-sufficient, do-it-yourself movement that’s sweeping the country, I think we’re getting back on track. And it’s about time!! Granted, there are areas in the country who haven’t lost touch with this lifestyle; I speak for my own area and what I’ve seen our family go through with their businesses. The further south you go in this state (IN), the more DIYs you find. I’m living in the wrong area! I’d love to figure out something that I could do from home to make a living at…. suggestions? 🙂
Have a wonderful day, Mary!!
Hi Lynnanne, I absolutely treasure your opinion!
Many folks need multiple streams of income these days. A small business is something you can do on the side to supplement your income (for now). Have you thought about writing a book, perhaps an e-book? You could also write about nature, birds. You could write a blog and perhaps have it sponsored. Or you could lead tours in your area. What are you most passionate about? What do you do well in life?
All of the chatter about Small Business Saturday has left me thinking even more so about the backbone of our country. We are learning how valuable the return to the customer experience is. Not that it was never important, but I do believe these days it is gold. I personally would pay more for a product if it came with better customer service. You know the deal, don’t forward my phone call to a person that answers the phone for $2.00 an hour, with a foreign accent that I simply cannot decipher a word of. Everyone needs income, even people in other countries. BUT, if the average american cannot make money doing what they know best, where is our money going? The ruination of a country.
We are very spoiled with going to the big-boys to find items that simply cannot be found anywhere else. I was guilty of that very thing 15 years ago before WM grew from the small town areas to their big town invasion. Now I wish I had never seen it happen.
I do not have a degree in economics, nor am I well-versed in politics. It simply has become obvious to me what tiny steps (similar to making a 50 cent donation into a small-business cash register) each day could jump-start all of our wallets back to a livable state.
There was an interesting article on the women’s role in all this, yesterday, in the Washington Post. I’ll have to find the link and send it to you. (I’m heading to visit the Amish gal tomorrow, so remind me if I don’t get it found tonight.)
Funny you mention writing. I’d like to learn a bit more about the sponsoring of blogs… I started one a few years ago, but took it down. I’ve seen where it appears folks have advertisements on their blogs, and I’ve heard some mention it being fairly profitable. Do you know enough to share info? And, I’ve started another on, yes, birds. And, I’ve started a few other projects that I’m working on now. I actually just sent a little piece in yesterday to a blog. I received an email today saying it would be running tomorrow. lol No pay, but they’ve got a nice number of followers.
I wholeheartedly agree: the country’s backbone has allowed for the slouching of the shoulders and a pot belly — needs to be strengthened a bit. And YOU are a part of that weight-lifting, rebuilding process!! 🙂
I am blessed to be a part of the rebuilding process! We need to keep the momentum up!
Have you checked into money-earning blogs? I may be able to link you up to someone that might be willing to give you some advice. You are an excellent writer with very well defined passions in life.
Now, reminding you to email the Washington Post link to me!
Don’t you just love the Amish? We are friends with a few from the regular sector of Amish, and even closer with the Mennonites that were raised as Amish (they call themselves one step away). We cherish them, very interesting, and very devoted friendships!
Enjoyed this post!
Amy
I had a small online business but the e-book revolution has dashed my hopes of it helping to supplement out income when I can retire… sigh… I will be closing up shop the end of this month.
That isn’t good! You know, Madge, hoping to not hurt feelings or step on any toes, we are living in a very fast paced world, with things constantly changing, and changing very quickly at that. It requires a large effort (speaking for myself) to stay on top of what is new, despite the fact that we want to cling to what is old (that we cherish). I wish you the best of luck! I am heading to your website to read more about what you do, and to chat further with you.
Oh, I should say I shop local as much as I possibly can… better customer service too!