Trending Topic – Small Business Saturday

Thanksgiving is almost here, but this year the Christmas music started right after Halloween. The temperatures are cooling and there is holiday shopping in the air! While most small businesses will probably not have their biggest sales day of the year on Small Business Saturday, I am glad it is gaining popularity.

Let’s face it people want bargains and small business overall can’t (and shouldn’t) compete with the big box stores and online behemoths on price…so Small Business Saturday is never going to phase out Black Friday or Cyber Monday. That is not the point of small business anyhow.

Where Small Business Saturday comes into play is a reminder to shoppers that there are other options, options where you can get better quality and above and beyond customer service that seems to be pretty rare in a super-sale world. Small Business is the place where shoppers can find those unique items that are customized or personal.

A limited number of shoppers may #ShopSmall simply to support their community, but the vast majority need to see the demonstrated extra value of why they would pay more in most cases. That is the real world and small business owners know it and the successful ones thrive on it. Entrepreneurs are not looking for charitable donations, we provide value to the consumer.

While I support Small Business Saturday and hope it continues to grow over the years, I would like to suggest that you keep local businesses in mind throughout the year. Explore small businesses in your area. When you are near a local retail store just stop in to see what they offer, maybe try a specialty of that local bakery or restaurant, ask a shop owner for advice or recommendations for a special gift. You might be surprised at some of the great quality products and long term relationships you will build.

OK, I am stepping off my soapbox now…I would love to hear from Entrepreneurs who have come up with great ideas to grow their business this holiday season so we can all grow together. What are you doing different this year? What questions do you have for other small business owners?

Please share this (simply copy and paste into your social media):
“Trending Topic, #ShopSmall on #SmallBizSat and all year to #MakeBusinessBloom…http://bit.ly/trendingtues “

Tweet your thoughts and additional topics to: @eRoseWeb

Stop and Smell the Roses…Remember to Enjoy being an Entrepreneur!