Small business is a big deal.

People don’t start small businesses for the relaxing lifestyle. Most people start a business because they love to do, make, curate, help someone, solve a problem or produce something; they have a vision for their business and my goodness they work hard to make that a reality. It takes courage to go out on your own, to have the confidence to put yourself out there and keep putting yourself out there no matter what the world, or people throw at you. 

Small business make our communities thrive, they employ local people, sell ethically produced goods, care more for our environment, support other small businesses and community groups and often provide personal connections within our local areas. You are never just a number when you shop or deal with small businesses.

We’re two years into a pandemic now, two lockdowns and a giant flood to boot this week - plus bushfires like no one has ever seen and let’s not forget the war in the Ukraine. It’s hard enough just being human, holding down a job, keeping the kids fed and not falling into a puddle some days…

The last two or three years have been a shocker for everyone, but spare a thought for your friends in small business, we all have them. All the wonderful business folks I have ever met (and that’s a lot in 20 years of freelance marketing!) are heart led people; they are motivated, kind, creative, energetic and resilient… so resilient. But things haven’t been business as usual for a long time and this new reality has many small businesses trying to find a new rhythm in this new and seemingly unpredictable world.

So let’s help them out a little whenever we can. And I’m not saying “All of you must instantly go shopping at all the small businesses that you know” although that would be nice if you are in a position to do that, but let’s spread a little love to the small business owners in our spheres shall we? 

“It feels like everywhere we look, the big brands are on display—on billboards, on the internet, on store shelves, on our feet, even in our pockets. But it’s a small business that has the most impact on our local communities. Small businesses colour and enrich our local shopping strips, providing quality, unique products, and services that we really cherish—they also employ people we know. Often we can’t live without them. They’re our neighbours, friends, and family. It’s hard work running a small business and there’s certainly a little luck involved in making one last for more than a few years.” Canva Article 2021

Here’s some ways you can support the small businesses and the people you love in your community and most of them cost NOTHING!!

Practice Kindness - Even though lockdown is over things are far from normal, and small businesses are likely to be under a lot of additional pressure at the moment. It's free to be kind, polite and patient. Give them a compliment if you appreciate their work, tell your friends if you have a great experience.

Respect their policies - This is also free and actually… the buyer's responsibility. Check return policies before you buy and respect them. If you buy something on sale and then change your mind but the condition is no returns on sale products - don’t ask to return it, just gift it to someone else and forget about it. 

Leave positive feedback - if you have had a great experience email the owner, post a review on facebook or google. This really makes a difference and will make the business owner do a little happy dance when they see it!

If you have constructive feedback - Small businesses often really focus on customer service, because they actually care about their customers and the value they are delivering. Constructive feedback is fine, but deliver it kindly - and personally - so that the business owner has an opportunity to fix things for you.

Interact with small businesses on social media - Write positive reviews, post photos generously of purchases, and don’t forget to tag the businesses. Also like, save and sharing posts is a wonderful, easy way to support businesses, send DM’s if you prefer to be incognito. It all helps.

Reward good service - Small businesses know their products inside out and will happily assist you with queries about products. Don’t use a small business to do your research and then go and buy the items from a major retail or other company because they are on sale. Be respectful of small business expertise, time and service - which leads me to the next thought...

Accept the Rack Rate - Everyone loves a discount, but perhaps now is not the time. If you can afford it, pay full price and shop anytime, not just at sale time.

Give Referrals Generously - Generously recommend small businesses you like to your friends and family. Word of mouth marketing can be up to 5 times more effective than paid advertising!

Reschedule Don’t Cancel - if you can’t stick to an appointment or booking for whatever reason give as much notice as possible and try and reschedule rather than cancel. This will make a world of difference to small businesses.

Small businesses are a big deal. Show your support by shopping with small business whenever you can - and help spread the work about some of your favourites. These small actions from all of us make a big difference to the people working hard behind the scenes.