When I was a child, walking into my grandpa’s office was like walking into an amusement park. My grandpa owned and operated an insurance agency and I loved to play with the copy machine, typewriters, phones, and whatever else I could get my hands on. As I got older I was excited to be able to work at the office, initially as a junior higher and then later as a college student. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was learning important life lessons. I learned that hard work pays off, working with family can be excruciatingly difficult, and that working to keep a small business afloat is a 24/7 proposition.
Today, I own a few Websites and am knee-deep in profit and loss statements, editorial calendars, product pitches, and deadlines. I love what I do and I find it engaging and fun. I also love that my children see me working and know that I work for myself. I have successes and failures but the intangible benefits are amazing. My small business experiences helped make me into the person I am today. Because of this experience I am excited to be participating in Small Business Saturday, a campaign seeking to encourage consumers like you to shop at small businesses on Saturday, November 24, 2012. We all know about Black Friday and the great deals that can be found at the chain stores. But why not shop on Saturday at a local small business? Small business have a lot to offer including unique products, personal customer service, and the benefit of keeping your dollars in your own community. Plus, let’s face it, in this economy small businesses could really use your support.
So here is my challenge to you: pick at least one small business near you and shop there on Small Business Saturday. Afterwards, why not swing by a local independent restaurant or coffee shop. You might even considering tweeting about your Small Business Saturday experiences or sharing photos via your favorite social media channels. There is even a hashtag for this event (#SmallBizSat). Have fun with this and give your local small business owner a boost!
Stay tuned to Celebrating Family for more in the next couple of weeks. I will even share my Small Business Saturday shopping experience and give you the opportunity to share yours. I hope you will come along on the journey.
So what do you say? Are you up for the challenge? Feel free to leave a comment. Share and let’s talk about it.
For more information on Small Business Saturday visit http://www.shopsmall.com/
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for American Express. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
About Janice
It does give you a different perspective when you are a small business owner or thinking about opening up one (like me). There is so much competition with the bigger stores, but I think that if we start shifting our business, even a small fraction, we can help the small businesses survive in this economy as well as helping our communities. I think it’s great you wrote this and hope that this can reach alot of people. Good luck!
Thanks! I agree. Even if we only shift a small bit of our shopping over it will make an incredible difference!
I love this article!I am originally from a large metropolitan city of about a 400,000 people but now reside in a rural town of 25,000. I work in a small restaurant with only 6 employees and know what it is like to need people to come and see what you have for sale! I do and will go to the small business’s here to shop, believe me there are alot of bargains to be had.
I was just wondering when this was!! I will be sure to do some shopping that day!
I think this is great. I love supporting the small businesses in our area.
I’m definitely up for the challenge! I plan to support as many Etsy shops as possible in the next few weeks!
I love your challenge, that is such a great idea! I need to mark my calendar! We have some really great local shops here and I often forget to stop in with all the hustle lately.
Thanks for the idea 😉
Janice,
I loved going to the “office” as well. I thought mom and grandpa were so cool bedause they worked there. And, I guess you were kinda cool too! They were fond memories and i will never forget them as long as I live. Thanks for bringing back such great memoreis.
Thanks for reminding people to shop their at small businesses. I think these people appreciate your business far more than the mega businesses!
We live in a small town in Alabama and we always support our small businesses here and we get some great deals as well.
We always support our small Business in the area. They always have great service and items.