Issue 081: Our Small Businesses Need Us Desperately

Did you know that American Express launched #SmallBizSat in 2010 to promote small businesses after the recession? Our small businesses are part of our communities, and many haven’t survived the ravages of the pandemic. For the ones that have survived, this holiday season is crucial for them to stay afloat. Here are six simple ways you can help this holiday season:

1. Buy products, services, gift certificates, memberships, and digital programs. Small businesses come in every size, from brick and mortar to local authors to niche online services. Each purchase helps provide their livelihood.

2. Take a selfie inside a brick-and-mortar store and tag them on social media.

3. Hit the “Check-In” location icon on your social platform.

4. Share a story about the service you received or the product you purchased.

5. Write a positive review. You only need to write a sentence or two.

6. Share the business’s website link with family, friends, and colleagues.

For small business owners, now is the time to stand out, be top of mind, and multiply your marketing efforts.

Here are 10 marketing ideas for businesses:

1. Create a gift guide or “Look Book” for clothing companies. It could be a hard copy or digital.

2. Create a #Shoplocal countdown the week before with a series of mini-events.

3. Kick off a unique item with a product launch.

4. Partner with other small shops. One florist partnered with a game store and restaurant to provide Friday Night Family Night gift certificates.

5. Host a VIP Event with special hours for your loyal customers.

6. Set up a photo area where customers can take photos to post on social media.

7. Offer complimentary gift wrapping.

8. Schedule in-store entertainment during slower hours.

9. Set up a Livestream providing customers an opportunity to take an on-the-spot testimony.

10. Create a Facebook Event.

Together, we can make a difference for our local businesses and communities.

Mj Happenings

• Listen to Mj & Jim’s LinkedIn Live Small Business Saturday Broadcast for more #ShopSmall ideas.

• Bounce-Up: Outpower Adversity, Boost Resilience, REBOUND Higher is available for bulk orders at a discount. It’s an inspiring gift for staff, colleagues, and clients.

• Do you need to “rev up” your board or company retreat? Let’s talk. Here’s a quick shot from one of my group activities called “What’s Your Henry?”

Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up, and Bounce-Up™.

Mj

P.S. Now is the time to plan your 2022 Kick-Off Meetings!