The flurry of Christmas-related emails have started being sent out from school. Christmas delivery slots are available at the supermarkets. The festive adverts are on TV. There are less than 6 weeks to go until the big day. And with the aftermath of Covid, and the state of the economy being as it is, it has never been more important to think about how you can support small business this Christmas.
It’s not just that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Did you know, for example, that 50% of the UK’s workforce are employed by SMEs? It’s also because:
When you buy from a small business, you’re supporting a dream.
5 ways to support small business at Christmas
If you’ve been thinking about how you can support small business at Christmas, here are five ideas to get you started. And the good news? Some of them are FREE!
1) Recommend small businesses that you love to others
This is a simple one. When you come across a great small business, tell others about them! Don’t let them be a secret that you keep!
2) Engage with their social media
We all feel overwhelmed by social media sometimes – and the act of scrolling and scrolling can almost become habit rather than a conscious action. So next time you’re online and you see a post that you like or that resonates with you, stop scrolling and engage with it.
3) Leave them a great review
If you’ve found a small business that you love, or had an amazing experience in buying from or working with them, tell them! It will help them with their marketing AND it will give them a huge confidence boost.
4) Cheer them on
Whereas point 1 is about telling others about all the amazing small businesses out there, point 4 is about supporting the owners. If they’re having a wobble, take the time to give them a little pick me up. If they’ve had a great day, celebrate with them. And if they’re trying something new, encourage them. The impact of your support on their mindset is enormous.
5) Buy from them
Of the five ways how you can support small business at Christmas, this is the ONLY one that directly involves any money! And it’s super-simple. When you’re buying your gifts for friends and family this year, don’t gravitate towards the big brands. Shop small. Shop local. And by doing so you’ll be making a MASSIVE difference to those businesses. Trust me.
Over to you
So now it’s your turn. When you’re looking for gifts for your clients or staff, shop local. Support the local makers, artisans and boutiques. Then come back here and tell us about all the amazing small businesses that you’ve found so that we can all support small business this Christmas.
And if your business needs some support to gain clarity on where you’re going, plan for how you’re going to get there, trouble-shoot and make things happen, don’t forget we can help!