
This week is National Small Business Week - not only that, but it's the 50th one! Did you know this had been around since 1963? I didn't. The President made a nice proclamation about small businesses and how American is built on small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit.
50% of Americans either own a small business or work for one.
2/3 of the jobs created are done in small businesses.
In honor of National Small Business Week, I invite you to really think about your favorite small businesses. What is it about them that makes you so loyal to them? Why do you tell your friends about them? Why do you follow them? Why do you make a point to buy from them every week or month?
I'm guessing a lot of your answers will have to do with the personality of the store, service or website. Maybe you feel a kinship when you chat with the owners or read their blog. Maybe the customer service is so great, you prefer to shop there.
One of the reasons, I choose to shop at a local business or small business website is because I really love what they do. They fill some need for me and others like me and I want to see them succeed. So, even though it might be easier and cheaper to go to a big grocery store, I will still try to regularly stop by the small specialty grocery stores I like so much.
So, while thinking about your favorite small businesses think about how your answers apply to your business. Are providing the same things you value in a business? If not, why not? And how can you?