This year, more than ever, has shown us why small businesses matter. As the Coronavirus pandemic hit our shores and lockdown loomed, small business owners rose to the challenge of trading under very difficult circumstances.
I’ve seen businesses change the way they do things. Some have changed their entire business and created a new one. It’s been amazing to watch and be a part of helping to support these incredible people up and down the country.
I’ve always believed that small businesses are the backbone of our country. I come from a family of them. But this article isn’t about me.
It’s about how we all can continue to support small businesses. And there is one day above all others we can do this: Small Business Saturday.
This year, it takes place on 5 December. The day is designed to celebrate all types of small businesses. From jewellery designers to plumbers and bakers to social media consultants, there is a business that you can buy from.
How you can support small businesses
It’s simple really. Whatever you want to buy, find a small business to buy from. How can you do this? Well, Google is a place to start.
But why limit yourself to Google? You definitely need to check out the Small Business Finder. There are lots of Hillingdon Businesses listed on it already. Let’s call out a few:
Buy all your chocolates from Fifth Dimension Chocolates
Head to Balcony Shirts for branded clothing
Check out the Priory Café for delicious food (takeaways only at the time of writing)
Need an eCommerce website? iDigitalise are your go-to.
Looking for that elusive figure, statue, or collectible? Figureland is the place to look.
Want a marketing coach? Well, I had to get a plug in for me!
When you buy from any small business, you’re not only helping them, but your local economy too. So, do them a favour and shout about them. Comment on their social media posts, leave them a review on Google, tell your friends. Encourage others to buy from us.
And, on Small Business Saturday, post about them on social media using #SmallBizSatUK. You have no idea what it will mean to us.
Small business? Get involved!
If you own a small business, it’s so easy for you to get involved. Here are my 8 steps for you to follow.
Create an account on the Small Business website.
Once you have an account, fill in your profile. You can be listed on the Small Business Finder too – and it’s free!
Make sure your Google My Business listing is up to date. If you’re not sure what that is, read this post I wrote.
List your business on Hillingdon Council’s Business Directory. Again, it’s free and a good local promotion.
Create and promote an offer of your own for Small Business Saturday. Make as much noise about it as you can.
Local promotion can be done online – don’t forget to join #HillingdonHour every Thursday from 8-9 pm.
If you feel a bit overwhelmed about creating your own offer, join forces with another business.
And if you don’t want to create an offer, that’s OK too. Check out all the great advice Small Business Saturday has during The Tour.
We all know someone who owns a small business. So, this is personal.
We still have challenging times ahead of us and every little bit of support we get spurs us on. So, come on, let’s make this Small Business Saturday the biggest and brightest yet!
About Minal Patel
Minal owns Marketing by Minal. Based in Hayes, she coaches small business owners and helps them find their inner marketer. You see, Minal believes marketing is much like cooking. Anyone can do it with a little practice. All you need is a recipe, a few basic tools, and the right ingredients. Find lots of marketing advice on her blog: www.marketingbyminal/blog
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