Support Small Business
With a teetering economy and large corporations filing bankruptcy, local communities have been redirected to support their local businesses. There are many advantages to supporting our local businesses. Firstly, supporting our local businesses increases the revenue for the local community. The taxes from the business help support local projects and builds. Secondly, supporting our local businesses allows for a consistent use of local vendors. This is extremely helpful for restaurants where local farms and gardens can be leveraged in marketing for their meats and vegetables. Finally, supporting our local businesses supports the vision or dream of the owner. Many small business owners dedicate their time and finances to bringing a quality product to our communities. The only request they make is that we support them.
Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss in detail some positives of owning a small business with a previous manager and current business owner. As a manager, he always motivated our team and provided guidance to an entire district. So when speaking with him about small business ownership, I was intrigued by his expertise and valued opinion. I posed this question to gather much desired information: What are three positives you’ve seen from being a business owner, opposed to working in a corporate setting? The answer I received was simple: Autonomy with limitless creativity, no red tape holding you back when making decisions, and being able to compensate your staff without a set pay schedule. During this dialogue, I decided to take a more in depth look at his response.
The first positive explained was autonomy with limitless creativity. Merriam-Webster defines autonomy as the quality or state of being self-governing. When pairing this concept with limitless creativity, it allows for a widened scope of ability to satisfy your client or guest. This positive also gives the owner authority of rule to their discretion. This is extremely helpful in the hiring process. Next, he explained that there is no red tape holding you back when making decisions. Many times in a corporate setting, there are policies which cannot be altered or amended. Mostly, this is due to the policy being shared throughout the entire company at every level. As a small business owner, you set the policy. If you find that the policy should be amended, you can change it. Finally, being able to compensate your staff without a set pay schedule. This was an advantage that is employee driven and shows compassion. It shows that as an owner, you care that if your employee is in a bind, you have the capability to assist them as opposed to saying, “Wait until payday.”
Although we are urged to support small businesses within our communities, those businesses have an obligation to the community as a supporter. Most small businesses lose their clientele because of the lack of personal service provided. In using a small business, it is expected that the service is exceptional and personal. Learning and using your guest name will provide a personal experience. Small businesses are also expected to provide a quality product. In the community supporting your vision, we want to be satisfied with the product or service we are receiving. Finally, the community appreciates local participation of events and legislation. Being a small business, you are in the community. Participating in community events and services, and attending legislation and community meetings provide awareness for the community. This allow those who support you to know where you stand on local and even national issues that in return effect the community surrounding your business.
The knowledge I gained from this discussion was phenomenal. We are tasked with the responsibility of educating ourselves and those within our communities. Supporting your small businesses in your area is fantastic. Becoming a small business owner, although a task, is rewarding and exceptional. I encourage each of you, including myself, to support and promote small businesses within our community daily.
