How to Help Local Businesses This Holiday Season
So I realize I may be a bit late on this one… you planners probably already have all your gifts wrapped and under the tree that you set up 2 weeks before Christmas! Small business Saturday, black Friday, and Cyber Monday have all come and gone as well. BUT… if you haven’t finished, haven’t started (these are my people!) are just looking for a few last things, and everything in between… please do what you can to support local businesses. They’re the life blood of our community and many rely on holiday shoppers to meet their needs for the rest of the year. A strong small business community helps to create a dynamic and thriving healthy overall community. In this month’s email I am sharing some creative and fun ways on how you can support your local small businesses this holiday season.
How to Help Local Businesses This Holiday Season
Spread the Word! Recommend your favorite places to people. Share their business with friends, tell them of your great experiences. Some people may not even know Van’s Audio & Video can put a remote start in your car or a sound system in your boat!
Leave positive reviews online! Search algorithms weigh this heavily. It could be the difference between finding that perfect shirt at First & Wilkerson rather than a generic one online.
Join membership or rewards programs! Loyalty goes a long way. I never leave Bigby Coffee (locally owned franchise) without giving them my loyalty card. Who doesn’t love free coffee?!
Reschedule If you cancel an appointment! I get it, things come up, especially around the holidays… but be sure to reschedule that hair cut or color with Kristina Hood and Jordan Galbreath!
Opt for takeout instead of delivery apps! I’ll be honest, i don’t know how door dash works, but i know their drivers are local…but for the love, order as much take out as possible from Ted’s Beerhall (You won’t regret it, and dishes are lame anyway)
Like, Share, and Tag on social media! Aside from supporting your favorite businesses, snap a pic while you’re there and let everyone know you’re about to get your workout on at Anytime Fitness Leo! (if you don’t post about it, does the workout even count?)
Join the email list. I get it, you get a lot of spam. Trust me, I do too, but stay informed with the businesses you DO want to hear from! My mom says these are the best emails she gets and shares them with everyone she knows… so please share it with your friends and family and have them subsrcibe!
Attend special events and sales! Who doesn’t like a good sale? Things are way too expensive, might as well save some money. Some events, like the farmers market happen every week! And while we’re at it… what if tickets to an event IS the gift? Science Central’s yearly Mixology event is a great time AND it supports an awesome cause.
Buy gift cards. Super simple. Just grab some. Great for stockings. I personally know a guy who loves Black Canyon and Ted’s Beerhall gift cards. They’re a big hit.
Think Outside the Box! Google accessories for your favorite hobby and add Fort Wayne to the search. You’d be shocked at what you can find. Got a motorcycle enthusiast to shop for? Bad Dad Baggers is leading manufacturer of custom parts and accessories… and they are based in Fort Wayne.
Show your love with a generous tip! Or… a generous donation to Fort Wayne Animal Control or a non profit that you support
Ask your friends and family! Rather than playing Google roulette, ask someone you trust for a referral! I for one am always happy to put you in contact with a local business I know and trust!
Why I work by referral…
As another year comes to closer to an end I’ve been looking back on the past year as I turn to plan for next. I can’t help but be full of gratitude for all of the love each and every one of you show me and my business throughout the year. You are all simply the best. No other way to say it.
I get asked why I work by referral all time. That or, “why don’t you buy leads on Zillow?” Normally my response is a simple, “because that's how I’ve always done it!” The most recent exchange really got me thinking though, and I wanted to share because I think it makes all the difference in the world. I appreciate your referrals more than you know, and here are just a few reasons why…
It’s more my style. It’s about relationships. No knocking on doors, cold calling, or chasing a lead I purchased, instead I get to interact with my biggest fans.
It is gives me the chance to spend more time with the clients I am serving and building that that new relationship.
I am able to set aside time for the important things in life! My favorite people know how much family and friends mean to me, and they share that same value. So instead of chasing a lead I bought on a holiday, I can spend it with family and my client knows that come tomorrow morning at 3:45 AM I’ll be back at it, attacking a new work day!
I get to know families, different generations, you develop wonderful, lasting friendships.
Trust. Whether its a colleague at work or a family member across the table, my clients know that whomever referred them to me trusted me to help them navigate the buying, selling, or building process and they can trust me too. And I can always trust that someone sent my way is always worth all the energy I want to put into each and every deal.
I LOVE giving referrals! There are few things I enjoy more than help connect someone I care about with someone who I know will take care of them. Whether its a service, an appliance, or anything in between. If I can reciprocate that feeling, I’m in. 100% of the time.
Whether it be this holiday season, or into the the new year, I want you to know that I appreciate you, your family, your friends, and for always thinking of me. I am absolutely never too busy for your referrals, to give you a referral, or help in any way I can. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
