Small Business Season is the perfect time for chambers of commerce professionals to rally around the local businesses that make our communities unique. These businesses are the backbone of our economies, and they need our support because many of them earn a bulk of their annual revenue during these next few weeks.
While making a commitment to supporting small business has become much more popular over the last few years, there are many types of small businesses. And some of them go unnoticed. These micro businesses need chamber and community support. By providing them with that support, chambers can foster community goodwill, promote collaboration, and be seen as advocates for business startups, a reputation that has far-reaching implications outside of the holiday.
Small businesses come in all shapes and sizes. They are comprised of a wide range of sectors, some of which go unnoticed. Here are a few examples of small businesses that you may not think about:
Supporting one-person businesses, often referred to as solopreneurs, during the holidays is a wonderful way to help them thrive and celebrate the season of giving. Here are several ways you can support and assist one-person businesses during this time:
Encourage community members to buy from small businesses, both in-store and online, especially during the holiday season. Use social media, newsletters, and local events to promote these businesses. Include them in your marketing. Not having a brick-and-mortar puts them at a disadvantage so they need your help to become top of mind.
Encourage community members to buy from these small businesses, both in-store and online, especially during the holiday season. Use social media, newsletters, and local events to promote them.
Help small businesses with their marketing efforts. Offer to showcase their products or services on the chamber's website or social media channels.
Host networking events that bring together all types of small businesses, providing them with opportunities to connect, share insights, and collaborate.
Offer workshops on topics relevant to small businesses, such as holiday marketing, e-commerce, and business development.
Create a resource directory that connects small businesses with local suppliers, service providers, and experts.
Use your social media platforms and other promotional channels to highlight the products or services offered by one-person businesses. Share their content, write reviews, and tag them in your posts to increase their visibility.
Create holiday gift guides that feature the offerings of one-person businesses. Categorize the products or services by theme, price range, or recipient to make it easier for potential customers to find the perfect gift.
If solopreneurs offer workshops, classes, or events, consider participating or encouraging others to do so. Learning from them or engaging in their activities can be an excellent way to support their business.
Purchase gift certificates or services from solopreneurs to give as gifts. This not only supports their business (and gives them the money they need to grow now) but also introduces their offerings to new potential customers. If you have a community gift card, work with them to get them involved.
Share your positive experiences with one-person businesses by leaving reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media. Encourage others to do the same by hosting a āReview Your Favorite Small Business Day.ā Positive reviews can significantly impact their online reputation.
Recommend one-person businesses to the community, friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in their products or services. Word-of-mouth referrals can be invaluable.
Encourage the smallest of the businesses to seek opportunities for collaboration with (larger) small businesses. If they have complementary businesses or services, encourage them to partner for joint promotions or events.
Share their posts, articles, or blog content on your social media or website. By amplifying their content, you can help increase their reach and audience.
When youāre creating a gift giving guide or list of discounts, donāt forget your smallest of businesses. Contact them or look on their website or social media profiles to find out what specials they are offering.
The holiday season can be stressful for small business owners. Reach out to offer emotional support, whether it's a friendly chat, an empathetic ear, or a word of encouragement.
Remember, your support can go a long way in helping one-person businesses not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. It's a powerful way to foster a sense of community, encourage entrepreneurship, and make a positive impact on their success and well-being.
It's crucial to emphasize that supporting non-member small businesses can be equally beneficial for chambers of commerce. Here's why:
Supporting all small businesses, regardless of chamber membership, demonstrates a genuine commitment to the local community. This goodwill can foster a sense of trust and appreciation.
By offering support without immediate expectation, chambers can harness the powerful law of reciprocity.Ā If you help a micro business, it may have a large impact on them and they may be more inclined to reciprocate this support in the future by considering chamber membership.
Demonstrating support for fledgling businesses can position your chamber as an advocate for business startups. This can attract entrepreneurs and innovators who appreciate your commitment to helping them thrive.
This holiday and Small Business Season, chamber pros have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on small businesses and the communities they serve. By focusing on various types of small businesses, including those that often go unnoticed, and by supporting non-member businesses, chambers can champion local economic growth and foster goodwill.
The benefits of these efforts extend beyond the season, as they strengthen the chamber's reputation and encourage small businesses to become active members, contributing to the chamber's long-term success and the prosperity of the community.
So, let's work together and support our small businesses (even the tiniest of operations), ensuring a brighter future for all and growth for our communities.
Make a big impact on small businesses and your chamber's success by participating in Small Business Season. If your chamber is not already signed up, go to https://bit.ly/sbs-2023. You can come in at the Basic Level or the Professional Level.
Small Business Season is not just a campaign; it's a movement to support the backbone of our communities. Together, let's make this year's holiday the most prosperous yet for our local communities!Ā
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