It’s pretty hard to enter the month of November and not have a heart focused on thankfulness. And I don’t know about you, but I have so much to be thankful for this season. From a thriving business to a home full of children and love, I always pause in gratefulness for all we’ve been given. And so much of what we’re thankful for couldn’t be possible without the people who have supported my dreams and mission over the years. And so I want to take some time to chat about how to show our gratefulness for Small Business Owners this holiday season. 

 

Because trust me, we couldn’t do anything we do without the people who love and support our businesses! 

 

Do you know that favorite coffee shop, or clothing boutique, or even an online store that you love to support? For so many of them, this is the season where they finally get out of the red and start making money. Ever wonder why it’s called Black Friday?

 

It’s not because we’re still trying to celebrate Halloween with a day of “black,” but rather because businesses wait all year to finally be out of the red and into the “black” with profits and money making.  That means businesses have about just one month a year to profit from their sales after all their bills have been paid.

 

So what do you say we show our thankfulness to the small businesses we love and help them make the most of their profitable season?

 

We all know and love those businesses that add so much charm and character to our towns or online space. Chances are, they are owned and operated by someone just like you and me. Someone with a dream and a passion who worked so hard to turn it into a reality and it’s so important, now, more than ever to be making a conscious effort to support our favorite small businesses.

 

Supporting the businesses you love is so simple. It doesn’t take a lot of time and it certainly doesn’t even take a lot of money. You may already be supporting them in ways you didn’t realize were helpful. 

 

HOW TO SHOW OUR GRATEFULNESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

 

1. Like, share, and comment on their posts. 

 

This costs zero dollars but does a lot to ensure the content they share reaches as many consumers as possible. If they post something that sticks out to you, make sure you’re liking it, commenting on it, and sharing it with friends who can, in turn, do the same. 

 

2. Support them with your business. 

 

Whenever possible, be sure to purchase products or services from them. I know big-box retailers have created an easy button for life. But whenever you have the opportunity to shop with a small business instead, I highly recommend you go for it! 

 

3. Reach out and remind them that you’re there for them. 

 

Owning your own business can become stressful and isolating from time to time. Having a valued customer or friend reach out and check on you is truly life for the people who work so hard to keep their businesses running. 

 

4. Support them in ways you would want to be supported. 

 

If you run your own small business or have dreams of owning one in the future, how would you want to be supported? Whatever that support looks like to you, be sure to pass it on to your friends and colleagues in business. It will mean so much to them, no matter what it is! 

 

Running a business, keeping up with the ever-changing demands of social media, and staying relevant in an ever-changing society feels impossible for most small business owners today.

 

If you have a few favorite small businesses or family-owned shops that you hope to see around for years to come, make sure you are supporting them.  Like their content online, share their business with your friends and family, spend money with them when you can, and simply let them know you are here for them. We truly want to see them stick around forever. 

 

Because of these small businesses, we get to experience some really cool products or services right in our communities. In return, we are supporting a family by helping to pay bills and put food on their tables. I don’t know about you, but that makes me super excited to shop small and support these business owners!

 

Is there anything you would add to the list of how to show our gratefulness to small business owners this holiday season? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

 

So, here’s to all the best business owners in our lives. May we love them, support them, and strive to be them one day!