Small business Saturday is right around the corner. This Saturday. Folks, I encourage you wherever you shop... shop small and support your local businesses. You might not realize what an impact shopping small actually has on our community; but it makes a huge difference. Not just one day a year... but year round. Small businesses take your tax dollars and put them back to the local economy. You help us put food on our table, and clothes for our families and employees too! Small businesses offer personalized service and unique offerings you will never find in a big box store. We care; because we are apart of the community. Rally behind these businesses. Whether it be mine or another you frequently visit... shop small. I thought I would share some interesting statistics.
According to The Small Business Administration-
- There are 28.8 million small businesses in the country.
- Small businesses accounted for 64% of new jobs created in the U.S. between 1993 and 2011
- Franchised small businesses employ roughly 8 million people, and make up 40 % of all American retail jobs.
- Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes (Source: Seattle Good Business Network).
- If you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. If you spend the same are a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy (Source: Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan).
Jobs, tax dollars, charitable community causes go hand in hand together to create a better local economy. So support. Dine. (And save your gas money) and shop local! Even something as simple as "liking" or "sharing" a local businesses social media is showing the love. Your friend might see that one of a kind item or service and that might be a sale on your behalf! There are many simple things you can do without paying a penny to help support and show the love to small business. So whether it be shopping or something simple as sharing, do your part and make an impact on the community!
Side note on my social media "Commercial:"
I feel like I have to say this... and I really shouldn't have to but I guess I need to clear up any confusion. I made this video in less than an hour of me running up and down the road getting what we call in the Radio/TV business "B" Roll.
I didn't have anyone ask me to make this video.
I didn't have anyone request to be in this video. (Heck, no one knew I was making it. I wanted it to be a surprise and a friendly gesture and tip of the hat to other businesses.)
I didn't get paid to make this video.
I didn't have to make this video.
I did because I wanted to.
I did because I love my hometown.
I did because I want to see my business among others flourish.
I truly felt like if I could do anything by using my talents to help a fellow business owner... keep in mind for FREE, I should. If I can be a blessing to others I know the Lord will bless me in return. I literally woke up Tuesday morning and I had this overwhelming feeling to make a promotional video about our town and how great it is to support other small businesses.
While I wish I could have featured more businesses; (Yes, even some of my favorites down the road) there was not enough time in my day. I had literally 45 minutes to get to a doctor appointment but felt so strong and called to do this I squeezed it in among the MILLION other things I do.... Do you need a play by play of my 13 jobs I have? I don't think so. (Morning Show? Sale Barn? Videography? Boutique? Running this website? Making shirts? KEEPING. MY. CHILD. ALL. DAY. DURING. ALL. OF. THIS. LOL!) -I do all of this daily. (I feel like the hometown female version of Ryan Secrest HA!) I felt very proud of my courtesy footage I featured of the businesses I selected and I did not mean harm by leaving anyone out. If you were upset, please by all means come take my child to her appointment so I can film whatever it is that you felt needed to be in the video for :04 seconds. (That no one will remember next week anyway. lol!) But before you do that, please shop small...wherever it is you shop.
Also, if you are interested in a social media commercial let me know! I'd be happy to give you some pricing and we can work out a time.
Many Blessings from my family to yours. Enjoy this day and the chaos of Black Friday and SBS that follows. Enjoy these moments with your family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving Y'all.
Love you.
-XO Ashton
